Legal Adviser to support the implementation of the UNEP/MAP Programme of Work for the Mediterranean Action Plan and the work of the MAP governing and technical bodies

Result of Service To support from a legal standpoint the delivery of the UNEP/MAP Coordinating Unit Programme of Work and activities, to efficiently meet growing requirements, in particular as regards the functioning of the Compliance Committee of the Barcelona Convention, and the effective preparation of key meetings of the governing and technical bodies.

Work Location Athens, Greece

Expected duration The total duration of the Consultancy will be three and a half (3.5) months starting from the date of the last signature.

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UN Environment Programme's Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The assignment is for the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP), Athens, Greece.

The Mediterranean Action Plan, approved in 1975, was developed under the UNEP Regional Seas Programme. It is a regional effort involving 21 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the European Union. The Barcelona Convention and its Protocols provide the legal framework for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean. In line with Article 17 of the Barcelona Convention, UNEP provides secretariat services to the Contracting Parties of the Convention through the MAP Coordinating Unit, based in Athens, Greece.

Due to the departure of the Legal Officer of UNEP/MAP in August 2021 the Mediterranean Action Plan is in need for a Legal Advisor to support the implementation of its activities and the meetings of its governing and technical bodies. The Legal Advisor is also expected to assist in a smooth handover when the new Legal Officer is on board and to also support the implementation of the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols in line with relevant applicable provisions of international law.

There is a need for the individual contractor to: - Review meeting and legal documents, ensuring consistency, and identifying important issues from a legal perspective. - Effectively and timely support, together with INFO/RAC, Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention with the submission of their national implementation reports under Article 26 of the Barcelona Convention through the online reporting system (BCRS) and update, the 2018-2019 overall assessment of the status of implementation of the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols. - Service the Compliance Committee of the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols by inter alia ensuring the follow-up to the 18th Compliance Committee meeting (Athens, Greece, 29-30 June 2022). - Support the consultation process with the Contracting Parties with a view to review the proposed amendments to the Procedures and Mechanisms on Compliance under the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols and the Rules of Procedure of the Compliance Committee, as mandated at COP 22 (through Decision IG.25/2). - Prepare the inputs from the Compliance Committee to the Contracting Parties, and following-up on the decisions and recommendations of the Compliance Committee. - Support the preparation of the meetings of the governing and technical bodies of the UNEP/MAP-Barcelona Convention system, and in particular the 93rd Meeting of the Bureau and the 24th Meeting of the MCSD Steering Committee, planned for November/December 2022. - Discretely handle confidential material/matters and provide legal advice in consultation with the UNEP Headquarters on related legal issues. - Establish effective working relationships with internal and external contacts at all levels.

The Individual Contractor will be under the direct supervision of the UNEP/MAP Governance Programme Management Officer and the overall guidance of UNEP/MAP Coordinator.

Qualifications/special skills Competency: - Computer literacy (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is required. - Knowledge of gender mainstreaming issues is an asset. Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public international law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required. Experience with International Organizations, including United Nations, is required. Language: Fluency (oral and written) in English is required. Knowledge of French or another official United Nations language is desirable.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.