Legal Assistant

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the world's foremost intergovernmental authority on the environment, championing sustainable development and environmental stewardship across the globe. Based in Nairobi within the Corporate Services Division (CSD), the Legal Unit plays a critical role in managing UNEP's legal exposure, ensuring compliance with UN rules and regulations, and supporting the organisation's institutional integrity.

As a Legal Assistant, you will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer, providing essential legal administrative and research support to the Legal Unit. This is a unique opportunity to build a career in international environmental law within one of the most prestigious multilateral institutions in the world.

• Conduct basic legal research on assigned issues using existing legal files, precedents, and alternative sources; draft statements of findings, respondent replies to applications and appeals, and responses to legal enquiries for review by Legal Officers.
• Maintain and manage a body of legal reference files in both paper and electronic formats; classify materials appropriately, coordinate with Archives for file storage and retrieval, and contribute to records management improvements.
• Review, verify, and process legal instruments to ensure conformity with relevant UN guidelines and requirements; extract key data and update databases and UNEP's legal instruments repository; monitor follow-up actions and approvals.
• Draft, edit, and finalise a variety of specialised legal documentation including agreements, contracts, intraoffice memoranda, and legal publications; conduct accuracy checks and prepare attachments.
• Manage individual case files by maintaining detailed docket sheets and ensuring all related correspondence and documentation are accurately filed, registered, and tracked.
• Handle complex verbal and written enquiries from internal and external stakeholders, providing accurate and detailed information on legal processes, procedures, policies, and instruments.
• Support the Legal Unit's presence on UNEP's intranet (WeCollaborate) and other content management systems such as Microsoft SharePoint; assist in managing the Legal Unit's Case Management and workflow system.
• Coordinate ceremonies, meetings, hearings, and other legal proceedings as required; liaise with relevant UN departments and external parties to ensure smooth scheduling and logistics.

• Must demonstrate ability to conduct independent legal research and synthesise findings into clear, concise written documentation suitable for review by senior legal professionals.
• Must be able to manage multiple legal case files simultaneously, applying strong organisational discipline to maintain docket sheets, track deadlines, and ensure completeness of documentation.
• Must be proficient in reviewing and processing international legal instruments, verifying compliance with established guidelines, and updating legal databases accurately.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in drafting formal legal correspondence, agreements, and memoranda in English with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to operate electronic records management systems including Microsoft SharePoint or equivalent platforms and contribute to knowledge management initiatives.
• Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills to handle enquiries from diverse internal and external stakeholders with professionalism and discretion.
• Prior experience working in a legal environment, preferably within an international organisation, NGO, or law firm, is strongly desirable.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required; knowledge of French or another UN official language is an advantage.

UNEP offers a competitive compensation package in line with United Nations General Service (GS) salary scales applicable to Nairobi-based staff. While the exact grade is not specified in this posting, Legal Assistant roles at the UN typically fall within the GS-5 to GS-6 range, with estimated monthly earnings equivalent to approximately KES 150,000–250,000, inclusive of applicable allowances. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage under the UN Staff Health Insurance, pension contributions through the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund, generous annual leave entitlements, and access to professional development programmes. Additional allowances may apply depending on personal circumstances and dependency status.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented legal professional with a background in law and a genuine interest in international environmental governance. You are someone who thrives in a structured institutional environment, takes pride in accuracy and compliance, and is motivated by contributing to global environmental sustainability. You are comfortable working with complex legal documentation, managing multiple files concurrently, and communicating clearly with senior professionals and external stakeholders alike.

You should NOT apply if you have no formal legal training or experience, if you require close supervision for routine tasks, or if you are looking for a litigation-focused or courtroom-based legal role. This is an administrative and research-oriented legal support position — it is not a legal counsel or advisory role.

• Visit the official UN Careers portal at careers.un.org and search for the Legal Assistant vacancy under UNEP.
• Create or log in to your UN Careers account and complete the online application form in full.
• Upload your updated UN Personal History Profile (PHP) or equivalent CV, along with a cover letter tailored to this role.
• Ensure your application clearly highlights relevant legal research, documentation management, and any prior international organisation experience.
• Submit your application before the closing deadline of 14 July 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.