UN Climate Volunteer (COP31 Africa Pavilion)

Host entity: UN Economic Commission for Africa (UN ECA)

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Climate change, environment, Event organisation, protocol services, Communication, advocacy, public information

Application deadline: 29/10/2026

Mission and objectives

Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions, ECA's mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. Made up of 54 Member States, and playing a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape, ECA is well positioned to make unique contributions to address the Continent’s development challenges.

Assignment context

The thirty-first session of the Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026 (two weeks). The UN Conference provides a forum for international cooperation on the global response to climate change and engagement among governments, UN entities, and other stakeholders.

United Nations Volunteers (UN Volunteers) will support the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN ECA) in delivering activities at COP31 Africa Pavilion and related conference events.

UN Volunteers will provide visitor reception, practical side-event support, administrative and logistical assistance, and social media coverage (including shooting videos, photos, and drafting clear communication texts) under the guidance of designated ECA focal points.

This UNV assignment will help maintain an organized and inclusive COP31 Africa Pavilion, support timely coordination of ECA-led events, and make approved climate action information accessible to visitors and digital audiences.

COP31 information: https://unfccc.int/cop31/the-road-to-antalya
COP31 Türkiye: https://cop31.tr/tr
UN ECA: https://www.uneca.org/

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the ECA-designated COP31 Focal Points, the UN Volunteer will support the COP31 Africa Pavilion in Antalya. The UN Volunteer will:
• Attend required orientation, training, and security briefings, and follow venue access procedures and the agreed shift roster.
• Welcome pavilion visitors, delegates, guests, and speakers; provide approved information about programmes, events, and schedules; and guide participants to meeting rooms, exhibition areas, and side-event venues.
• Assist with visitor registration, seating arrangements, and participant flow, helping maintain a welcoming, accessible, inclusive, and well-organized pavilion throughout assigned shifts.
• Support preparations for ECA-led side events, panel discussions, workshops, and presentations, including guest lists, meeting materials, signage, venue readiness, and transitions between activities.
• Assist speakers, moderators, and event organizers with practical arrangements and guest reception; support protocol activities as instructed; and promptly communicate schedule changes, delays, and operational concerns to designated focal points.
• Distribute approved informational and promotional materials, and provide basic administrative and logistical assistance, including meeting preparation and organization of event materials.
• Support coordination among the ECA, conference organizers, and volunteers by relaying practical information through agreed channels and providing clear handovers.
• Assist the ECA communications team with basic event coverage by gathering accurate information, taking approved photographs and short videos, and preparing brief updates, social media posts, captions, and stories.
• Support approved ECA messages on climate action, the Continent's development challenges, and development challenges. Follow applicable UN and ECA branding, safeguarding, consent, confidentiality, and communications clearance procedures. Submit content for review and publish or share it only after authorization from the responsible ECA communications team.
• Work cooperatively in a multicultural environment, demonstrate reliability and professionalism, and promote respect, inclusion, accessibility, and volunteerism.
• Contribute to a brief end-of-assignment reflection or handover, as requested, and carry out other relevant duties within the agreed scope of the assignment.
• Any other duty assigned by the supervisors.

Skills and experience

• Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to welcome and assist international visitors.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail when handling schedules, materials, and practical event arrangements.
• Ability to follow instructions, adapt to changing priorities, and work effectively as part of a multicultural team in a busy conference setting.
• Reliability, punctuality, and professionalism, with respect for diversity, accessibility, confidentiality, and safeguarding requirements.
• Willingness to learn, attend required briefings, and promptly seek guidance when questions or operational concerns arise.
• Interest in promoting international cooperation for Africa's development topics crosscutting with climate action, environmental sustainability, international cooperation, and volunteerism.
• Digital literacy, including the use of email, word processing, simple spreadsheets, and online communication tools (social media platforms).
• Familiarity with commonly used social media platforms and an ability to prepare simple captions, photographs, or short videos under guidance.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively in a multicultural working environment.
• Very good command of English, both spoken and written, is mandatory.
• Working knowledge of French is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in at least one additional UN official language, in addition to Turkish, is an advantage.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Clear communication
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism and respect for diversity
• Self-management
• Teamwork and commitment to learning

Living conditions

This is a volunteer assignment, not employment. By sharing your time, energy, and talents, you can support communities in need and become part of something greater than yourself — a global movement for peace, development, and humanitarian aid. Volunteering strengthens trust, solidarity, and reciprocity among citizens, and it can promote a sense of belonging and purpose.

The UN Volunteers will be based in Antalya. The UN Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own housing (accommodation), transportation, and other living essentials for the entire duration of their UNV assignments

Summary of this national UN Volunteer entitlement:
• Volunteer Living Allowance (paid in Turkish Lira): USD 744
• Accident insurance coverage provided by Cigna, a private insurance company

Notes:
1) The allowances are in no way to be understood as salary, compensation, or reward in exchange for the volunteer work. The volunteer living allowance will be paid upon successful completion of the assignment, following the conclusion of the COP31 event, in November and/or December 2026 in accordance with the UN system's monthly payroll schedule.
2) The full entitlements at the duty station: https://app.unv.org/calculator
3) UNV Conditions of Service and Code of Conduct: https://explore.unv.org/cos
4) Accreditation to access Blue Zone: All participants of Blue Zone (including UN Volunteers, speakers, etc.) must hold valid UNFCCC accreditation to access the COP31 Blue Zone. The host entity will submit the request upon receipt of the required information and documents from the selected candidates. The final assessment and decision on granting access will be made by the COP31 authorities based on the candidates’ officially declared information and supporting documentation. This will also be a determining factor in the issuance and validity of the UNV contract.

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