The UNDP Graduate Programme 2026 offers a 2-year international assignment for young professionals from UNDP programme countries. Explore eligibility, benefits, and application details.
Overview
The United Nations Development Programme Graduate Programme is a competitive entry-level initiative designed to attract talented young professionals into international development careers.
Launched in 2021, the programme aims to:
- Strengthen workforce diversity
- Build a long-term talent pipeline
- Enhance UNDP’s organizational capacity
- Equip young graduates with practical development experience
Selected graduates are deployed to UNDP country offices, regional hubs, or headquarters locations for a two-year international assignment.
Programme Highlights
- Duration: 2 years
- Deployment Locations: Country, regional, or headquarters offices
- Focus Areas: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Streams: Programme & Policy or Corporate Operations
Previous Cohorts
- 2021 Cohort: Over 38,000 applicants from 130+ programme countries
- 2022 Cohort: Over 37,000 applicants from 145 programme countries
Duty stations for previous cohorts included:
United States (New York HQ), Turkey, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Mongolia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor Leste, Maldives, Laos, Jamaica, Switzerland, Bhutan, Micronesia, and Solomon Islands.
Who Can Apply?
The UNDP Graduate Programme targets recent graduates from UNDP programme countries.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a national of a UNDP programme country
- Hold:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) with maximum 1 year of relevant work experience, OR
- A Bachelor’s degree with minimum 2 years and maximum 3 years of relevant work experience
- Demonstrate strong interest in international development and SDG acceleration
- Possess systems-thinking, innovation, and/or digital skills
- Be fluent in English (spoken and written)
- Be willing to live and work abroad for two years
Additional Considerations
Women, individuals from minority and indigenous groups, persons with disabilities, and first-generation university graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Knowledge of French, Arabic, or Spanish may be an asset depending on the role.
UNDP Graduate Programme 2026
Programme Streams
1. Programme and Policy Stream
Participants contribute directly to:
- Programme design and implementation
- SDG-focused initiatives
- Policy analysis and development
2. Corporate Operations Stream
Participants support:
- Management services
- Organizational policy and oversight
- Operational systems that enable programme delivery
What the Programme Offers
International Assignment
Graduates receive a two-year assignment within a UNDP office, providing exposure to:
- Multilateral cooperation
- Sustainable development frameworks
- Country-level policy implementation
Formation Journey
Participants benefit from a customized learning path that includes:
- Professional development opportunities
- Practical, hands-on experience
- Exposure to global development leaders
- Capacity-building initiatives
The programme serves as a strategic entry point into UNDP and the wider United Nations system.
Career Impact
The Graduate Programme:
- Provides early-career international exposure
- Builds strong foundations in policy and operations
- Enhances cross-cultural competencies
- Creates pathways for long-term development careers
Graduates from previous cohorts have gone on to roles across UNDP and other international institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this a paid programme?
UNDP positions under this programme are salaried international assignments under UNDP contractual terms.
2. How long is the assignment?
The assignment lasts for two years.
3. Can I apply if I have more than 3 years of experience?
No. The programme is specifically targeted at early-career professionals within the stated experience limits.
4. Is relocation required?
Yes. Participants must be ready to live and work in another country for two years.
5. When will the 2026 recruitment open?
The next recruitment campaign is under consideration. Official announcements will be shared through UNDP channels.
6. What academic fields are accepted?
Fields relevant to international development, public policy, economics, governance, digital innovation, sustainability, and related disciplines are preferred.
Conclusion
The UNDP Graduate Programme 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career professionals to gain international development experience within the United Nations system. With a structured two-year assignment and a tailored learning journey, the programme is designed to prepare the next generation of global development leaders.
Interested candidates should monitor official UNDP recruitment announcements for the next application cycle.
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