About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The United Nations Young Professionals Programme (UN YPP) is a recruitment initiative designed to give talented and highly qualified young professionals an opportunity to begin a career as an international civil servant with the United Nations Secretariat.
The programme combines a competitive entrance examination with professional development opportunities for successful candidates after they begin their UN careers.
The YPP examination is organised once a year, with participating subject areas determined according to the staffing needs of the United Nations. The programme is open only to nationals of countries participating in a particular year's examination cycle.
Because participating countries and examination areas can change from year to year, prospective applicants should always check the latest official YPP information before applying.
What Is the UN Young Professionals Programme?
The UN Young Professionals Programme is an entry pathway into the United Nations Secretariat for qualified professionals from participating countries.
Candidates go through an examination and selection process. Those who successfully complete the process and are appointed to positions through the programme can begin a professional career within the UN system.
The programme is therefore different from a short-term internship or fellowship. It is a recruitment programme connected to professional employment with the UN Secretariat.
Who Can Apply for the UN YPP?
Applicants must meet the programme's basic eligibility requirements concerning nationality, education, age and language.
1. Nationality
Applicants must be nationals of a country participating in the relevant YPP examination cycle.
The list of participating countries is not necessarily the same every year. Candidates should therefore check the current YPP Exam Cycles information before preparing an application.
2. Education
Applicants need at least a first-level university degree that is relevant to the examination area.
This generally means a relevant Bachelor's degree or a three-year equivalent university degree, depending on the requirements of the particular examination.
Applicants should carefully review the job opening for the specific examination area because academic requirements may be tied to the subject being recruited.
3. Age
Candidates must be 32 years old or younger in the year in which the examination is held.
Applicants should use the age requirement for the specific examination cycle when determining their eligibility.
4. Language
Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the following official UN working languages specified by the programme:
English
French
Participating Countries
Participation in the UN YPP is limited to nationals of countries included in the relevant examination cycle.
The participating-country list can change from year to year, so applicants should not assume that participation in a previous cycle guarantees participation in a future cycle.
Before applying, check the latest YPP Exam Cycles information to confirm whether your country is included.
When Does the YPP Application Open?
The YPP application period typically opens in June each year.
However, the exact opening date, examination areas and participating countries depend on the needs and decisions of the United Nations for that particular cycle.
Applicants should monitor the official UN Careers and YPP platforms for announcements.
How to Apply for the UN Young Professionals Programme
The application process involves several stages.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Start by checking whether you meet the basic requirements for:
Nationality.
Age.
Education.
Language.
You should also confirm that your country is included in the relevant YPP examination cycle.
Step 2: Review the Job Opening
YPP applications are associated with specific examination areas.
When the application period opens, relevant job openings can be accessed through the UN Inspira recruitment platform or the UN Careers Job Opening portal.
Read the job opening carefully to determine whether your qualifications and background match the requirements for the particular examination area.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Applicants should carefully prepare their application and provide accurate information about their education, experience and qualifications.
The UN also provides application guidance to help candidates understand the process.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the official YPP Application Guide before submitting their application.
How Are YPP Applications Evaluated?
After applications are submitted, they are screened to determine whether candidates meet the basic eligibility requirements.
These include:
Nationality.
Age.
Education.
Language.
Additional screening may take place when a large number of eligible applicants from the same country apply for the same examination area.
How to apply
Application details
To apply for this opportunity, please contact the provider directly. Make sure you have your CV, personal statement, and any required documents ready.