LocationsUN Young Talent Programmes managed by JPOSC
Roxani is a Finnish JPO currently working at UNDP's Regional Hub for the Arab States in Jordan.
Gabriel (far left) is a JPO currently working at UNDP in Nepal
The UNDP JPO Service Centre (JPOSC) is an end-to-end service centre dedicated to the management and administration of the JPO and SDP Programmes of UNDP and several other UN Organizations.
The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme is a great opportunity for young talented professionals to get a foothold in the UN system. The Programme provides young professionals pursuing a career in development with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in multilateral technical cooperation and international development.
JPOs work in a wide range of practice areas: poverty eradication and economic development, structural transformation, resilience building, but also in gender, partnerships and external relations, management, etc. A typical JPO is under 32 years old, strongly committed to international development issues, with a master’s degree, proficiency in English, and 2-4 years of relevant work experience.
In terms of benefits and entitlements, JPOs are normally recruited at the P2 level (junior entry level for internationally recruited staff members). The JPO appointment is governed by the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.
The Specialist Development Programme (SDP) Launched in 2016, the Specialist Development Programme (SDP) seeks to strengthen UNDP’s work in supporting countries to make the 2030 sustainable development agenda a reality.
The Programme aims to: 1) augment UNDP’s capacity to support the implementation of the SDGs with a particular focus on crisis countries and the humanitarian development nexus, and 2) attract the expertise and skills needed in support of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
The SDP Programme is a partner funded programme implemented within the framework of the JPO Programme. It focuses on strengthening UNDP’s capacity to support the implementation of the SDGs and provide an integrator function to support countries in their efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda.
The Programme includes roles at the P3 level in UNDP country, regional or headquarters office in the following areas:
· Support to the UNDP Resident Representative in programme and policy as well as partnerships and communication areas related to the SDG implementation and the UNDP integrator function.
· Support to UNDP global and regional priorities for SDG implementation and integration to support the greatest possible contribution by UNDP to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
Other UNDP opportunities for Young Talent
In addition to the UNDP JPO and SDP Programmes, UNDP offers internships opportunities.
Internships at UNDP are a great opportunity for students and recent graduates to acquire direct exposure to UNDP's work.
Opportunities are available in a variety of areas and every attempt is made to match the interests of the intern with the needs of the organization. Check UNDP Career Site and discover your development internship!
Internships can take place in UNDP Country Offices, at Regional Hubs or at Headquarters in New York. The duration of an internship assignment varies in length according to the availability and academic requirements of the intern, as well as the needs of UNDP. Assignments are available on a part-time and full-time basis throughout the year.
Other UN opportunities for Young Talent
The UN System offers many other employment opportunities through specific programmes targeting young professionals. Among others:
UNDP-UNV Talent Programme for Young Professionals with Disabilites
UNV - Youth Volunteers Programme
New and Emerging Talent Initiative (NETI) - UNICEF
The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) - UNESCO