Division
The Intergovernmental and Collective Progress (ISCP) division enables the governing and subsidiary bodies of the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement to function and thus facilitate progress in the climate process. The division ensures the coherence, consistency, and timeliness of the work of the bodies and enables and supports overarching processes, such as the periodic review of the adequacy of the long-term global goal under the Convention and the Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement.
Team
This position is located in the External Relations unit which deals with all protocol-related matters, maintaining channels of communication and relationships with Parties and observer States, to facilitate their participation in meetings of the Convention process.
What the Fellow will be doing
Under the direct supervision of the Head of the External Relations unit and the overall supervision of the Director of ISCP, the Fellow will provide general support to the unit as follows:
1. Support all external relations and protocol-related matters of the organization:
a) Draft general communications, notifications, messages to Parties and observers etc. pertaining to the secretariat and meetings.
b) Assist in planning, organizing, and executing high-level meetings, and diplomatic events in accordance with international protocol.
c) Support the development of engagement strategy for Parties, Diplomatic Representatives, and the German government.
d) Assist in ushering in VIPs and supporting the work of protocol-related events pertaining to visits by high-level government officials, including ministers.
e) Create a detailed timeline for the events, including key milestones, to ensure the timeliness of Protocol activities.
f) Liaise with various departments such as logistics, security, and communications, to allocate necessary resources.
2. Ensure UNFCCC’s protocol framework is updated and aligned with the UN systems:
a) Monitor and analyse United Nations protocol trends, by reviewing relevant documentation and reports.
b) Prepare and disseminate briefings, reports, and correspondence relating to protocol matters.
c) Stay abreast and take a proactive role in reviewing changes in the UN system as a whole, in particular UN security, including new UN protocol developments.
d) Liaise with governments, diplomatic missions, and international organizations.
e) Reviewing procedures for Leaders Summits during sessions of the COP.
3. Develop and maintain effective relations with Parties, observer States and UN offices:
a) Support analysis of the current process, identify synergies and problems; and prepare proposals on strengthening cooperation.
b) Assist in maintaining an informal network of contacts with other UN External Relations/Public Information professionals to share and develop ideas and/or experiences.
c) Prepare briefings for senior leadership and participants, providing information about attendees, the agenda, and the specific protocol measures to be followed.
d) Review and work on existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and identify other areas requiring new/updated SOPs.
e) Maintain channels of communication and relationships with Parties and observer States.
What we are offering for Fellow
The fellowship will offer an opportunity to deepen knowledge of the international climate change process and how the UNFCCC secretariat supports this process. In particular, the Fellow will gain an understanding of the pre-session and in-session protocol arrangements and coordination in liaising with Parties and senior-level stakeholders.
Link to vacancy announcement