The UNDP Graduate Programme offers talented young graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience in international development, sustainable development, and global policy work.
The programme is designed to build the next generation of development professionals while strengthening UNDP’s workforce with diverse perspectives and innovative skills.
About the UNDP Graduate Programme
Launched in 2021, the UNDP Graduate Programme provides recent graduates from UNDP programme countries with opportunities to work in:
- UNDP country offices
- Regional offices
- Headquarters locations
The programme creates a pathway for young professionals to contribute to projects supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while developing careers within the international development sector.
Previous recruitment campaigns attracted tens of thousands of applicants from more than 130 UNDP programme countries, with selected graduates deployed across multiple regions worldwide.
Who Can Apply?
The programme targets talented young professionals who meet the following requirements:
Nationality
Applicants must:
- Come from a UNDP programme country
- Demonstrate interest in international development careers
UNDP encourages applications from:
- Women
- Minority groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Persons with disabilities
- First-generation university graduates
Education and Experience Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following pathways:
Master’s Degree Pathway
Candidates must have:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
- A maximum of one year of relevant work experience
Bachelor’s Degree Pathway
Candidates must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Between two and three years of relevant work experience
Skills and Competencies Required
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong interest in international development
- Commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals
- Systems-thinking abilities
- Innovation skills
- Digital skills
- Strong communication abilities
Language requirements include:
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
- Knowledge of French, Arabic, or Spanish may be an advantage or required for some positions
Applicants must also be willing to live and work in another country for a two-year assignment.
What the UNDP Graduate Programme Offers
International Assignment
Selected graduates receive a two-year international assignment with a UNDP office.
Participants work in areas connected to sustainable development through two main streams:
Programme and Policy
Participants contribute to:
- UNDP programmes
- Development projects
- Policy initiatives
- Sustainable development activities
Corporate Operations
Participants support:
- Management services
- Organisational policies
- Internal processes
- Programme implementation systems
Personal Growth and Professional Development
The programme includes a customised learning journey designed to help graduates:
- Expand their knowledge
- Develop professional capabilities
- Gain real-world experience
- Learn from development experts
- Build careers in the UN system
Participants gain exposure to:
- Multilateral cooperation
- International development practices
- Global sustainability initiatives
Global Experience and Career Benefits
The UNDP Graduate Programme helps young professionals:
- Start careers in international development
- Gain experience working with a global organisation
- Develop leadership skills
- Build international networks
- Contribute to projects improving communities worldwide
Previous Graduate Deployment Locations
Graduates from earlier cohorts have worked in locations including:
- United States (UN Headquarters, New York)
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Mongolia
- Bhutan
- Maldives
- Samoa
- Papua New Guinea
- Timor-Leste
- Jamaica
- Micronesia
- Solomon Islands
Ideal Candidates
The programme is suitable for graduates interested in:
- International development
- Public policy
- Sustainability
- Digital transformation
- Global affairs
- Human development
- UN careers
- Social impact projects
Application Updates
The next UNDP Graduate Programme recruitment campaign is currently under consideration. Future announcements will be shared by UNDP when available.
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