Legal Assistant - CITES

Overview

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) seeks a Legal Assistant to support the CITES Secretariat in developing and implementing national legislation and providing compliance assistance. The role involves contributing to the implementation of Conference of the Parties decisions and preparing for meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the coordination of the National Legislation Project, including review and preparation of draft legislative analyses.
• Assist in the preparation of legislative advice and guidance to Parties.
• Assist in the preparation of a regional workshop on the implementation of CITES.
• Assist in the Unit’s activities on Legal Acquisition Findings (LAF), simplified procedures, compliance, livelihoods, demand reduction, etc.
• Prepare draft documents, including information documents, for the 81st meeting of the CITES Standing Committee.
• Assist in servicing the 81st meeting of the CITES Standing Committee.
• Assist in organizing Legal Unit side events at the 81st meeting of the CITES Standing Committee.
• Assist the Legal Unit in carrying out follow-up actions based on the outcomes of the 81st meeting of the CITES Standing Committee.
• Assist in day-to-day work related to responding to queries from Parties and other stakeholders.
• Undertake other tasks to support the work of the Secretariat, as assigned.

Required Experience

Experience in producing and editing legal documents in English is required. Experience with various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database and content management; and proficiency with office technology equipment are desirable. Experience with international organizations, as well as affinity with or interest in conservation and sustainable use of wildlife and the UN System, is desirable. Strong writing skills in English, including document production and editing, are required. Experience in preparing draft presentations and briefing notes, as well as accuracy, thoroughness, and professionalism in preparing draft legislative analyses, is desirable.

Qualifications

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree, or equivalent) in law is required. A first-level university degree in law, in combination with two additional years of the required work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

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