The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) regularly recruits professionals, interns, consultants and fellows to support international climate action.
As of 29 September 2026, the UNFCCC recruitment portal lists several current openings, including positions in adaptation, mitigation, technology, communications and climate-related programme support.
Current Openings
1. Programme Assistant – G-5
Constituted Bodies and Data Services Subdivision, Mitigation Division
Deadline: 4 October 2026
2. Associate Programme Officer – P-2
Vulnerability Subdivision, Adaptation Division
Deadline: 4 October 2026
3. Consultant – Observer Engagement
Communications & Engagement Division
Deadline: 4 October 2026
4. Intern – Mitigation, Markets and non-markets support
Mitigation Division
Deadline: 18 October 2026
The Programme Officer – Technology position was also recently listed but its 27 September 2026 deadline has passed, so it should not be promoted as an open opportunity.
About the UNFCCC
The UNFCCC secretariat supports the international climate change process and helps advance implementation of the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
Its work covers areas including climate mitigation, adaptation, climate finance, technology, capacity building, transparency and international climate policy.
Youth & Early-Career Opportunities
The UNFCCC also provides dedicated pathways for young and early-career professionals.
UNFCCC Internships
The internship programme gives students practical experience working within the UN climate secretariat.
For internships, applicants generally need to be enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree or in a graduate programme in a field relevant to the UNFCCC. Relevant disciplines include environmental sciences, economics, international relations, natural sciences, public administration, communications and others.
Important: UNFCCC internships are unpaid. Travel, visa, accommodation, living expenses and medical insurance are the responsibility of the intern or sponsoring institution.
CAPACITY Fellowship Programme
The CAPACITY Fellowship Programme is designed for young and mid-career professionals already working in government who are nationals of and working in a Least Developed Country (LDC) or Small Island Developing State (SIDS).
The programme provides a one-year fellowship at the UN Climate Change secretariat, renewable for a second year, with the aim of strengthening national capacity and developing future climate leadership.
UNFCCC–UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship
The UNFCCC–UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme provides an opportunity for young graduates from developing countries to begin a career at the intersection of international climate policy and research.
The fellowship lasts one year, with the possibility of a further one-year extension. The programme states that priority is given to women, with women from Least Developed Countries receiving the highest priority.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the individual opportunity.
Current UNFCCC vacancies may require specific:
- Academic qualifications
- Professional experience
- Technical skills
- Language abilities
- Relevant climate-policy or programme experience
For the current internship, applicants must meet the UNFCCC’s student-status requirements.
For professional positions, applicants should carefully check the required level of education and years of experience in each vacancy announcement.
Important for Young Professionals
Not every UNFCCC opportunity is suitable for recent graduates.
The current P-2 Associate Programme Officer position, for example, is a professional-level role, while the internship has specific student-status requirements. Young professionals should therefore check each vacancy individually rather than assuming that every UNFCCC opening is a youth opportunity.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the UNFCCC online application system.
Applicants need to:
- Register on the UNFCCC recruitment system.
- Select the relevant vacancy.
- Complete the required Personal History Form (P.11).
- Submit the application before the vacancy’s closing date.
The UNFCCC advises applicants to apply only through its online system.
Deadlines
4 October 2026
- Programme Assistant – G-5
- Associate Programme Officer – P-2
- Observer Engagement Consultant
18 October 2026
- Intern – Mitigation, Markets and non-markets support
Why Follow UNFCCC Opportunities?
UNFCCC opportunities can provide experience in the international climate-policy system, including adaptation, mitigation, climate finance, technology, communications, capacity building and implementation of the Paris Agreement.
The organisation also periodically advertises internships and fellowships specifically relevant to students, young professionals and early-career climate practitioners.
