The Young Professionals Programme is one of the main entry routes into the United Nations Secretariat for people early in their careers. It is run as a competitive examination, and getting through it places you on a roster from which posts are filled.
What the YPP is
The YPP is an annual, competitive recruitment exam run by the UN Secretariat to bring entry-level Professional staff (around the P-1 to P-2 level) into the organization. It is aimed at talented people at the start of their careers rather than experienced specialists.
Who is eligible
- A first-level university degree in a field relevant to the year’s exam.
- Being under the age limit set for the exam year (commonly around 32 or younger).
- Fluency in English or French.
- Holding the nationality of a participating country. The list changes each year and focuses on countries under-represented in the Secretariat, so check it before applying.
The job families change each year
The exam is held in a set of specific job families or fields that vary annually, for example administration, statistics, human rights or political affairs. You apply to one field, so make sure your degree and experience match what is offered that year.
The selection process
After application and eligibility screening, shortlisted candidates sit a written examination in their field, then a competency-based interview. Successful candidates are placed on a roster and may then be offered a position as vacancies arise. The full cycle takes many months, so patience is essential.
Other early-career routes
If you are not eligible for the YPP, the Junior Professional Officer programme, UN Volunteers and internships are other recognised ways in. Each has its own conditions, and they are worth pursuing in parallel.