UNDP Careers 2026: Internships, Fellowships, Graduate Programme and JPO Opportunities

The UNDP Careers platform offers several pathways for students, recent graduates and young professionals seeking experience in international development. Through its People Programmes, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provides opportunities including internships, fellowships, the UNDP Graduate Programme, Junior Professional Officer (JPO) positions and opportunities through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.

These programmes are designed to help emerging talent gain practical experience, develop professional skills and contribute to international development work. Opportunities may be available at UNDP country offices, regional hubs, headquarters and through other UN-related assignments.

For candidates interested in building a career in the United Nations system, understanding the different UNDP career pathways can help identify the programme that best matches their education, experience and career stage.

UNDP People Programmes

UNDP’s People Programmes target emerging talent populations. According to the organization’s careers information, opportunities under these programmes may be advertised individually or as part of a roster, with application requirements and programme features varying by opportunity.

The main pathways include:

UNDP Internships
UNDP Fellowships
UNDP Graduate Programme
Junior Professional Officer Programme
United Nations Volunteers opportunities assigned to UNDP

Candidates should review the requirements for each programme carefully because eligibility, duration, funding and application procedures differ.

UNDP Internships

The UNDP Internship Programme provides practical experience for students and recent graduates interested in development and the work of UNDP.

According to UNDP, internships are available to students completing a master’s degree or students in the final year of a bachelor’s degree, as well as recent graduates up to one year after graduation.

Internships may be undertaken in different UNDP locations, including country offices, regional hubs and UNDP headquarters in New York.

How Long Do UNDP Internships Last?

UNDP internships may last for up to six months.

In exceptional circumstances, an internship can last up to nine months when it is being completed for academic credit.

Depending on the vacancy announcement and the needs of the hiring office, internships may be completed in person or remotely.

One important feature of the programme is that UNDP states that all interns receive a monthly stipend, with the amount varying according to the country of assignment and whether the internship is remote or in person.

Candidates should therefore check the individual internship vacancy for the specific conditions applicable to the opportunity.

Who Can Apply for UNDP Internships?

The UNDP source identifies the following broad groups as eligible for its internship opportunities:

Students completing a master’s degree
Students in the final year of a bachelor’s degree
Recent graduates within one year of graduation

Applicants should also demonstrate an interest in development and share UNDP’s vision.

Internship vacancies are advertised through the UNDP Job Page, where candidates can review current opportunities and submit applications.

UNDP Fellowship Programme

UNDP also provides fellowship assignments for students, recent graduates and mid-career professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Fellowships may be funded either directly by UNDP or by a partner institution that has entered into an agreement with UNDP.

Selected fellows can gain experience in the day-to-day work of international development within the UN system for up to 12 months.

UNDP states that fellows receive a monthly stipend, although the amount varies depending on the country of assignment.

Because fellowship arrangements can differ, prospective candidates should review the relevant fellowship opportunity and the UNDP Fellowship Policy before applying.

UNDP Graduate Programme

The UNDP Graduate Programme is a two-year young talent development programme for recent graduates from UNDP programme countries.

The programme is intended for graduates who hold either a bachelor’s or master’s degree and have an interest in international development.

According to UNDP, the Graduate Programme helps develop the next generation of the UNDP workforce while bringing new and diverse perspectives into the organization.

UNDP also encourages applications from women and individuals from minority groups, Indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities. First-generation university graduates are also strongly encouraged to apply.

The information provided by UNDP states that the next recruitment campaign is in progress. Candidates interested in the programme should monitor the UNDP Job Page and UNDP’s official social media channels for recruitment updates.

UNDP Junior Professional Officer Programme

The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme is another pathway for young professionals interested in international development.

UNDP states that the JPO Programme targets young professionals from UNDP donor countries who have at least two years of professional experience.

JPO positions have specific eligibility requirements relating to factors such as:

Nationality
Age
Academic qualifications
Professional experience

Because these requirements can vary between vacancies, applicants should review the requirements of individual JPO positions.

JPO vacancies are generally advertised through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or equivalent government institution of the sponsoring donor country. Some vacancies are also advertised through the UNDP Job Page.

UNDP notes that JPO vacancies are advertised throughout the year, making it important for interested candidates to check the relevant government and UNDP career websites regularly.

United Nations Volunteers Opportunities With UNDP

Another pathway to contribute to UNDP’s work is through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.

UNV works with United Nations partners and non-governmental organizations to place qualified and motivated volunteers in different organizations, including UNDP.

UNDP describes UN Volunteers as an important force supporting peace and development around the world.

UNV volunteers are managed by UNV and are subject to its conditions of service and code of conduct. Volunteers may receive certain allowances to support their assignments, but UNDP emphasizes that these allowances should not be considered compensation, reward or salary.

UNV positions assigned to UNDP are available through the UNDP Job Page.

Where to Find UNDP Jobs and Internships

Candidates interested in these opportunities should use the official UNDP Job Page to search for current vacancies.

The careers platform contains opportunities across different UNDP programmes and locations. Applicants should read each vacancy announcement carefully because the requirements and conditions can vary considerably between positions.

For internships in particular, UNDP advises candidates to apply through the vacancies advertised on its job platform.

How to Prepare for a UNDP Application

Before applying for a UNDP internship, fellowship, Graduate Programme or JPO position, candidates should first identify the programme that corresponds to their current academic and professional level.

Students may find internships more relevant, while recent graduates may want to explore internships, fellowships and the Graduate Programme. Professionals with relevant experience may also qualify for specific fellowship or JPO opportunities, depending on the individual requirements.

Candidates should then carefully review the vacancy announcement, paying attention to education, experience, nationality, location and other requirements.

A tailored application is also important. Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their academic background, professional experience and interests relate to the opportunity they are applying for.

UNDP Careers for International Development Professionals

UNDP’s People Programmes provide several potential entry points into international development work.

The internship programme can provide students and recent graduates with practical exposure to UNDP’s work. Fellowships can provide assignments lasting up to 12 months for eligible students, graduates and mid-career professionals. The Graduate Programme offers a two-year development pathway for eligible recent graduates, while the JPO Programme provides opportunities for young professionals from donor countries who meet the relevant requirements.

The UNV programme provides another route for qualified volunteers to contribute to UNDP assignments.

Together, these pathways demonstrate that UNDP careers are not limited to conventional employment vacancies. There are different opportunities designed around different stages of academic and professional development.

Final Thoughts

The UNDP Careers People Programmes provide several opportunities for students, recent graduates and young professionals who want to gain experience in international development.

UNDP internships can last up to six months and may be completed remotely or in person depending on the vacancy, while exceptional academic-credit internships can last up to nine months. UNDP states that interns receive a monthly stipend that varies according to the country of assignment and work arrangement.

Fellowships can provide assignments of up to 12 months and include a monthly stipend that varies by country. The two-year UNDP Graduate Programme is designed for eligible recent graduates from UNDP programme countries, while the JPO Programme targets young professionals from donor countries who generally have at least two years of professional experience.

For candidates interested in these opportunities, the best approach is to monitor the official UNDP Job Page regularly and carefully check the requirements of each vacancy before submitting an application.

Official UNDP Careers: Visit UNDP Careers

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