The UNFCCC secretariat is hiring an Associate Programme Officer at the P-2 level in Bonn, Germany, on a temporary four-month appointment with the possibility of extension. The role supports the engagement of observer organizations in the global climate negotiation process, and the application deadline is 6 September 2026.


Where This Role Sits

The position is located in the UNFCCC secretariat in Bonn, in the Observer Relations Team of the Climate Action Engagement Unit, within the Engagement subdivision. The subdivision serves multiple cross-cutting objectives, enabling Parties, non-Party stakeholders and the public to engage, connect and build capacity for enhanced climate action, including observer engagement in the negotiation process, gender and ACE integration, and support to the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action.

🌍 The UNFCCC is the focus of the political process to address climate change, supporting the Convention, its Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Reporting to the Programme Officer (P-3) in the Observer Relations team, the incumbent supports observer engagement in the negotiation process through policy development and facilitation of observer participation in UNFCCC sessions and intersessional meetings.

Developing Policies for Observer Participation

📝 Assist in drafting policy and strategy papers on the participation of observer organizations in UNFCCC processes, drawing on practices in other UN bodies, mandates from Parties, and the visions of COP Presidencies for observer engagement.

🤝 Assist in developing strategies for secretariat outreach to, and collaboration with, observer organizations and other intergovernmental organizations, working with other divisions on related issues.

🔐 Assist in communicating a code of conduct for observer organizations participating in sessions, including important security issues of access and safety.

Coordinating Relations with Observer Organizations

📇 Support the development and maintenance of close contacts with observer organizations, particularly through NGO constituencies, to ensure information on their activities is available, and gather intelligence on sensitive issues to identify and resolve problems.

🗂️ Provide information on observer organizations to assist the Registration and Accreditation team, ensuring accuracy of the list of participants and conference reports, and maintain files with relevant information on organizations.

🎪 Support collaborative agenda-setting and programming of observer engagement activities, support observer organizations during sessions and intersessional meetings, and manage the planning, organization and implementation of the selection process for side events and exhibits, including liaison with applicants, internal divisions and host-country service providers.


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Who Can Apply

🎓 An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in development studies, public administration, international relations, environmental studies or a related discipline is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu.

📅 At least two years of relevant professional working experience on stakeholder engagement, including capacity building, within international, multilateral, governmental or non-governmental organisations working on climate change, environment or development cooperation is required. Knowledge and experience of climate change are essential, and familiarity with the UNFCCC intergovernmental process is desirable.


Language

🗣️ Proficiency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.


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Good to Know

💶 The indicative net monthly salary is US$4,670, plus a variable post adjustment (currently 35.4% of net salary), plus other UN benefits.

⌛ This is a temporary position for four months with the possibility of extension, subject to funding. Service is limited to the UNFCCC secretariat, and evaluation may include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview.

Deadline

⏳ 06 September 2026


Link

🔗 https://unfccc.int/secretariat/employment/recruitment

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