UNDP Paid Graduate Trainee Programme 2025
Background & Job Description
The UNDP Graduate Programme is an exceptional opportunity designed for bright, young graduates to gain hands-on experience in international development work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Launched in 2021, the Graduate Programme aims to diversify the UNDP workforce, strengthen organizational capacity, and build a sustainable talent pipeline of dedicated professionals for the future of international development.
Through this programme, UNDP provides recent graduates from its programme countries with the chance to work within country, regional, or headquarters offices, thus gaining practical experience in a real-world development context. The programme’s mission is not only to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also to ensure that young professionals are empowered to drive change on a global scale.
Since its launch, the UNDP Graduate Programme has seen tremendous success, attracting tens of thousands of applicants from over 130 countries. The first cohort in 2021 received over 38,000 applications, with 33 candidates being selected for the talent pool, 18 of whom were deployed in 2022. The second cohort in 2022 attracted over 37,000 applicants, and 36 candidates were selected, with 19 deployed during 2023-2024.
As a participant in the Graduate Programme, you will be placed in one of UNDP’s various offices worldwide, including locations like New York, Turkey, Thailand, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, and more. The opportunity provides invaluable exposure to the work of UNDP in tackling global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and human rights.
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Tasks
As part of the UNDP Graduate Programme, successful candidates will undertake various responsibilities, which can be grouped under two main streams: Programme and Policy and Corporate Operations. Each stream offers different tasks that align with specific UNDP operations and priorities.
- Programme and Policy Stream:
- Contributing to UNDP’s Programmes: Participate in various initiatives that contribute directly to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes supporting projects in areas such as climate change, poverty reduction, human rights, and democratic governance.
- Supporting Policy Development: Work on policy research and analysis to support UNDP’s mission of promoting inclusive growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. The role may involve preparing reports, conducting evaluations, and collaborating with other UN agencies and partners.
- Project Implementation: Assist in the management and execution of UNDP’s programmes, including drafting project proposals, designing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and helping execute strategic initiatives across various sectors.
- Corporate Operations Stream:
- Management Support: Contribute to corporate operations that support effective programme implementation, including human resources, finance, procurement, and logistics.
- Organizational Policies and Oversight: Engage in the development and improvement of organizational policies and processes that help UNDP function more efficiently. This can involve strategic planning, risk management, and ensuring operational compliance with international standards.
- Resource Mobilization: Help with the management of donor relationships and contribute to efforts that secure the necessary resources for UNDP’s projects and initiatives.
UNDP Paid Graduate Trainee Programme 2025
Qualifications
To be eligible for the UNDP Graduate Programme, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Education and Certification
- Required:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., international relations, economics, development studies, political science, social sciences).
- OR, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Preferred: An advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) is preferred for some positions, but work experience can substitute in other cases.
Experience
- Required:
- A maximum of 1 year of relevant work experience for candidates with a Master’s degree.
- For those with a Bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 years of relevant experience in fields such as international development, public policy, economics, or other related areas.
- Desirable:
- Experience in international organizations or development-related work, especially in areas related to the SDGs.
Skills and Competencies
- Interest in International Development: A strong passion for sustainable development, poverty reduction, human rights, and addressing global challenges.
- Systems Thinking: Ability to understand and apply a systems-based approach to problem-solving in complex, global issues.
- Digital and Innovation Skills: Proficiency in utilizing digital tools and innovative strategies to enhance development work.
- Languages: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French, Arabic, or Spanish may be an asset, depending on the specific role.
Additional Information
- International Assignment: The Graduate Programme offers a 2-year international assignment where graduates will be placed in a UNDP country, regional, or headquarters office. This provides the chance to directly contribute to impactful UNDP projects focused on the SDGs.
- Learning and Development: Participants will embark on a customized Formation Journey, which includes specialized learning, mentorship, and the opportunity to work alongside experienced development professionals. This development pathway helps strengthen your capabilities and prepares you for future leadership roles within the UN system.
- Diversity and Inclusion: UNDP values diversity and strongly encourages applications from women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and those from backgrounds where university education may be less common. The Graduate Programme is part of UNDP’s broader efforts to diversify its workforce and ensure representation from all parts of society.
- Location and Duration: This is a two-year programme with assignments in various global locations, offering participants the chance to gain a broad range of experience in both programmatic and operational aspects of development work.
- Next Recruitment Cycle: The next recruitment campaign for the UNDP Graduate Programme is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2025. Detailed information and application instructions will be shared closer to the recruitment period.
Application Process
Candidates interested in applying for the UNDP Graduate Programme should stay informed about the upcoming recruitment campaign, which will be available in the second quarter of 2025. More details will be provided on the UNDP website as the recruitment date approaches.
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