External Relations Officer

This temporary position is located in the Secretariat of the IPCC for a six-month maternity cover starting August 2026. The incumbent will support the IPCC Secretary and Deputy Secretary in strategic engagement, governance processes, and coordination of meetings and communications with member governments and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support the IPCC Secretary and Deputy Secretary in maintaining strategic engagement with IPCC Focal Points, member governments, Permanent Missions and other key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, facilitate consultation and advance the objectives of the Panel.
• Support the IPCC leadership in the strategic planning and delivery of key governance processes over the forthcoming six-month period, including the monthly Executive Committee meetings, the forthcoming 71st Session of the Bureau meeting and the 65th Session of the IPCC.
• Lead the preparation of strategic briefing notes and other briefing materials for the IPCC leadership; oversee the preparation of agendas, reports, talking points, presentations, minutes, conclusions and decisions, and other strategic documentation; coordinate meeting outcomes and follow-up actions; and ensure effective support for the Panel's governance and decision-making processes.
• Oversee the Secretariat's official correspondence with member governments, IPCC Focal Points and observer organizations, ensuring coherent, timely and effective exchanges on behalf of the Secretary, coordinating follow-up actions, and contributing to the maintenance of strong institutional relationships with the Panel's stakeholders.
• Substantially contribute to the development of products for IPCC Focal Points to support regular engagement with member governments and promote awareness of key developments, governance processes and upcoming IPCC activities.
• Coordinate and support the IPCC leadership's programme of bilateral meetings and official engagements during major international events, including COP31 and other high-level meetings, ensuring effective scheduling, prioritization of engagements and coordination with host organizations and key stakeholders.
• Coordinate, support and deliver briefing and familiarization sessions, as required, including in support of the IPCC fundraising efforts, for member governments, Permanent Missions, IPCC Focal Points and other stakeholders, ensuring that briefing materials are accurate, up to date and aligned with the latest developments in the IPCC's work programme, governance processes and upcoming meetings.
• Serve as a member of the Secretariat team supporting the Publications and Translations Committee, including coordinating preparations for meetings, preparing briefing materials, supporting the Committee’s Chair, the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary, coordinating follow-up actions, and providing similar support to other Secretariat governance and advisory processes, as required.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent in international relations, international law, political science or a closely related field. A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with two years of additional directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in international relations.
• Experience in preparing and coordinating intergovernmental sessions involving various stakeholders and relevant documents.
• Understanding of the IPCC processes and procedures is desirable, including work experience with stakeholders from member governments.
• Working knowledge of the United Nations or a similar international organization is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability in planning and coordinating conferences and bilateral meetings.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and manage multiple workloads with minimum supervision.
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to foster diversity and team spirit.
• Internal eligible applicants must hold a fixed-term or permanent appointment in WMO at the P3 and P4 level.
• Applicants must also obtain the agreement of their direct supervisor and Director of Department for the assignment.
• Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.

Skills

• International Relations
• Intergovernmental Session Coordination
• Document Preparation
• IPCC Processes Knowledge
• Stakeholder Engagement
• United Nations System Knowledge
• Conference Planning
• Bilateral Meetings Coordination
• Workload Management
• Organizational Skills
• Communications Skills
• Adaptability in Multicultural Environment
• Team Coordination

Languages

English