This year, the United Nations (UN) is organizing recruitment through the Young Professionals Programme (YPP) focusing on development and sustainable development. Young individuals holding degrees in fields such as economics, social issues, data science, environmental protection, and sustainable development can apply.
There is no fee to participate in this program, and candidates without work experience can also submit applications, as work experience is not a mandatory requirement. However, applicants must meet the established requirements regarding education, age, language skills, and citizenship of the country in which they are participating. Applications are submitted via the Inspira portal, so it is crucial to carefully check the educational information and required documents when filling out the form.
The Young Professionals Programme aims to encourage youth to gain their first job. The goal of this initiative is to attract talented young people from around the world to the UN Secretariat. Candidates who successfully pass all selection stages are included in the roster.
Candidates who successfully complete the selection process are added to a roster valid for three years. After this period, when a position becomes vacant at the UN, a choice is made from this list. However, it should be noted that inclusion in the roster does not guarantee employment. Successful candidates are provided with a fixed-term contract for two years, which may be converted to permanent based on high performance.
The main focus of the YPP 2026 selection is on the theme of development and sustainable development. Selected staff members may be assigned to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), as well as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and various regional commissions. Regarding placement locations, young people can secure global positions in places such as New York, Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, and Santiago.
Candidates applying for these positions must have at least a three-year bachelor's degree. Specializations may relate to subjects such as economics, statistics, data science, ecology, social issues, or courses in sustainable development.
The applicant's age must be 32 years or younger (meaning the candidate must have been born on January 1, 1994, or later). Furthermore, candidates must possess good knowledge of English and French.