The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Deputy Executive Secretary (Assistant Secretary-General). The successful candidate will support the Executive Secretary in leading the UNFCCC Secretariat and ensuring effective, accountable, and efficient delivery of its mandate under the Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol, and the Convention.
Duty Station: Bonn, Germany
Job Purpose:
The Deputy Executive Secretary will provide strategic leadership to strengthen the Secretariat’s operational effectiveness, organizational performance, governance, and service delivery. The role focuses on enhancing collaboration across divisions, improving organizational agility, overseeing financial and administrative functions, and supporting the Secretariat’s evolving role in advancing global climate action.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Organizational Direction
- Lead operational reforms to strengthen the Secretariat’s operating model.
- Improve coordination and collaboration across all divisions.
- Promote integration with the wider United Nations system.
- Strengthen links between operational functions and programme delivery.
- Support strategic planning, resource allocation, and budget planning.
Organizational Performance and Delivery
- Lead operational management of a diverse and high-performing organization.
- Drive organizational efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Oversee modernization of digital systems, data management, and artificial intelligence tools.
- Provide strategic oversight of administration and information and communications technology.
People, Culture and Organizational Development
- Guide workforce planning, talent development, and succession planning.
- Promote staff wellbeing, performance management, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Strengthen accountability frameworks and organizational culture.
- Support initiatives related to disability inclusion, prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, and gender responsiveness.
Governance, Financial Management and Partnerships
- Lead biennial programme budget planning and resource mobilization.
- Oversee budget implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
- Advise the Executive Secretary during budget negotiations with Parties.
- Strengthen risk management and internal governance systems.
- Manage relations with the Government of Germany, the City of Bonn, and United Nations agencies based in Bonn.
- Represent the Executive Secretary in engagements with governments, Parties, and stakeholders.
- Serve as the Secretariat’s Chief Ethics and Integrity Officer.
Required Qualifications:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Public Administration, Business Administration, Environment, Sustainable Development, Social Sciences, Law, or a related field.
- A combination of relevant qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience:
- At least 20 years of senior leadership experience.
- Extensive experience managing large, multicultural organizations such as international organizations, governments, or NGOs.
- Strong background in strategic management, budgeting, project planning, and organizational leadership.
- Demonstrated success leading organizational transformation and institutional development.
Required Competencies:
- Strategic leadership and organizational management.
- Excellent judgment and decision-making.
- Strong negotiation and diplomatic skills.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication.
- Leadership, team building, and change management.
- Risk management and strategic foresight.
- Integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership.
- Ability to build trust and foster collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Desirable Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of climate change and the international climate agenda.
- Knowledge of intergovernmental processes and United Nations procedures.
- Expertise in organizational development and change management.
How to Apply:
Apply online through the UNFCCC recruitment portal: https://unfccc.int/secretariat/employment/recruitment
Equal Opportunity:
UNFCCC is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all nationalities, genders, ethnic backgrounds, and persons with disabilities.
Note: The document provided is the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the position. The official vacancy announcement, including the application deadline, vacancy number, salary, and application link, will be published separately by UNFCCC.