The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is seeking an experienced Senior Programme Manager (Senior Advisor) to support the United Nations Climate Action Team (CAT) during a critical leadership transition period. Based in New York, the senior-level position will play a central role in ensuring continuity of climate priorities, partnerships, and institutional initiatives as the United Nations prepares for a change in leadership.

Applications for the position are open until 18 June 2026.

About the Position

The Senior Programme Manager will work under the supervision of the Director and provide strategic support to the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) and the Climate Action Team. The role focuses on coordinating transition activities, managing stakeholder engagement, and safeguarding the continuity of climate action initiatives across the United Nations system.

The appointment is offered under an International Professional (IP) contract at the P-5 level and will run until 31 December 2026.

Key position details include:

Position Title: Senior Programme Manager (Senior Advisor)
Organization: UNOPS
Duty Station: New York, United States
Contract Type: Staff – IP – TA
Contract Level: IP P-5
ICS Level: ICS 12
Duration: Until 31 December 2026
Application Deadline: 18 June 2026

Supporting the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Agenda

The position is linked to the Climate Action Team Project, which UNOPS implements on behalf of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG).

The Climate Action Team supports the Secretary-General’s efforts to accelerate global climate action and advance implementation of the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative focuses on maintaining momentum toward limiting global warming to 1.5°C while strengthening climate resilience and sustainable development worldwide.

The Climate Action Team’s priorities include:

Raising climate ambition among major greenhouse gas emitters
Supporting reforms to international climate finance systems
Advancing the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund
Scaling adaptation and resilience financing for developing countries
Accelerating renewable energy deployment and fossil fuel phase-out strategies
Strengthening accountability for net-zero commitments
Enhancing UN system support for climate-related SDGs
Providing strategic policy guidance to UN leadership and Member States
Coordinating global climate communications and advocacy campaigns

Strategic Leadership Responsibilities

The Senior Programme Manager will lead planning and coordination efforts associated with the transition between outgoing and incoming UN leadership.

Core responsibilities include:

Strategic Transition Planning and Coordination

Advising the Assistant Secretary-General on transition priorities and political sensitivities
Developing and implementing a comprehensive climate transition strategy
Coordinating consultations with internal and external stakeholders
Supporting approval processes for transition plans
Acting as a liaison between transition teams on climate-related matters
Ensuring continuity of key climate programmes and partnerships

UN System Coordination

The successful candidate will work across the UN system to strengthen institutional coordination and preserve climate-related progress.

Responsibilities include:

Coordinating engagement with UN agencies and entities
Identifying opportunities to institutionalize Climate Action Team achievements
Supporting long-term integration of climate initiatives within UN structures
Minimizing risks associated with leadership transitions

Political Engagement and Member State Relations

The role requires extensive interaction with governments and senior stakeholders.

Key duties include:

Supporting political engagement with Member States
Providing strategic policy analysis and recommendations
Advising senior leadership on climate diplomacy matters
Facilitating high-level consultations and negotiations

Academic Requirements

Applicants must possess:

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in:
- International Relations
- Public Policy
- Or another relevant field

Candidates with a Master’s degree must have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.

Alternatively:

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline accompanied by at least 12 years of relevant experience may be considered.

Required Professional Experience

UNOPS is seeking candidates with extensive expertise in climate policy and international affairs.

Mandatory requirements include:

Significant professional experience in:
- Climate policy
- Political affairs
- Human rights
- Development
- International policy
Experience providing strategic advice to senior UN officials
Experience supporting issues related to:
- Climate action
- International peace and security
- Human rights
- Humanitarian affairs
- Sustainable development
At least five years of experience working within the United Nations system on climate, development, political, or human rights issues

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with the following experience will have a competitive advantage:

Experience within UN Headquarters departments
Experience working in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG)
Knowledge of institutional transition processes
Experience in knowledge management initiatives
Coordination of inter-agency processes and partnerships

These qualifications are particularly relevant given the strategic nature of the assignment and its focus on institutional continuity.

Essential Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in:

Climate policy and diplomacy
Programme management
Strategic communications
Partnership development
Stakeholder engagement
Human rights and sustainable development
Political analysis and advisory support

Strong leadership, coordination, and relationship-management capabilities are considered essential for success in the role.

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

Fluency in English

Strong communication and drafting skills are required due to the position’s high-level advisory and coordination responsibilities.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

UNOPS continues to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across its global workforce. The organization encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of nationality, gender identity, disability status, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.

The agency is committed to ensuring equal access to opportunities and reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

Recruitment and Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the UNOPS online recruitment system before the closing date.

Applicants should note:

UNOPS does not charge fees at any stage of recruitment
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Recruitment may include assessments and interviews
Successful candidates will undergo background verification checks

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Why This Opportunity Matters

As the United Nations navigates an important leadership transition, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the continuity of global climate action efforts. The selected candidate will help preserve momentum on some of the world’s most urgent climate priorities while supporting collaboration across governments, international institutions, and development partners.

The role is particularly suited to senior professionals with extensive experience in climate diplomacy, international policy, and United Nations operations who are committed to advancing sustainable development and climate resilience worldwide.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

UNOPS Seeks a Senior Programme Manager (Senior Advisor): Supporting UN Climate Action Leadership Transition – Apply By 18 June 2026 @Unknown