UN Climate Volunteer (COP31 FAO)

Mission and objectives

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 member states, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. We believe that everyone can play a part in ending hunger. Join us in creating a #ZeroHunger world.

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. 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. FAO Representation in Türkiye will participate in and support a series of high-level dialogues, technical discussions, thematic panels, side events, and bilateral meetings organized throughout COP31, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye, FAO Headquarters, the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, other United Nations agencies, and relevant national and international partners. This engagement in COP31 highlights Türkiye's experience and FAO-supported initiatives in sustainable agrifood systems, climate-resilient agricultural practices, sustainable water management, food loss and waste reduction, agricultural innovation, inclusive rural development, and partnerships for climate action. United Nations Volunteers (UN Volunteers) will support the FAO in delivering activities 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 FAO focal points. This UNV assignment will help maintain organized and inclusive FAO activities, support timely coordination of FAO-led events, and make approved climate action and food & agriculture information accessible to visitors and digital audiences. COP31 information: https://unfccc.int/cop31/the-road-to-antalya COP31 Türkiye webpage: https://cop31.tr/tr FAO webpage: https://www.fao.org/ FAO Türkiye webpage: https://www.fao.org/turkiye/en/

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the FAO-designated COP31 Focal Point(s), the UN Volunteer will support the following tasks in Antalya.

• Attend required orientation, training, and security briefings, and follow venue access procedures.
• Welcome FAO 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.
• Support visitor registration, seating arrangements, and participant flow, helping maintain a welcoming, accessible, inclusive, and well-organized side-events.
• Support preparations for FAO-led side events, panel discussions, workshops, and presentations, including guest lists, meeting materials, signage, venue readiness, and transitions between activities.
• Support 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.
• Support the FAO 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 FAO messages on highlighting Türkiye's experience and FAO-supported initiatives in sustainable agrifood systems, climate-resilient agricultural practices, sustainable water management, food loss and waste reduction, agricultural innovation, inclusive rural development, and partnerships for climate action.
• Follow applicable FAO branding, safeguarding, consent, confidentiality, and communications clearance procedures. Submit content for review and publish or share it only after authorization from the responsible UN & FAO communications team.
• 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 FAO, participating UN entities, conference organizers, and volunteers by relaying practical information through agreed channels and providing clear handovers.
• 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 supervisor.

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 and remarks

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 372
• 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.