Legal Advisor to the Directorate of Environmental Services Paraguay

Result of Service The Legal Advisor will be responsible for the legal management related to the project, such as work on the creation, modification, extension, of regulations related to Environmental Services, to ensure compliance with the objectives and results of the project, in accordance with the requirements of UNEP, and MADES.

The professional must perform the following activities: 1. Report of the Review of the regulatory framework for Environmental Services. 2. Develop new mechanisms for strengthening the processes of certification mechanisms in accordance with the regulatory framework, allowing the establishment and improvement of the internal and external interconnection between the different directions of MADES and other related state agencies. 3. Elaboration of a new abbreviated requirements of certification processes, reduction of transaction costs and the time required to issue them. 4. Work on a protocol between MADES-SA and INFONA to help the exchange of information, the collaboration between both institutions, and the final straightening of the certification process. Helping to formalize this protocol. 5. Organize and lead a workshop to validate and socialize among the stakeholders the new abbreviated certification procedures. Systematization of the workshop and produce a report on the validation and socialization of the workshops. 6. Work in coordination with initiatives carried out by MADES and the Project, linked to the objectives of the project. 7. Maintain a fluid communication through the corresponding channels of the Project, as well as actors related to the Environmental Services Regime. 8. Provide logistical support and participation in meetings related to the processes of review and update of relevant regulations. Drafting of agreements, resolutions, and other documents in accordance with the objectives of the project and the needs of the DSA Support in the drafting of documents of the Directorate of Environmental Services related to the purposes established in this consultancy. 9. Any other activity within the framework of its position that is required by the Coordination of the project and by the Directorate of Environmental Services.

Work Location Asuncion, Paraguay

Expected duration One year

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

In 2017, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved its Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) policy worth a $500 million funding envelope, accompanied by a detailed and comprehensive process for countries to request results-based payments (RBPs). In November 2019, and with the support of UNEP as Accredited Entities (AEs), Paraguay received USD 50 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions between 2015 and 2017.

The project “Results-base Payment”, now named “Paraguay + Verde project”t, has two objectives, to support the implementation of the National Forest Strategy for Sustainable Growth (ENBCS) and the capitalization of the Climate Change Fund (FCC). The ENBCS and FCC aim to reduce the GHG emissions from land-use change and apply financial resources to support the implementation of climate change action. The project is implemented jointly with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MADES for its acronym in Spanish) and the agencies of the UN-REDD Programme (United Natios Development Programme-UNDP, United Nations Enviromental Programme -UNEP, and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations -FAO ) in Paraguay. The project foresees the strengthening of the capacities of state institutions for forest monitoring and management, including the development and implementation of early warning systems for fires and deforestation, territorial planning and the participation of indigenous peoples, the private sector and rural communities, and the promotion of sustainable forest management agricultural and livestock practices. Additionally, the project provides inputs to the National Climate Change Fund as financial instruments for financing initiatives that reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and strengthen the institutions involved

One of the project objectives is the adaptation of Law 3001/06, "Valuation and Compensation of Environmental Services. In 2006, Paraguay enacted Law 3001/06, "Valuation and Compensation of Environmental Services," which aims to promote the conservation, protection, recovery, and sustainable development of the country's biological diversity and natural resources. However, to this day, the regulatory framework shortfalls remain. For instance, not all the environmental services of the law are in place, only the forest certification aspect. The certification processes are costly, lengthy, and cumbersome. Therefore, the current project status does not allow smallholders and indigenous people to access all the benefits. Certificates transactions are not transparent and cannot be sold in international markets. To support the implementation of the adapted law component, the Environmental Service Directorate, ESD, would require relevant legal advice and guidance to simplify certificate issuance processes. Additionally, as part of this strategy, institutional strengthening actions are foreseen in the full implementation of Law No. 3001/06 on the Valuation and Remuneration of Environmental Services. The project aims at providing the ESD with the right capability.

The Consultant will be supervised by the UNEP Head of the Climate Mitigation Unit in Latin America and the Caribbean Office and will work full-time from Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week at the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, MADES offices. The daily work of the consultant will be coordinated with the Paraguay + Verde Project Coordinator.

Qualifications/special skills - Bachelor´s degree in legal sciences.(required) - Proven knowledge of environmental legislation related to the Environmental Services Regime of the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, MADES , and/or other governmental institutions from Paraguay, is required. - Proven Knowledge of environmental and social risks. (Desirable) - Proven Knowledge of financial corporative legislations. (Desirable) - At least 5 (five) years of the professional experience in Paraguay is required. - At least 2 (two) years work experience related to environment and/or drafting of public regulations is required - Work experience with international cooperation projects; governmental and non-governmental organizations will be an asset

Languages The candidate should be fluent in Spanish, basic knowledge of English. (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.