The UNDP Paid Graduate Programme 2026 offers young professionals from UNDP programme countries a fully funded 2-year international assignment, professional development, and a pathway into the UN system. Learn who can apply, what it offers, and how the programme works.
What Is the UNDP Paid Graduate Programme 2026?
The UNDP Graduate Programme is a competitive, fully paid opportunity for talented young graduates to gain hands-on experience in international development. Participants are placed for two years in a UNDP country office, regional office, or headquarters, where they contribute directly to UNDP’s mission to advance sustainable development globally.
Launched in 2021, the programme strengthens UNDP’s workforce diversity, builds future leadership capacity, and creates a global pipeline of young professionals equipped to drive forward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Since its inception:
- The 2021 cohort attracted over 38,000 applicants from 130+ programme countries.
- The 2022 cohort attracted over 37,000 applicants from 145 programme countries.
- Graduates have been deployed to offices in New York, Turkey, Thailand, Maldives, Jamaica, Samoa, Philippines, Bhutan, Switzerland, and more.
The programme continues to serve as one of the most prestigious entry-level opportunities in the UN system.
Who Can Apply for the UNDP Graduate Programme?
To qualify for the 2026 intake, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Be a national of a UNDP programme country.
- Women, minority groups, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and first-generation university graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Education Requirements:
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a maximum of 1 year of relevant work experience, OR
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with 2 to 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Have a strong interest in international development and supporting the SDGs.
- Possess strong systems-thinking, innovation, or digital skills.
- Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English (written and spoken).
- Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is an advantage and may be required for certain duty stations.
- Be ready to live and work abroad for two years.
Where Are Graduates Deployed?
Graduates from previous cohorts have been assigned to a wide spread of UNDP locations, including:
- Headquarters (New York, USA)
- Turkey
- Thailand
- Maldives
- Philippines
- Laos
- Jamaica
- Samoa
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Switzerland
- Papua New Guinea
- Maldives
- Solomon Islands, and several others.
These diverse duty stations expose participants to a broad range of development environments, cultures, and challenges.
What the UNDP Graduate Programme Offers
The programme equips young professionals with the technical and leadership skills needed to launch a successful career in international development. It provides:
1. International Assignment (2 Years)
Participants are deployed to a UNDP office for a fully paid assignment aligned with one of two streams:
Programme & Policy Stream
Participants contribute to UNDP projects, programme design, implementation, data analysis, and policy support aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Corporate Operations Stream
Participants support operational functions such as finance, HR, procurement, project management services, and organizational systems that enable effective programme delivery.
2. Personal and Professional Growth
UNDP offers graduates a customized Formation Journey, including:
- Structured learning pathways
- Technical and soft-skills development
- Mentorship from experienced UNDP professionals
- Exposure to multilateral and international cooperation
- Hands-on participation in global and local development challenges
This pathway gives young graduates the knowledge, networks, and experience required to build a long-term career in the UN system or the broader international development field.
Why Work for UNDP?
UNDP provides a supportive, diverse, and inclusive work environment where young professionals can grow and make a real impact. Benefits include:
- A mission-driven culture focused on sustainable development
- Competitive compensation
- Professional learning opportunities
- Exposure to global development challenges
- A pathway to future UN and international careers
Next Recruitment Campaign
The next recruitment round for the UNDP Graduate Programme 2026 is currently under consideration. UNDP will announce details, timelines, and application procedures in due course on their official careers platform.
Candidates are encouraged to monitor:
- UNDP Careers Page
- UNDP social media channels
- UNDP talent community newsletters
Conclusion
The UNDP Paid Graduate Programme 2026 offers an exceptional gateway for young professionals eager to contribute to sustainable development while gaining international experience. With competitive selection, global deployment, and an enriching learning journey, the programme remains one of the most respected pathways into the UN system.
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