Legal Assistant (Climate/Environment)

Mission and objectives

UNDP supports strategic capacity development initiatives to promote inclusive growth and sustainable human development. Together with national, regional and local authorities, civil societies, private sector, UNDP strives to support Ukraine in its efforts to eliminate poverty, develop people’s capacity, achieve equitable results, sustain the environment, and advance democratic governance. UNDP is in line with 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to achieve national strategic capacity development.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Legal Assistant will be responsible for advising the project "Mitigating the risks of long-term environmental disasters in Ukraine through the establishment of a Coordination Centre on Environmental Damage Assessment" in legal assistance to the project in the area of climate change and environmental damage.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare publications and articles on environmental damage assessment and protection, including international/EU law.

• Analyze international best practices and provide recommendations for state authorities.

• Offer legal advice on climate law, environmental damage assessment, and protection.

• Assist in organizing and participating in meetings, conferences, and training sessions.

• Prepare analytical papers and ensure timely legal support for the project.

• Support project implementation, personnel matters, attendance records, and office maintenance.

• Assist with recruitment, contract extensions, and selection processes.

• Participate in project activities, take meeting minutes, and ensure synergy between initiatives.

• Maintain project inventory and ensure compliance with UNDP regulations.

• Provide translation, interpretation, correspondence handling, and communication support.

Requirements for candidates:

• One month of experience in Law, Political Science, Public Administration, International relations, Environment, Energy, Climate Change, Business, Economics, Finance or other relevant area is required.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills;
• Preferably, any research experience in national legislation development, preferably climate, environmental protection, Green Deal.
• Bachelor degree or equivalent in Law, Political Science, Public Administration, International relations, Environment, Energy, Climate Change, Business, Economics, Finance or other relevant area.
• Ukrainian, Level: Fluent, Required
• English, Level: Working knowledge, Required

This position comes with the following benefits and entitlements for UN Volunteers (National UN Volunteer Expert):

• Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) USD 1270 (equivalent in UAH) is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost of living expenses. This includes Well-Being Differentials for the period while the ICSC applies hardship classification to duty stations in Ukraine as “E”.
• Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance
• Annual leave: 30 days
• Certified sick leave: 30 days annually
• Uncertified sick leave: 7 days annually
• Learning leave: 10 days annually

To apply for a vacancy, please first register on the UN Volunteers platform https://app.unv.org/ ; and send an application using this link: https://app.unv.org/opportunities/1784647659182336

The final date to apply is the 4th of April inclusive.