About Us

Generation Climate Europe (GCE) is the largest coalition of youth-led networks on climate and environmental issues at the European level. GCE unites the largest youth-led networks, bringing together 381 national organisations across 46 countries in Europe. We are guided by the voices of over 20 million young Europeans. GCE creates a platform for youth to advocate for a just and green transition in Europe. GCE envisions a system that respects human rights and the planet, that includes the voice of youth, and that acknowledges our common but differentiated responsibility in achieving a carbon-neutral and sustainable world.

About the Role

Each year, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) organises a Conference of Parties (COP), where decision-makers across the world meet and decide the future of global climate action. After the mixed results of COP30, the team is now preparing for the upcoming COP31, which will take place in November 2026 in Antalya, Turkey.  GCE strives to engage with COP31 by bringing together youth voices from all over Europe and advocating for decisive, effective, and just climate action. As an organisation accredited to the UNFCCC, the responsibility of representing GCE and its member organisations is the top priority, alongside engaging in the process in a responsible and adaptable manner.

We are looking for a Project Officer (PO) for COP31 Partnerships to support the COP31 Project Lead in implementing partnership strategies, facilitating engagement with Member Organisations (MOs) and external stakeholders, and contributing to GCE’s presence and impact at COP31.  Focus: Managing GCE’s internal and external partnership relationships, particularly with Member Organisations and youth networks.

Please note that this is a volunteer role.

Tasks

PO1: Strategic Partnerships and MOs

• Maintain and update the tracking system of partnerships, engagements, and key contacts.
• Liaise with GCE Member Organisations’ contact points to ensure alignment, coordination, and visibility of GCE priorities.
• Liaise with GCE Working Group Coordinators to integrate thematic priorities and identify partnership opportunities.
• Coordinate actions and priorities with European youth organisations (e.g., YFJ, YEE) and other key youth stakeholders.
• Attend meetings with external youth networks to explore potential collaboration opportunities.
• Attend weekly meetings with COP31 Partnerships Team and bi-monthly COP31 team meetings.
• Attend training and events when required.
  

PO2 Political Outreach and Events 

• Support outreach to European and international decision-makers, national delegations, and COP pavilions.
• Assist in organising bilateral meetings and facilitating joint initiatives or collaborations with strategic partners.
• Prepare briefing notes, meeting materials, and supporting documentation for political engagement.
• Assist the COP31 Events Team in identifying and securing partners to co-host events.
• Support in selecting speakers within strategic partners and Member Organisations.
• Help represent GCE in meetings or working groups related to COP31 partnerships (e.g., Children & Youth Pavilion Steering Committee support).
• Conduct targeted outreach to youth organisations in the COP31 host country to strengthen local collaboration and political positioning.
• Attend weekly meetings with COP31 Partnerships Team and bi-monthly COP31 team meetings.
• Attend training and events when required.

About you 

• Strong familiarity with UNFCCC processes, negotiation structures, and previous COP outcomes. Previous attendance at a COP or SB is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of EU policymaking processes and the role of EU institutions and Member States within the COP context.
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining strategic partnerships, particularly within the climate and youth space.
• Established networks within the European and/or international climate and youth ecosystems is an asset.
• Proven experience leading and coordinating teams of motivated young professionals, with the ability to set direction, delegate effectively, and ensure accountability.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, particularly in maintaining structured tracking systems for partnerships, contacts and political engagements.
• Confident in engaging with high-level stakeholders (policymakers, negotiators, institutional representatives) both in writing and in bilateral settings.
• Proactive, solution-oriented and comfortable taking initiative in fast-paced political environments.
• Comfortable using Google Suite and common virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Google Meet).
• Available to commit approximately 5–6 hours per week (flexible), with increased availability during peak moments (e.g. SBs, pre-COP, COP).
• High proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Academic or practical background in international relations, climate policy, EU affairs or related fields is an asset but not required.
• Preferably based within a timezone between -2 and +2 hours of CET/CEST.