UNDP Young Talent Programmes Are Open for Applications!
UNDP Young Talent Programmes Are Open for Applications!
UN Young Talent Programmes Managed by JPOSC
The UN Young Talent Programmes, administered by the UNDP JPO Service Centre (JPOSC), present exceptional opportunities for young professionals to launch their careers within the United Nations system. These initiatives are designed to attract emerging talent, providing vital exposure to international development and multilateral cooperation while supporting global objectives like poverty reduction, resilience building, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UNDP Young Talent Programmes Are Open for Applications!
1. Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme
The JPO Programme offers young professionals, typically under 32 years old, a chance to gain practical experience in various fields, including:
- Poverty reduction
- Economic development
- Structural transformation
- Gender equality
- Partnerships and management
JPOs are recruited at the P2 level in accordance with UN Staff Rules and Regulations and generally require:
- A master’s degree
- 2-4 years of relevant work experience
- Proficiency in English
This programme is perfect for those passionate about addressing global development challenges.
2. Specialist Development Programme (SDP)
Initiated in 2016, the SDP aims to bolster UNDP’s capacity to support the implementation of the SDGs, especially in crisis-affected nations and the humanitarian-development nexus. It offers P3-level positions focused on:
- Assisting UNDP Resident Representatives with SDG-related policies and partnerships
- Enhancing UNDP’s contributions to the 2030 Agenda
This programme targets more experienced young professionals, emphasizing SDG integration and implementation.
3. UNDP Internships
UNDP also provides internship opportunities for students and recent graduates, allowing them to engage directly with the organization’s development initiatives. Internships are available across diverse sectors and can be found in UNDP Country Offices, Regional Hubs, and Headquarters. These assignments can be part-time or full-time, tailored to the intern’s availability.
4. Other UN Opportunities for Young Talent
In addition to the JPO and SDP Programmes, the UN system offers various other opportunities for young professionals, including:
- UNDP-UNV Talent Programme for Young Professionals with Disabilities
- UNV Youth Volunteers Programme
- New and Emerging Talent Initiative (NETI) – UNICEF
- Young Professionals Programme (YPP) – UNESCO, UN Secretariat, World Bank
These programmes provide young professionals with unique pathways to meaningful roles in international development.
