Priority Sector Consultant – Ocean Governance (Republic of the Congo)

About the role

The United Nations Office of Legal Affairs is seeking a Priority Sector Consultant to support an Ocean Governance Study for the Republic of the Congo. The consultant will work remotely for three months (October‑December 2026) and will collaborate with the lead Ocean Governance Study consultant and the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct consultations with state officials and national stakeholders on the selected priority ocean sectors.
• Perform desktop research to identify relevant laws, regulations and policy documents for the sectors.
• Design and administer surveys on the legal and institutional frameworks in line with UNCLOS requirements.
• Prepare a work plan, a summary chart of legal components, an in‑depth Priority Sector Report, and a compilation of national and international legal instruments.
• Compile a prioritized inventory of capacity‑building needs and incorporate feedback from the Division, the beneficiary state and other stakeholders.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in international law, law of the sea, sustainable development, environment or related field; a first‑level degree plus two years relevant experience may be accepted.
• Minimum three years of experience preparing analytical reports, conducting qualitative and quantitative research, and organizing multi‑stakeholder meetings in ocean governance.
• Demonstrated expertise in ocean affairs, research methodology, and familiarity with UN procedures; prior UN or Republic of the Congo experience is highly desirable.
• Fluency in French (required) and working knowledge of English.