This post is located in the secretariat of the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention), located in the Environment for Europe and Sustainable Development Section of the ECE Environment Division, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The future incumbent will report to the P4, Secretary of the Convention’s Compliance Committee.
The Aarhus Convention was adopted on 25 June 1998, and entered into force on 30 October 2001. The Convention grants the public rights, and imposes obligations on Parties, regarding access to information and public participation and access to justice in environmental matters. The Convention also requires that persons exercising their rights under the Convention are not penalized, persecuted or harassed for doing so. The Convention has one Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs), which was adopted on 21 May 2003, and entered into force on 8 October 2009. The Protocol’s objective is to enhance public access to information through the establishment of coherent, nationwide pollutant release and transfer registers.
The broad aim of UNECE's environment activities is to safeguard the environment and human health, and to promote sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda.
Within delegated authority the Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties: