UNDP's work
UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Our mission and vision
UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life.
Our signature solutions
Our Strategic Plan is centred around six core development areas, known as our signature solutions:
- Poverty and Inequality: Boosting job creation and social protection, investing in social services and financial inclusion.
- Governance: Supporting rights, accountability, rule of law and people’s participation.
- Resilience: Taking a development approach to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, disaster risk reduction and crisis response.
- Environment: Supporting policy and financing choices that protect, manage and value natural assets.
- Energy: Increasing energy access for those furthest behind and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.
- Gender Equality: Investing in women’s economic empowerment, leadership and role in peacebuilding.
Through these, we help countries meet evolving priorities, address structural barriers and create opportunities for a sustainable, inclusive future.
Our promise is to support countries solve immediate development challenges and shift underlying structures towards green, inclusive and digital pathways.
How do we do this?
Our diverse and highly skilled people are our most important resource - ensuring that UNDP delivers on our promise to build resilient societies and help countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals across the globe.
Our workforce is composed of:
- Over 20,000 passionate people who share the same set of values and bring a range of expertise, experience and competencies.
- Working in 170 countries and territories under a variety of different contract types.
- Working in different priority areas, ranging from governance to resilience, and from environment to gender equality.
Join a life-changing mission
UNDP’s mission is an ambitious one: to lead the United Nations in its fight to address inequality and create a world free of poverty, all while empowering women and protecting the planet. At UNDP, we seek to recruit people who share our transformational vision for the future and our commitment to change.
Our promise to you in return? A workplace centred around:
- A Community of Purpose: Collaboration, shared purpose, team spirit, and valuing diversity.
- Next Generation Thinking Innovation, flexibility, and embracing technology, and
- Personal Growth: Continuous learning, professional development, and abundant opportunities.
You are not just taking on a job – you're building a career.
If you are interested in joining a life-changing mission, you can follow us:
Interested in joining our mission?
Apply for open vacancies: Apply Now
Assess your fit with UNDP: Self-Assessment