Environmental Law and Governance Specialist

Overview

The consultant will conduct a comprehensive Country Readiness Assessment Report for Uganda's environmental legal, policy, and institutional readiness for responsible investment in critical energy transition minerals. The role involves assessing compliance with UN principles, identifying gaps, and providing recommendations for strengthening environmental governance and investment readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of Uganda’s policy, legislative, and institutional frameworks relating to CETM and prepare a Country Readiness Assessment Report.
• Develop actionable recommendations for strengthening Uganda’s policy, legislative, and institutional frameworks to support environmentally responsible development of critical energy transition minerals.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations and validation workshops.
• Prepare a report containing recommendations for strengthening the UNEP CETM Policy Package based on lessons learned from Uganda’s country readiness assessment.
• Work closely with UNEP, UNECA and national stakeholders, providing regular progress updates and undertaking any additional tasks required under the project.

Required Experience

At least five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental law, environmental governance, mining law, natural resources management or sustainable development is required. Demonstrated expertise in environmental regulation of the mining sector, environmental impact assessment, environmental compliance and enforcement, biodiversity conservation, climate change, or sustainable mineral governance in Africa is highly desirable. Experience assessing legal and institutional frameworks against international environmental standards or global governance principles—including the United Nations Secretary-General’s Principles on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, environmental and social safeguards, ESG frameworks or related international instruments—will be an advantage. Previous experience with UNEP, UNECA, other United Nations entities, or international environmental governance initiatives is desirable. Experience working in Uganda is an advantage.

Qualifications

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Law, Environmental Policy, Natural Resources Law, Mining Law, Environmental Management, Sustainable Development, Mining Engineering, Natural Resources Governance, Environmental Governance, or a closely related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience in one of the above fields may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

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