Legal Specialist (Kenya support)

FAO; Roma; In loco; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Part-time

Descrizione del lavoro

An international organization in Rome is seeking a Legal Specialist to support environmental initiatives in Kenya, specifically focusing on the management of agricultural plastics and related legal frameworks. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in law, experience in environmental law, and strong communication skills. This position offers a non-staff opportunity for up to 11 months.

Competenze

• Advanced university degree in law from a recognized institution.
• Minimum one year of work experience in environmental law or solid waste management related to Kenya.
• Proficiency in English.

Mansioni

• Support agri-plastics activities in Kenya.
• Draft policy and legislative recommendations for agricultural plastics.
• Prepare reports on national legislation for agricultural plastics.

Conoscenze

Legal analysis skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Formazione

Advanced university degree in law

Strumenti

Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Descrizione del lavoro

Overview

Legal Specialist (Kenya support) role at FAO.

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Organizational Setting

The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) works to ensure that countries and stakeholders respond to the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. OCB provides a cross‑organizational coordination role on issues related to climate change, biodiversity and the environment and is the focal point to major multilateral environmental agreements including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Office also assists FAO Members in their responses towards the interlinked challenges of food security, climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, including through facilitating access to climate and environmental financing (such as the Global Environment Facility - GEF and the Green Climate Fund - GCF). OCB hosts the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme, the Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, as well as FAO’s work on environmental safeguards.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the technical supervision of the Legal Officer (LEGN), the operational supervision of the FAO Representative in Kenya, and in close collaboration with the Project Technical Advisor and coordination with the Project team.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support agri-plastics activities in Kenya under Output 1.3: Proposed improvements to strengthen the management of agricultural plastics are developed and submitted to relevant ministries. Specifically, the incumbent will support the implementation of Activity 1.3.2: Draft policy and legislative recommendations for the life cycle management of agricultural plastics, traceability, product standards and alternative products; and will support, upon request, the implementation of Activity 1.3.3: Draft a set of regulations for the establishment and running of the PRO.

Tasks And Responsibilities

• Contribute to presentations and discussions at the FARM meetings when needed
• Collect and analyse prior reports prepared under the FARM project, at the baseline study, and identify if that information is still relevant in relation to priorities of Kenya
• Collect all national policies and legislation relevant to conventional and biobased agricultural plastics, waste management, and pesticides. Include legislation on certification and standards, business authorisation, chemicals, producer's responsibility and waste management. Prepare an electronic folder with soft copies of the legislation collected
• Conduct a desk review of the existing policy and regulatory framework related to agricultural plastics and identify issues high risk to human health and the environment that may need to be addressed by the FARM project for improvement
• Prepare a report on national legislation for agricultural plastics including a current legislation analysis, gaps, and regulatory entry points to strengthen the life cycle management of plastics, with emphasis on disposal and recycling
• Include comparison of licensing schemes for agricultural plastics and pesticides, review of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for agricultural plastics, and potential EPR legislation for pesticide containers
• Analyze practices from Kenya relevant to other countries in the African region and provide concrete recommendations for legal reform and a road map
• Present the above report and recommendations to the stakeholders workshop for comments and input, and incorporate feedback into the report
• Explain different legal options during the presentation and propose a pilot in one local authority if appropriate
• Review regulatory framework for existing Producer Responsibility Organisations in Kenya and identify areas for improvement
• Based on feedback, develop draft legislation at central and/or local levels to regulate conventional and biobased agricultural plastics across their life cycle, addressing design, trade licensing, EPR frameworks and waste management
• Revise and complete the national legal report with the above information
• Present the draft legal report with a slide deck for inputs from non-governmental stakeholders and Kenyan government representatives, and incorporate feedback
• Submit report to LEGN for review and clearance and to the FARM project team and Steering Committee

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against the Following

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in law, including a bachelor’s degree in law; from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO; Consultants with only a bachelor’s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience
• For Consultants/PSA Cat C a minimum of one year of work or research experience in environmental law, natural resource governance, or solid waste management related to Kenya
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Computer skills in Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Experience in legal analysis of environmental or waste-related legislation
• Ability to work with government stakeholders and support policy processes

Selection Criteria

• Relevant legal experience in Kenya
• Experience preparing legal or policy reports
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Knowledge of agriculture, environment, or waste management sectors in Kenya

General Information

• Job Posting: 10/Oct/2025
• Closure Date: 25/Oct/2025, 3:29:00 AM
• Organizational Unit: OCB - Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment
• Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
• Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
• Grade Level: N/A
• Primary Location: Italy-Rome
• Duration: Up to 11 months
• Post Number: N/A

Important notices: FAO is committed to workforce diversity and prohibits discrimination. All selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks. All applications will be treated confidentially. FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its objectives and operations.