The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced that the next recruitment campaign for its Graduate Programme is under consideration, with application details to be shared in due course.
The UNDP Graduate Programme is a prestigious two-year international early-career programme that provides talented young graduates from UNDP programme countries with hands-on experience working in UNDP country offices, regional hubs, and headquarters while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About the UNDP Graduate Programme
Launched in 2021, the UNDP Graduate Programme was created to strengthen workforce diversity, develop future leaders in international development, and build a pipeline of highly qualified professionals for the organization.
Participants receive international assignments that expose them to development programming, policy work, organizational operations, and multilateral cooperation.
Since its launch, the programme has attracted more than 75,000 applications from over 145 UNDP programme countries, with graduates deployed across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Europe, the Caribbean, and UNDP Headquarters in New York.
Programme Details
- Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Programme: UNDP Graduate Programme
- Duration: 2 Years
- Assignment Locations: UNDP Country Offices, Regional Offices, and Headquarters
- Eligible Countries: UNDP Programme Countries
- Recruitment Status: Next recruitment campaign to be announced
Programme Streams
Graduates are recruited into one of two professional streams.
Programme and Policy
Participants support:
- Sustainable Development Goals implementation
- Programme design and delivery
- Development policy
- Project management
- Partnerships
- Research and analysis
Corporate Operations
Graduates contribute to:
- Human Resources
- Finance
- Procurement
- Operations
- Organizational strategy
- Risk management
- Governance
- Business processes
- Management support
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a national of a UNDP programme country.
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field with no more than one year of relevant work experience,
OR
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least two years but no more than three years of relevant work experience.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in international development.
- Be committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Possess strong systems-thinking, innovation, and/or digital skills.
- Be fluent in written and spoken English.
- Be willing to live and work in another country for two years.
Knowledge of French, Arabic, or Spanish may be advantageous or required for certain assignments.
Diversity and Inclusion
UNDP strongly encourages applications from:
- Women
- Persons with disabilities
- Indigenous peoples
- Minority groups
- First-generation university graduates
The programme aims to build a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities UNDP serves.
What the Programme Offers
Participants receive:
International Assignment
A two-year professional assignment at:
- UNDP Headquarters
- Regional Offices
- Country Offices
Professional Development
Graduates benefit from a customized learning journey that includes:
- Structured training
- Mentorship
- Professional coaching
- Practical work experience
- Exposure to international development projects
- Opportunities to collaborate with global experts
Career Development
The programme provides:
- A pathway into the United Nations system
- Experience working in international development
- Exposure to multilateral cooperation
- Opportunities to build a long-term career within UNDP and the wider UN system
Previous Deployment Locations
Graduates from previous cohorts have been deployed to countries including:
- United States (UNDP Headquarters)
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Philippines
- Mongolia
- Maldives
- Bhutan
- Laos
- Papua New Guinea
- Solomon Islands
- Samoa
- Timor-Leste
- Jamaica
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Micronesia
Why Apply?
The UNDP Graduate Programme is one of the United Nations’ premier early-career opportunities for young professionals passionate about sustainable development. Participants gain practical international experience, contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals, receive extensive professional development, and build a strong foundation for careers within the UN system and the global development sector.
Recruitment Update
UNDP has confirmed that the next Graduate Programme recruitment campaign is currently under consideration. Interested candidates should monitor the official UNDP careers website for the announcement of application dates and available positions.
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