UNDP Graduate Programme 2025 | Fully Funded International Development Opportunity

The UNDP Graduate Programme 2025 offers talented young graduates from UNDP programme countries the chance to gain hands-on international development experience in country, regional, or headquarters offices. This fully funded programme provides a 2-year international assignment, training, and mentorship to prepare graduates for impactful careers in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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Background & Job Description

Launched in 2021, the UNDP Graduate Programme was designed to strengthen workforce diversity, build organizational capacity, and create a pipeline of committed professionals for the next generation. Since its inception, the programme has attracted tens of thousands of applicants from across UNDP programme countries, with successful candidates deployed worldwide.

Assignments are focused on two main areas:

• Programme and Policy: Supporting UNDP’s programmes and project activities.
• Corporate Operations: Supporting organizational policies, management services, and processes that enhance programme implementation.

The programme also provides a Formation Journey, a tailored learning path to help participants strengthen their skills, gain professional exposure, and grow into leadership roles within the development sector.

Tasks

Graduates selected for the programme are expected to:

• Contribute to UNDP projects and initiatives related to the SDGs.
• Support policy development, programme management, or operational functions depending on the assigned stream.
• Participate in professional learning and training activities under the Formation Journey.
• Collaborate with diverse teams across UNDP offices and partner organizations.
• Present innovative ideas and support knowledge-sharing within UNDP.

UNDP Graduate Programme 2025 | Fully Funded International Development Opportunity

Qualifications

Education and Certification

• Master’s degree in a relevant field with a maximum of 1 year of work experience, OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 2–3 years of relevant work experience.

Experience

• Demonstrated interest in international development and sustainable development.
• Strong innovation, digital, and systems-thinking skills.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written); knowledge of French, Arabic, or Spanish may be required for certain roles.
• Must 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.
• Willingness to live and work abroad for a 2-year assignment.

Additional Information

• Duration: 2 years.
• Location: Country, regional, or headquarters offices worldwide.
• Streams: Programme and Policy, or Corporate Operations.
• Next Recruitment Campaign: Applications for the upcoming intake will open soon.

The programme provides full financial support including living allowances, travel assistance, and health coverage. It offers graduates a unique opportunity to gain professional exposure, contribute to meaningful global change, and access long-term career pathways within UNDP and the wider UN system.

👉 Official Application Link: UNDP Graduate Programme

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