Position details

• Grade: G6
• Vacancy type: Fixed Term
• Department: Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
• Location: Geneve, Switzerland
• Application deadline: 2026-09-17T21:59:00+00:00

Background

This Administrative Assistant position is located in the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and will be under the direct supervision of the Secretary of the IPCC. The incumbent will perform a wide range of administrative, coordination and support functions to facilitate the effective implementation of the IPCC work programme and the smooth functioning of the IPCC Secretariat. 

 

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Secretary of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (S/IPCC), the Administrative Assistant will undertake the following duties: 

(a) Provides, with a high degree of independence and under minimal supervision, the full range of administrative support to the IPCC Secretary, ensuring the efficient organization and implementation of IPCC activities, meetings, and work program deliverables. 

(b) Coordinates and processes administrative, travel, procurement and financial transactions in accordance with WMO regulations, rules, policies and procedures, providing guidance and support to Secretariat staff and IPCC Technical Support Units (TSUs) as required. 

(c) Ensures effective communication and information flow between the IPCC Secretariat, Bureau members, governments, TSUs, WMO services and other stakeholders; prepares, processes and safeguards sensitive and confidential information and correspondence. 

(d) Drafts, formats, edits and finalizes correspondence, reports, memorandum, briefing notes, meeting documentation and other official communications, ensuring consistency with WMO standards, established procedures and editorial requirements. 

(e) Processes and coordinates the preparation, circulation and archiving of documentation for sessions of the IPCC, the IPCC Bureau, the Executive Committee, WMO governing bodies and other relevant meetings, and provides administrative support before, during and after such sessions. 

(f) Independently manages incoming and outgoing correspondence, monitors deadlines and required actions, follows up with relevant stakeholders and ensures timely responses and completion of assigned tasks. 

(g) Maintains and regularly updates electronic filing systems, correspondence records, contact databases, mailing lists, meeting schedules and other administrative information repositories, ensuring the accuracy, accessibility and integrity of records. 

(h) Coordinates the administrative work of the IPCC Secretariat, provides guidance to staff on administrative procedures and practices, supports onboarding of new personnel and facilitates day-to-day office operations. 

(i) Manages calendars, schedules appointments and coordinates official travel for the Secretary/IPCC, including preparation and processing of travel authorizations, visa requests, claims and related documentation. 

(j) Attends meetings as required, prepares minutes, records decisions, monitors agreed actions and follows up on implementation with relevant stakeholders. 

(k) Coordinate information requests and inquiries from governments, Bureau members, TSUs, Secretariat staff and other stakeholders, conducting research and coordinating with relevant offices as necessary. 

(l) Assists in the preparation of presentations, briefing packages, reports and other materials for senior management, governing body sessions and external meetings using appropriate technology and software. 

(m) Contributes to the continuous improvement of administrative processes, systems and procedures within the IPCC Secretariat and identifies opportunities to enhance efficiency and service delivery. 

(n) Performs other related duties as required. 
 

 

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

Completion of secondary education is required.

 

Experience:

A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in administrative, secretarial, or office support functions.

 

Other Requirements: 

•    This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to Appendix B.2 of WMO Staff Regulations and Rules. 

•    It is open to Swiss citizens, citizens of the European Union (EU) member states or holders of residence and a valid permit to reside and work in Geneva, without restrictions, is required prior to applying. 

•    Applicants must also reside within commuting distance of the WMO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

•    Excellent organizational and administrative skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple activities simultaneously.

•    Sound judgment, discretion and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.

•    Ability to support senior management through effective calendar management, travel coordination and document preparation.

•    Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in correspondence, records management and financial/administrative processes.

•   Demonstrated ability to work with standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Google Apps (e- mail, calendar, sites, etc.) and Quantum Oracle I-Procurement applications.
 

Languages: 

Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.

(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)
 

Competencies:
The Administrative Assistant must demonstrate individual-level proficiency in the following competencies: 

•    Communication & Influence

•    Collaboration & Team Dynamics

•    Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness

•    Decision Making & Problem Solving

•    Integrity & Accountability

•    Innovation & Digital Agility

•    Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement

 

 

Salary and Allowances 

The position is funded from extra-budgetary funding.
Annual net base salary on initial appointment and after deduction for staff assessment is: CHF 87,183.

 

Additional Information:

WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age is 65. Pursuant to WMO Standing Instructions, the minimum age to be eligible for consideration for vacant positions is 18, and the maximum age must enable the candidate to serve for at least the term of the contract before reaching mandatory age of separation.

 

Probation

Possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and pending satisfactory performance after an initial probationary period of one year which can be extended up to a maximum of two years.

 

Applications:

Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system. 

Do not send your application via multiple routes. WMO no longer accepts applications via post or email.Only applicants for whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.

 

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

WMO does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

 

Scam alert

WMO does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). WMO will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.