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- Tasks: Advise on sustainable energy and natural resources projects for Commonwealth countries.
- Company: Join the Commonwealth Secretariat, a leader in climate-resilient development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global climate initiatives and energy transitions.
- Qualifications: Post-graduate law degree and 10+ years of senior legal experience required.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team with excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Commonwealth Secretariat seeks to appoint a Legal Adviser (Energy and Natural Resources) in our Climate Change and Ocean (CCO) Directorate. The CCO Directorate is responsible for delivering on two strategic pillars of the Secretariat’s Strategic Plan: Sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and Climate-resilient and low-carbon development to respond to climate and ocean emergencies.
A significant part of the Directorate’s work is of a consultancy and advisory nature, delivered through a combination of in-house and external expertise. The Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Section within the CCO Directorate is responsible for delivering Commonwealth strategic mandates relating to sustainable energy and natural resources. For over 55 years, the Commonwealth Secretariat has provided independent expert advice and practical support to governments in the sustainable development of energy and natural resources.
Reporting to the Head of ENR, the Legal Adviser will provide advisory services to support Commonwealth countries advance climate-resilient economic development, improve energy security, reduce energy poverty, strengthen social and environmental protections, limit climate change and secure a just energy transition. The Legal Adviser will work individually and in multi-disciplinary teams on a portfolio of projects. ENR current projects include designing and implementing governance reforms of mining sectors (including deep seabed mining and critical minerals), energy sectors (oil, gas, renewable), including revenue management and sovereign wealth funds, emission reduction, carbon taxation, climate finance, energy transition planning and implementation of low-carbon energy systems.
To be considered, you will need:
- A post-graduate degree in law, with a specialisation in the extractive and energy sectors;
- A minimum of ten years of experience at a senior level in the practice of law and in advising governments on the implementation of projects related to the governance of energy and extractives, particularly in the mining industry and/or low carbon systems and developments;
- Qualification to practice law in a Commonwealth jurisdiction;
- Demonstrated skills in policy advisory, legislative drafting, contracts and negotiations in extractives and/or energy, and dealing with high-level government officials;
- Prior experience in an international context, gained in an international or intergovernmental organisation, a government ministry or the private sector.
Please note that this job involves frequent overseas travel. To join us, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country. Please apply by submitting a CV and cover letter. Covering letters should be structured to address the key criteria required in the person specification, giving clear examples.
Legal Adviser (Energy and Natural Resources) employer: Commonwealth Secretariat
Contact Detail:
Commonwealth Secretariat Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Adviser (Energy and Natural Resources)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the energy and natural resources sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in advising governments and your knowledge of climate-resilient development. We want to see you shine and demonstrate how your skills align with their needs!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the Commonwealth Secretariat and its projects. Understand their strategic pillars and think about how your background fits into their mission. We recommend practising common interview questions and preparing some insightful questions of your own to show your genuine interest.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Adviser (Energy and Natural Resources)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Legal Adviser in Energy and Natural Resources. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in advising governments and working on energy projects. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be more than just a summary of your CV. Use it to showcase your passion for sustainable development and climate resilience. Address the key criteria from the job description directly, and give us clear examples of your achievements.
Showcase Your International Experience: Since this role involves working in an international context, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you've had in intergovernmental organisations or with government ministries. We love seeing how you’ve navigated complex legal landscapes across borders!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at the Commonwealth Secretariat.
How to prepare for a job interview at Commonwealth Secretariat
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in the energy and natural resources sector. Familiarise yourself with key issues like climate change, energy security, and governance reforms. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tailor Your Examples
When preparing for the interview, think of specific examples from your past experience that align with the job description. Highlight your work in policy advisory, legislative drafting, and negotiations in the extractives or energy sectors. This will help the interviewers see how your background fits their needs.
✨Showcase Your International Experience
Since the role involves working in an international context, be ready to discuss your experiences in different countries or with international organisations. Share stories that illustrate your ability to navigate diverse legal frameworks and collaborate with high-level government officials.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Commonwealth Secretariat's current projects and future goals in the energy and natural resources sector. This shows that you're not just interested in the position, but also in contributing to their mission and understanding their challenges.
