Apply for Entry-Level Associate Programme Officer Role at UNFCCC – Salary US$ 70,212+ and begin your professional journey within the United Nations climate system. This remarkable P-3 level role at the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, Germany offers early-career professionals an opportunity to contribute directly to global climate solutions through intergovernmental coordination, technology transfer, digital innovation, and support for artificial intelligence for climate action. As an independent platform, I am not affiliated with UNFCCC — this article is solely intended to advertise and inform candidates. Offering a competitive salary that starts at US$ 70,212 (plus post adjustment and UN benefits), this role positions new professionals at the heart of global climate negotiations and the UN Technology Mechanism. Ideal for candidates with backgrounds in climate policy, engineering, computer science, AI, environmental science, or international development, the Associate Programme Officer position is an excellent entry point into the P-level track of the United Nations.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat plays a central role in organizing and coordinating the international response to climate change. As the administrative body supporting the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, the UNFCCC Secretariat assists governments, negotiators, financial entities, scientific panels, and civil society groups to collaborate on climate mitigation, adaptation, transparency, and global climate investments.
One of the most critical areas of UNFCCC’s work is enabling access to climate technology. Under the Technology Mechanism — which consists of the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) and the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) — Parties receive technical assistance, capacity-building support, pilot projects, and innovation platforms that allow developing countries to accelerate climate action.
The Associate Programme Officer (P-3) serves within the Means of Implementation (MOI) Division, specifically the Technology Subdivision, and plays a vital part in ensuring that technical solutions, climate innovations, and AI-based tools are effectively integrated into the UNFCCC process. The role supports both analytical and coordination tasks, including research, negotiation support, event planning, stakeholder engagement, and digital knowledge management.
This job is designed for emerging professionals — although it requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience, it is still classified as entry-level at the P-level (the professional category in the UN system). It provides the foundation for long-term UN career progression, including possible advancement to P-4 and P-5 roles in future years.
The successful candidate will be based in Bonn, Germany, one of Europe’s major UN hubs. The duty station hosts dozens of climate organizations, UN research units, academic institutes, and sustainability networks, offering exceptional professional exposure and growth.
Key Areas of Work for This Role
The Associate Programme Officer will support:
- Technology innovation under the Technology Mechanism
- AI for Climate Action (a new initiative supporting digital solutions for climate challenges)
- Intergovernmental negotiation processes
- Technology development and transfer for developing countries
- Research, technical briefing, and institutional coordination
- Support to TEC, CTCN, and Parties
- Knowledge management and technical communication
This article is an expanded 3000-word informational version for applicants. To apply, always follow the official UNFCCC instructions.
Apply for Entry-Level Associate Programme Officer Role at UNFCCC – Salary US$ 70,212+
Tasks
Below is a detailed expansion of the tasks associated with the Associate Programme Officer role.
1. Supporting Intergovernmental Negotiation Processes (Expanded)
This is one of the core responsibilities of the role. The Programme Officer will:
- Support the organization of negotiation sessions under COP, CMP, CMA, SBSTA, and SBI.
- Draft background notes, synthesis reports, briefing packages, and talking points for Chairs and facilitators.
- Summarize submissions from Parties, observer organizations, scientific bodies, and UN agencies.
- Track negotiation progress, take notes during sessions, and prepare analytical summaries.
- Assist with planning and logistical arrangements for technical expert meetings, Technology Mechanism events, and in-session workshops.
- Liaise with government representatives to ensure alignment between negotiation items and technology needs.
- Provide procedural advice and ensure clarity regarding timelines, mandates, and mandates given to TEC and CTCN.
This task requires diplomatic awareness, analytical precision, and strong writing skills.
2. Implementing the Technology Mechanism & AI for Climate Action (Expanded)
The Programme Officer will:
- Support the Technology Mechanism Initiative on Artificial Intelligence for Climate Action, which explores how AI can help predict climate risks, strengthen early warning systems, optimize renewable energy, and support climate adaptation.
- Contribute to the design of technical programs linking AI and digital technology with climate mitigation and resilience efforts.
- Facilitate coordination between TEC and CTCN, ensuring their joint work programs are aligned and technically supported.
- Assist with the development of technical briefs, performance indicators, monitoring frameworks, and annual progress reports.
- Support capacity-building activities for developing countries on digital transformation for climate action.
- Draft analytical notes on emerging technologies, decentralized systems, climate data tools, and innovation pathways.
The role requires the ability to understand both climate policy and technology innovation.
3. Communication, Outreach, and Knowledge Management (Expanded)
The Programme Officer will help to:
- Prepare newsletters summarizing technology and AI-related activities for Parties and stakeholders.
- Develop infographics, social media materials, and digital content for the UNFCCC web portal.
- Upload documents, tools, reports, and event summaries to internal knowledge platforms.
- Contribute to communication packages distributed during COP and SB sessions.
- Strengthen accessibility and visibility of technical outputs by supporting translation, design, and dissemination.
This ensures transparency and wide accessibility of climate information.
4. Supporting Inter-Agency Engagement and Collaboration (Expanded)
The Programme Officer will coordinate with a wide range of institutions, such as:
- UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO, UNESCO, and other UN entities
- Research institutions, universities, and think tanks
- Government ministries and national climate agencies
- Private sector entities focusing on AI, climate innovation, or sustainable technology
- Philanthropic organizations and funding partners
Duties include:
- Representing UNFCCC at technical meetings, conferences, and workshops.
- Engaging with experts to gather insights that inform negotiation processes.
- Facilitating knowledge exchange between stakeholders.
- Supporting inter-agency working groups on AI, digital technology, and climate innovation.
This role offers significant networking opportunities.
Qualifications
Education
Applicants must have:
- A master’s degree in:
- Climate Policy
- Environmental Science
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Public Policy
- Economics
- Development Studies
- A related field
A bachelor’s degree + two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted.
Professional Experience
Minimum requirements:
- Five years of progressively responsible experience in:
- Climate policy
- Technology development
- AI for climate solutions
- International development
- Environmental innovation
- At least three years working with digital technologies or data systems in a climate context.
- Experience supporting developing countries in technology capacity-building is desirable.
- Familiarity with TEC, CTCN, NDCs, and broader UNFCCC processes is a strong asset.
Languages
- Excellent command of English is mandatory.
- Fluency in another UN language (French, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, or Russian) is an advantage.
Additional Information
Location
- Bonn, Germany (no remote option).
Contract Duration
- One year, renewable depending on performance and funding.
Compensation
- Starting salary: US$ 70,212
- Plus post adjustment (currently about 39%)
- Plus UN benefits:
- Pension plan
- Health insurance
- Dependency allowances
- Relocation assistance
- Education grants (if applicable)
Selection Process
Candidates will undergo:
- A written technical assessment
- A competency-based interview
- Evaluation of core UN competencies:
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Planning & organizing
- Communication
- Accountability
How to Apply
Applicants must:
- Visit the UNFCCC recruitment portal.
- Create or update their profile.
- Search for VA 25/045/MoI.
- Submit:
- Detailed CV
- Motivation letter
- Evidence of experience
- Apply before 21 December 2025 at 23:59 CET.
Shortlisted candidates only will be contacted.
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