Graphic designing for the Climate Security Mechanism (CSM)

Host entity: Climate Security Mechanism (UNDP)

Application deadline: 24/08/2026

Mission and objectives

When interacting with socio-economic and political factors, climate change can exacerbate conflict risks, thereby affecting human, national and international peace and security. This interplay also has implications for climate action. Whilst among the hardest hit by climate change, most countries and communities affected by fragility and conflict are also among those that have contributed the least to the climate crisis. The Climate Security Mechanism (CSM) responds to growing calls for action by affected communities, Member States, regional organizations, experts and policymakers around the world.

The CSM is a joint initiative by the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (DPO). It aims to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations (UN) and its partners to systematically analyze and address the linkages between climate change, peace, and security (CPS). The CSM leverages partnerships and strengthens its work by drawing on experiences and capacities of its four constituent entities.

Assignment context

The annual progress report of the CSM presents and highlights the main activities and results undertaken by the CSM Joint Programme over the past year, across its four priority areas of work: support to climate, peace and security analysis and action at regional and country level around the world; advocacy, partnerships and convening; knowledge co-generation and management; and capacity building.

We are looking for an Online Volunteer who under the guidance of the CSM (UNDP) Policy Specialist and CSM Secretariat in close collaboration with the wider CSM team and UNDP Climate and Security Risk team to support us design the annual progress report.


In particular, the Online Volunteer will support with;
• Collect information on document/material background (e.g., target audience, design style, branding guidelines) to inform design development.
• Create draft design of the progress report based on requirements, collaborating with CSM focal points and adhering to UN communication standards provided by UNDP Communications.
• Finalize designs based on guidance and feedback received, using personal computers, applications, and software, ensuring compliance with agreed specifications and UN corporate design guidelines.

Task description

The Online UNV will work under the supervision of the CSM (UNDP) Policy Specialist and CSM Secretariat, will be responsible for one or more of the following duties:

Publication design (graphic design):
• Design the Climate Security Mechanism’s annual progress report.
• Ensure adherence to UN design and branding guidelines.

The report is expected to be around 30 pages long max and to contain 5-10 graphics max.

Please add examples of your graphic work and/or portfolio in the motivation section

The Online Volunteer will have the opportunity to build connections with the CSM team across UNDP, DPPA, UNEP and DPO, and learn about the ways in which graphic design can support the communication of the evolving climate, peace and security workstream, climate action, peacebuilding and beyond.

Skills and experience

Applicants are required to have professional work experience in graphic design. Other experience we value include:
• Excellent oral and written communications skills in English and/or other UN languages.
• Proficiency in developing multimedia content for social media, websites and other dissemination channels, including video production, graphic designing and photo editing work using Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro or similar, Photoshop and InDesign;
• Proven track record of designing a report or a publication;
• Creative open-minded team player with ability to work autonomously.
• Keen interest in the development sector, CPS workstream and the work of the United Nations.

For this assignment, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat). Please add examples of your graphic work and/or portfolio in the motivation section.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.