Manager, P-5 – Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress Division (External Relations Unit), UNFCCC, Bonn, Germany is a senior UN climate policy leadership opportunity focused on external relations, intergovernmental coordination, high-level political engagement, and collective progress under the UNFCCC process. Based in Bonn, Germany, this P-5 fixed-term appointment plays a critical role in supporting the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement by strengthening relations with Parties and advising senior leadership on sensitive political and diplomatic matters.
This article is published strictly for informational and job advertising purposes only and is not affiliated with the UNFCCC secretariat.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the central intergovernmental framework guiding global action to address climate change. The UNFCCC secretariat supports the implementation of the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, providing substantive, technical, and organizational support to negotiations and decision-making processes.
This Manager (P-5) position is located within the Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress Division, specifically in the External Relations Unit, at the UNFCCC secretariat in Bonn, Germany. The division enables the governing and subsidiary bodies of the climate regime to function effectively and ensures coherence, consistency, and timeliness across intergovernmental processes, including overarching mechanisms such as the Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement.
Reporting directly to the Director (D-1) of the division, the incumbent serves as a senior lead for external relations management, responsible for establishing, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with Parties, observer States, negotiating groups, UN entities, governments, and other stakeholders. The role also provides strategic advice to senior leadership on managing politically sensitive issues across the climate negotiations.
This vacancy is shared on our platform for awareness purposes only. We are not part of the UNFCCC secretariat and do not participate in the recruitment or selection process.
UNFCCC Opens Senior Climate Diplomacy Role in Bonn (P-5 Level)
Tasks
The Manager (P-5) will carry out strategic, managerial, and representational responsibilities across three main areas:
1. Strategic Advice, Planning and Oversight
- Managing high-level communication and liaison with Parties, observer States, and negotiating groups
- Analyzing political positions and conveying relevant information internally across the secretariat
- Providing inputs into the development of a corporate external relations architecture
- Reviewing and strengthening external relations procedures, policies, and coordination mechanisms
- Advising on strategies related to negotiating processes, policy implementation, and sensitive political issues
- Establishing and maintaining effective communication channels with National Focal Points and diplomatic missions
- Leading preparations for high-level events involving Heads of State, Ministers, and senior officials
- Advising on protocol-related matters in coordination with Conference Affairs and Legal Affairs divisions
- Managing preparations for UNFCCC ad hoc meetings, including briefings, concept notes, and agendas
- Identifying political and operational risks and proposing mitigation strategies
- Providing political analysis to the Executive Office on participation, reputational risks, and engagement dynamics
- Overseeing the preparation of reports, agendas, executive briefs, and technical analyses
2. Management of the Subdivision
- Planning and managing financial resources to ensure cost-effective use of funds
- Ensuring coordination and synergy with other UNFCCC divisions and departments
- Monitoring follow-up to COP and subsidiary body decisions and recommendations
- Planning staffing requirements, including surge capacity for major sessions and events
- Leading, supervising, and developing staff in a fair, transparent, and performance-oriented manner
3. Liaison and Representation
- Representing the unit in secretariat-wide committees, task forces, and working groups
- Strengthening relationships with other UN entities, international organizations, and governments
- Participating in international conferences, seminars, and specialized fora
- Leading analytical discussions in management meetings and providing technical briefings
- Establishing knowledge and innovation partnerships to promote best practices and organizational learning
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- Required: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international relations, political science, public administration, business administration, or a related field
- A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree with additional qualifying experience
Experience
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, external relations, communications, conference management, or political affairs
- Proven experience providing procedural and protocol advice in intergovernmental and political environments
- Experience working within or with the UN system
- Knowledge of the international climate change process is a strong asset
Language Requirements
- Required: Fluency in English (oral and written)
- Desirable: Knowledge of other official UN languages
Additional Information
- Position Title: Manager
- Grade: P-5
- Division: Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress Division
- Unit: External Relations Unit
- Duty Station: Bonn, Germany
- Announcement Number: VA 26/005/ISCP
- Post Number: 30503731
- Contract Duration: One year (with possibility of extension)
- Expected Start Date: As soon as possible
- Application Deadline: 27 January 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Indicative Net Annual Salary: USD 103,165, plus post adjustment (currently ~40.9%) and UN benefits
The UNFCCC secretariat is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The selection process may include an assessment exercise and competency-based interview.
Official Job Link (Apply Here):
👉 https://unfccc.int/secretariat/employment/recruitment
Applicants are advised to apply only through the official UNFCCC online recruitment system.
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