The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is now recruiting experienced consultants for its 2025 climate and sustainability projects. These global consultancy roles offer experts the chance to work remotely and in-person on critical issues like climate policy, carbon markets, environmental research, and sustainable development. We are advertising for professionals with expertise in NDC implementation, Article 6, climate finance, and adaptation strategies to contribute to the world’s primary intergovernmental process for tackling climate change. Apply now to join this mission-driven organization.
Background & Organizational Description
This article profiles upcoming consultancy opportunities with the UNFCCC secretariat. Our platform is an independent job board and is not affiliated with the UNFCCC or the United Nations. This information is a general overview based on the organization’s ongoing needs; all applicants must monitor and apply through the official UNFCCC recruitment portal for specific vacancies.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the foundational international treaty through which governments are working to combat climate change and adapt to its effects. With 198 Parties, it has near-universal membership and serves as the parent treaty for both the Kyoto Protocol and the landmark Paris Agreement. The secretariat of the UNFCCC, based in Bonn, Germany, provides essential technical and organizational support to the complex intergovernmental climate negotiation process. Its work is critical for operationalizing the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
To deliver on its ambitious mandate, the UNFCCC relies on a diverse pool of specialized consultants who provide targeted expertise for time-bound projects. The consultancy roles anticipated for 2025 are central to supporting member countries in enhancing their climate ambitions, implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and strengthening transparency and reporting frameworks. These positions are often project-based, focusing on delivering specific outputs that advance global climate action across mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology, and capacity-building.
UNFCCC is Hiring Climate Change and Sustainability Consultants for 2025 Global Projects
Overview of Consultancy Roles and Focus Areas
The UNFCCC’s consultancy needs for 2025 are expected to span several critical areas of climate action. The following are the primary thematic areas where expertise will be sought:
1. Climate Policy and NDC Implementation Support
- Focus Area: Providing technical assistance to Parties for the enhancement and implementation of their NDCs and Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDs).
- Sample Roles: Consultant for NDC Transparency Frameworks, Specialist in Long-Term Climate Strategy Development, Policy Analyst for Climate Governance.
- Ideal Candidate: Professionals with a background in environmental policy, international relations, or economics, and direct experience with national climate planning processes.
2. Carbon Markets and Cooperative Approaches (Article 6)
- Focus Area: Supporting the development and operationalization of regulatory frameworks and methodologies for international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
- Sample Roles: Consultant for Article 6.2 Crediting Mechanisms, Specialist in Sustainable Development Instrumentation, Analyst for Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs).
- Ideal Candidate: Experts in environmental economics, carbon finance, and market mechanisms, with a strong understanding of the technical negotiations under the UNFCCC.
3. Climate Finance and Transparency
- Focus Area: Assisting with the tracking, reporting, and mobilization of climate finance, and supporting the implementation of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF).
- Sample Roles: Climate Finance Tracking Consultant, ETF Reporting Specialist, MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) Expert.
- Ideal Candidate: Individuals with experience in climate finance, accounting, and data management, particularly related to the Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs).
4. Adaptation and Resilience
- Focus Area: Supporting the development and implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and work on loss and damage, including the operationalization of the Santiago Network.
- Sample Roles: Adaptation Planning Consultant, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Specialist, Knowledge Management Expert for Climate Impacts.
- Ideal Candidate: Specialists in climate risk management, environmental science, or development studies with field experience in vulnerable regions.
5. Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, and Gender
- Focus Area: Advising on the integration of gender perspectives, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and developing communication strategies for climate action.
- Sample Roles: Gender and Climate Change Consultant, Stakeholder Engagement Specialist, Climate Communication Officer.
- Ideal Candidate: Professionals with expertise in social sciences, gender studies, or communications, with a proven track record in mainstreaming inclusivity in projects.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Climate Policy, Economics, International Development, Law, Engineering, or a closely related field is typically required for most specialized consultancy roles.
- Relevant professional certifications in project management (PMP, PRINCE2), carbon accounting, monitoring and evaluation, or specific technical software are highly advantageous.
Experience
Required Experience:
- A minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in a field directly relevant to the specific consultancy (e.g., climate policy, environmental finance, adaptation planning).
- Proven experience in research, analysis, and report writing, with a demonstrable portfolio of work in the climate change or sustainable development sector.
- Experience working in an international or multicultural context, demonstrating an ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- For remote consultancies, a demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage time effectively, and deliver high-quality outputs with minimal supervision is essential.
Desired Experience:
- Prior working experience within the United Nations system, a multilateral development bank, or an international climate-focused NGO is a significant asset.
- Direct experience supporting developing country Parties with their climate commitments and reporting.
- A strong publication record or history of contributing to substantive technical reports in the field of climate change.
- Field experience in developing countries, particularly in the context of climate change projects.
Additional Information
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English is mandatory for most consultancy roles, as it is the primary working language of the UNFCCC.
- Proficiency in other official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is a highly desirable asset and is often required for roles involving specific regional work.
Contract & Compensation Details:
- Contract Type: Consultancy (typically under an International Individual Contractor Agreement – IICA) or Personal Services Agreement (PSA).
- Duration: Varies by project, typically ranging from 3 to 12 months, with possibilities for extension based on performance and funding.
- Location: Many roles are home-based / remote, while others may be based at the UNFCCC secretariat in Bonn, Germany, or involve field missions.
- Compensation: UNFCCC offers competitive consultancy fees commensurate with the level of expertise and complexity of the assignment. Fees are negotiated based on UN guidelines and delivered upon the completion of agreed milestones.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
The UNFCCC secretariat is committed to achieving diversity and gender parity in its workforce. It strongly encourages applications from women, candidates from underrepresented member states, and individuals from minority groups and indigenous communities. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, organizational needs, and merit.
Scam Alert:
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Any fraudulent solicitations should be reported immediately.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates must monitor and apply for specific vacancies through the official UNFCCC E-Recruitment System. Applicants are required to create a profile and submit a detailed application for each consultancy of interest, typically including a personal history form (PHP), a cover letter, and any other requested documents.
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