OverviewLegal Specialist (Kenya support) role at FAO.Join to apply for the Legal Specialist (Kenya support) role at FAO.Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.Organizational SettingThe 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 LinesThe 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 FocusThe 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 ResponsibilitiesContribute to presentations and discussions at the FARM meetings when neededCollect 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 KenyaCollect 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 collectedConduct 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 improvementPrepare 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 recyclingInclude comparison of licensing schemes for agricultural plastics and pesticides, review of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for agricultural plastics, and potential EPR legislation for pesticide containersAnalyze practices from Kenya relevant to other countries in the African region and provide concrete recommendations for legal reform and a road mapPresent the above report and recommendations to the stakeholders workshop for comments and input, and incorporate feedback into the reportExplain different legal options during the presentation and propose a pilot in one local authority if appropriateReview regulatory framework for existing Producer Responsibility Organisations in Kenya and identify areas for improvementBased 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 managementRevise and complete the national legal report with the above informationPresent the draft legal report with a slide deck for inputs from non-governmental stakeholders and Kenyan government representatives, and incorporate feedbackSubmit report to LEGN for review and clearance and to the FARM project team and Steering CommitteeCandidates Will Be Assessed Against the FollowingMinimum RequirementsAdvanced 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 experienceFor 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 KenyaWorking knowledge (proficiency - level C) of EnglishFAO Core CompetenciesResults FocusTeamworkCommunicationBuilding Effective RelationshipsKnowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional SkillsComputer skills in Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPointExperience in legal analysis of environmental or waste-related legislationAbility to work with government stakeholders and support policy processesSelection CriteriaRelevant legal experience in KenyaExperience preparing legal or policy reportsStrong communication and presentation skillsKnowledge of agriculture, environment, or waste management sectors in KenyaGeneral InformationJob Posting: 10/Oct/2025Closure Date: 25/Oct/2025, 3:29:00 AMOrganizational Unit: OCB - Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and EnvironmentJob Type: Non-staff opportunitiesType of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)Grade Level: N/APrimary Location: Italy-RomeDuration: Up to 11 monthsPost Number: N/AImportant 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.
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