The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is recruiting an Associate Programme Officer, P-2 to support stakeholder engagement and observer participation in the international climate change process.
Based in Bonn, Germany, the four-month temporary appointment offers an opportunity for qualified professionals to contribute to climate diplomacy, multilateral engagement and the participation of civil society and other non-state actors in UNFCCC processes.
The position was published on 21 August 2026 and has an application deadline of 6 September 2026 at 23:59 CET.
UNFCCC Associate Programme Officer 2026: Key Details
- Position: Associate Programme Officer, P-2
- Division: Communications and Engagement Division
- Subdivision: Engagement Subdivision
- Team: Observer Relations Team
- Duty Station: Bonn, Germany
- Announcement Number: 26/TJO12/C&E
- Post Number: 31063696
- Expected Start: As soon as possible
- Duration: 4 months, with possibility of extension
- Application Deadline: 6 September 2026
- Salary: Indicative net monthly salary of US$4,670, plus variable post adjustment
- Working Area: Climate change, stakeholder engagement and observer participation
What Will the Associate Programme Officer Do?
The successful candidate will work within the Climate Action Engagement Unit, supporting engagement between the UNFCCC process and observer organisations.
The role focuses on strengthening participation by non-governmental organisations and other observer groups in UNFCCC negotiations, sessions and intersessional meetings.
Responsibilities will include supporting the development of policies and strategies for observer participation, drafting policy and strategy documents, and developing outreach approaches in collaboration with observer organisations and other intergovernmental bodies.
The officer will also contribute to communicating codes of conduct and supporting processes related to access, participation and safety during UNFCCC sessions.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
A significant part of the position involves building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
The Associate Programme Officer will support engagement with observer organisations, particularly through NGO constituencies, while gathering relevant information and helping identify and resolve challenges affecting participation.
The role requires someone capable of working across organisational boundaries and communicating effectively with civil society, development agencies, financial institutions, private-sector organisations and other non-state actors.
This makes stakeholder management, diplomacy, negotiation and partnership-building central to the position.
Coordinating Climate Engagement Activities
The successful candidate will also support the planning and delivery of engagement activities involving observer organisations.
This includes helping with collaborative agenda-setting and programming in consultation with observer groups, COP Presidencies, Presiding Officers and the UNFCCC Executive Secretary where appropriate.
The officer will also support observer participation in UNFCCC sessions, intersessional meetings and workshops.
Another important responsibility is helping coordinate the selection and organisation of side events and exhibits, including communication with applicants, internal UNFCCC divisions and host-country service providers.
Who Can Apply?
The position requires an advanced university degree in:
- Development studies
- Public administration
- International relations
- Environmental studies
- A related discipline
A first-level university degree may be accepted when combined with an additional two years of qualifying professional experience.
Candidates must also have at least two years of relevant professional experience in stakeholder engagement, including capacity building, within international, multilateral, governmental or non-governmental organisations working in areas such as climate change, environment or development cooperation.
Experience in an international setting is considered an asset.
Skills and Experience Required
The ideal candidate should have demonstrated experience in environmental stakeholder engagement, preferably involving multilateral processes.
Candidates should understand how to work with diverse stakeholder groups and coordinate consultations across different regions.
Strong knowledge of climate change is essential, while familiarity with the UNFCCC intergovernmental process is desirable.
The position also calls for excellent:
- Communication and negotiation skills
- Drafting and editing abilities
- Planning and organisational skills
- Stakeholder coordination
- Analytical thinking
- Time and priority management
- Teamwork and collaboration
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
UNFCCC Salary and Benefits
The vacancy indicates an indicative net monthly salary of US$4,670, in addition to a variable post adjustment currently listed at 35.4% of net salary.
Other UN benefits may also apply according to the applicable conditions of employment.
Because the position is classified as a P-2 temporary appointment, candidates should carefully review the applicable UNFCCC employment conditions before applying.
Interested candidates whose qualifications match the requirements should submit their applications through the UNFCCC online recruitment system.
Applicants should:
- Review the educational and professional requirements.
- Prepare an updated CV highlighting climate change, stakeholder engagement and international development experience.
- Demonstrate experience working with diverse stakeholder groups.
- Highlight policy drafting, communication, consultation and coordination experience.
- Ensure the application clearly demonstrates knowledge of climate change and relevant environmental processes.
- Submit the application through the UNFCCC recruitment system before 6 September 2026 at 23:59 CET.
The selection process may include an assessment exercise, followed by a competency-based interview for shortlisted candidates.
Why This UN Climate Change Role Stands Out
This opportunity is particularly relevant for professionals seeking to build careers at the intersection of climate diplomacy, international relations, stakeholder engagement and multilateral climate policy.
Working within the UNFCCC Communications and Engagement Division would provide exposure to the mechanisms through which governments, civil society, businesses, financial institutions and other stakeholders participate in the global climate process.
For qualified candidates with strong stakeholder engagement and climate expertise, the P-2 Associate Programme Officer position represents a valuable opportunity to contribute directly to international climate action from the UNFCCC’s Bonn headquarters.
