Job Title: Programme Associate – Climate Change
Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location: Washington, D.C., United States of America
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract (Up to 24 Months, Renewable)
Expected Start Date: 1 July 2026
Salary Range: USD 67,727 – USD 84,659 per annum
Application Deadline: 9 June 2026
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About IUCN
Founded in 1948, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. Bringing together governments, civil society organisations, scientists, businesses, indigenous peoples, and local communities, IUCN works to advance sustainable development and conservation through science-based solutions and global partnerships.
With more than 1,400 member organisations and approximately 16,000 experts worldwide, IUCN provides knowledge, tools, standards, and policy guidance to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
About the Climate Change and Energy Transition Team
The Climate Change and Energy Transition Team (CCETT) operates within IUCN’s Centre for Conservation Action and focuses on delivering transformational solutions in ecosystem conservation, restoration, and management.
The team works across multiple global locations, with major hubs in Washington, D.C., Bonn, and IUCN Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland. CCETT supports climate resilience, ecosystem-based adaptation, nature-based solutions, sustainable development, and environmental policy engagement worldwide.
Position Overview
The Programme Associate will play a key role in supporting the implementation of global climate change and adaptation initiatives across IUCN’s Climate Change and Energy Transition portfolio.
The successful candidate will contribute to programme development, research and analysis, technical reporting, donor deliverables, stakeholder engagement, and policy support activities. The role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and international environmental policy.
Key Responsibilities
Support Nature-based Solutions and Ecosystem-based Adaptation Initiatives
The Programme Associate will:
- Support the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) projects.
- Collaborate with IUCN thematic teams, regional offices, commissions, members, and partners.
- Provide technical and administrative support for project implementation.
- Compile project reports and track programme deliverables.
- Facilitate workshops, meetings, and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Support technical backstopping and coordination across projects.
Research, Analysis and Policy Engagement
The successful candidate will:
- Conduct research and analysis related to climate adaptation and environmental policy.
- Support IUCN engagement with international policy processes including:
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
- Monitor policy developments and stakeholder discussions.
- Draft technical papers, issue briefs, reports, and policy documents.
- Support evidence generation to strengthen policy and practice influence.
Partnership and Network Engagement
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting IUCN’s participation in global climate and conservation partnerships.
- Assisting with stakeholder coordination and relationship management.
- Representing IUCN in working groups, webinars, and events when required.
- Supporting the planning and delivery of international workshops and knowledge-sharing activities.
Knowledge Products and Data Analysis
The Programme Associate will:
- Develop knowledge products on climate adaptation, gender, and related thematic areas.
- Analyse qualitative and quantitative datasets.
- Synthesize evidence and lessons learned from programme implementation.
- Support the preparation of technical reports and outreach materials.
- Contribute to communication and dissemination activities.
Programme Development and Fundraising Support
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting proposal development and donor engagement efforts.
- Analysing donor priorities and funding opportunities.
- Identifying key stakeholders and strategic partnerships.
- Collaborating with regional, national, and thematic teams on project design and development.
- Supporting programme growth and resource mobilisation initiatives.
Additional Responsibilities
The successful candidate may undertake additional duties assigned by the line manager to support programme objectives and organisational priorities.
Candidate Profile
Education
Applicants should possess a university degree in one of the following fields or a related discipline:
- Climate Change
- Environmental Science
- Natural Resources Management
- Geography
- Conservation Science
- Environmental Policy
- Sustainable Development
- International Development
Professional Experience
Candidates should have:
- Between 3 and 5 years of relevant professional experience.
- Experience in climate change adaptation and ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives.
- Experience in environmental management, sustainable development, conservation, or international development programmes.
- Experience conducting research, evidence synthesis, and analytical writing.
- Experience preparing technical reports, policy briefs, publications, or knowledge products.
Technical Skills
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
- Experience with statistical analysis and data interpretation.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Strong research and data management capabilities.
- Excellent report writing and technical communication skills.
Desirable Technical Skills
Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:
- Power BI
- Tableau
- R
- Python
- SPSS
- STATA
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Data visualization tools and platforms
Professional Competencies
The successful candidate will possess:
- Excellent organisational and project management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural and international environments.
- Initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
Language Requirements
Required:
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Desirable:
- French
- Portuguese
Salary and Benefits
The gross annual salary for this position ranges between:
USD 67,727 – USD 84,659
Compensation will be determined according to IUCN policies and relevant experience.
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Why Join IUCN?
This position offers an opportunity to:
- Contribute to global climate adaptation and conservation efforts.
- Work alongside leading experts in climate change and biodiversity.
- Engage with international environmental policy processes.
- Support innovative Nature-based Solutions and ecosystem restoration initiatives.
- Build a meaningful career with one of the world’s most respected environmental organisations.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application through the IUCN online recruitment system.
Applicants will be required to:
- Create an online profile.
- Complete all required application information.
- Upload supporting documentation as requested.
- Submit their application before the closing date.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Application Deadline
9 June 2026
Applications must be submitted before midnight Swiss time on the closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Important: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer visa sponsorship now or in the future and be able to commute to the Washington, D.C. office.
