The COP31 Talent Register (the Register) provides all eligible members of the community with the opportunity to register for upcoming temporary employment opportunities with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s (DCCEEW) COP31 team.

Who we are
Australia is bidding to host the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in 2026, in partnership with the Pacific. If successful, COP31 will be held over three weeks in November/December 2026 in an Australian city. COPs are one of the largest international meetings in the world with representatives from governments (at all levels), civil society and global media coming together every year to address the collective impacts of climate change.

The Register will be used to fill a broad range of exciting APS 4 to Executive Level 2 roles across COP31 Operations, Policy and Executive Support functions, to support early foundational COP31 planning. The Register is open to APS employees as well members of the community with relevant experience to potentially join the COP31 team.

For more information on the UNFCCC and COPs, visit the UNFCCC site here.

Your application will remain active until 30 June 2025, and you may be contacted at any time about available opportunities. This Register will be refreshed mid-2025 to reflect updated vacancies, and interested candidates will need to register again and create a new account.

Who are we looking for?
We are seeking high performing professionals to work in Operations, Policy and Executive Support roles. Previous experience in major event delivery will be considered favourably.

The COP31 Operations function will manage all logistical and operational components of the event and will require people who have knowledge and experience across a range of functions. To support early foundational planning, we are initially seeking candidates with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Accommodation
• Administration and Executive Support
• C3 and Readiness
• Corporate capabilities including Human Resources, Finance, Governance, Risk Management
• Corporate Partnerships
• Event Coordination, Integration and experience with Event Management Systems
• Legal
• Procurement and Contract Management
• Program Planning and Project Management
• Sustainability

We will also be considering candidates with skills and experience in the following areas to fill anticipated vacancies in late 2024/early 2025:

• Accreditation
• Airports
• Cyber Security
• Information, Communication and Technology (ICT)
• Ministerial Support
• Property and Security
• Protocol and Liaison Services
• Security - Commonwealth and/or State Government
• Strategic Communications and Media
• Transport including COMCAR
• Venue Management (including venue fit-out and build) and Catering

The COP31 Policy function will be responsible for policy design and engagement on COP31 outcomes. These will include a successful multilateral negotiation agenda, design and development of policy outcomes, and the development of strong relationships with international and domestic stakeholders.

We are looking for people with skills and experience relating to:

• Administration and Executive Support
• International Engagement – Pacific and Global
• Climate and Energy Policy
• Development Policy
• First Nations Policy and Engagement
• Multilateral Negotiations
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Trade and Investment

The COP31 team will be based in Canberra initially with short-term domestic and international travel as required. A willingness to work outside core hours when required and travel at short notice is preferable, although maintenance of a sensible working environment will be a priority for the COP31 team.

As an organisation, we want to cultivate representation and leadership that authentically reflects and serves the diverse needs and aspirations of the community. We therefore strongly encourage applications from across the community including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, people of the LGBTIQA+ community, mature age people and carers.

A job with DCCEEW’s COP31 team offers:

• an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in the delivery of a key priority of the Australian Government
• a respectful, inclusive and safe workplace where you are supported to perform at your best
• attractive remuneration package including generous employer superannuation contributions and allowances
• support for mutually beneficial flexible work arrangements, such as part time work, working from home or remotely (where operational requirements allow)
• the opportunity to work with dynamic and experienced leaders who encourage and support you, to achieve your career ambitions.

For more information on conditions and benefits see the Candidate Information Pack.

Employment Type
The majority of positions with the COP31 team will be offered on a temporary basis.

Flexible working arrangements (such as remote work, part time work) will be considered on an individual basis, based on the operational requirements of the role and individual preferences.

Security Clearance Required
A security clearance may be required, depending on the role.

Contact Officer
If you have any questions about COP31 opportunities, please send them through to COP31Recruitment@dcceew.gov.au

Eligibility
To be eligible for employment at DCCEEW, candidates must be an Australian Citizen and undergo and satisfy a National Police History Check. They may also be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance of an appropriate level for the role.

How to apply
Please provide a short pitch (no more than 300 words) outlining your suitability for a role with the COP31 team, and your CV. Please Note – This is an unclassified web-based recruitment system so your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your one-page pitch and CV. By choosing to continue with your application, you have read and consent to the collection of your personal information. Show Privacy Policy.