The UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2026 is a prestigious recruitment initiative designed for highly qualified professionals looking to begin a career as an international civil servant with the United Nations Secretariat. The programme combines a competitive entrance examination with structured professional development, preparing participants for impactful roles in global governance, policy, and administration.
Open to nationals of participating countries, the YPP provides an opportunity to contribute directly to international development, peace, security, and human rights initiatives, while gaining experience on high-impact projects across UN duty stations worldwide.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of countries participating in the YPP 2026.
- Education: At least a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent, minimum three-year program) relevant to the exam area.
- Age: Applicants must be 32 years or younger in the year of the examination.
- Language: Fluency in English or French is required.
Application Process
- Confirm Eligibility
Carefully review eligibility criteria to ensure compliance with nationality, age, education, and language requirements. - Review Job Openings
YPP job openings are posted via the UN Careers Portal and Inspira platform. Openings are subject-specific and country-specific. - Prepare Your Application
- Watch the YPP Application Guide Videos (Part 1 and Part 2).
- Complete all application sections accurately, including education and employment history.
- Attach all required documents, including government-issued ID and academic certificates.
- Application Evaluation
Applications are screened for basic eligibility. In cases where more than 90 eligible applicants exist per country/exam area, ranking considers:- Highest level of education
- Knowledge of UN official languages
- Relevant work experience
YPP Examination Structure
Stage 1: Online Exam
- Format: Multiple-choice questions (general and specialized)
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Language: English or French
Stage 2: Online Exam (Specialized)
- Format: Constructed response (open-ended) questions
- Duration: 2–2.5 hours
- Language: English, French, or other UN official languages (depending on the question)
- May be proctored remotely
Interview Stage
- Competency-based video-conference interview for candidates who pass the written examination.
- Focuses on assessing UN core values, professional competencies, and relevant knowledge.
Recruitment & Placement for UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2026
- Successful candidates are placed on a roster used to fill vacancies within the UN Secretariat.
- Roster validity: 3 years; placement does not guarantee immediate employment.
- Contract Type: Two-year fixed-term contract; potential for a continuing contract upon satisfactory performance.
- Level:
- P-1: Bachelor’s degree, no work experience
- P-2: Bachelor’s degree + 2 years experience or Master’s degree, no experience
First Placement Locations
Candidates may be placed in any UN Secretariat duty station, including but not limited to:
- Addis Ababa
- Bangkok
- Beirut
- Geneva
- Nairobi
- New York
- Santiago
- Vienna
Managed Reassignment Programme (MRP)
After two years in the first placement, junior professionals may participate in MRP, allowing reassignment to another position or duty station to diversify experience and develop skills.
Key Benefits of the YPP
- Launch a career in international civil service
- Gain experience at the heart of the UN Secretariat
- Contribute to global policy-making and development initiatives
- Access professional development and mentorship opportunities
- Opportunities to work at various duty stations worldwide
Exam Timeline (2026 Reference)
| Step | Timeline | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Application Period | June – July | Review openings and submit applications via Inspira |
| Screening | August – October | Eligibility review and convocation to exams |
| Assessment Process | November – March | Online exams, grading, and verification |
| Interviews & Results | April – June | Interview stage and notification of results |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
Q: How often are YPP examinations held?
A: Once a year, in various subject areas depending on UN requirements.
Q: What exam subjects are offered?
A: Exam subjects vary based on UN Secretariat needs each year.
Nationality
Q: I am not a national of a country listed. Can I apply?
A: No, only nationals of participating countries are eligible.
Q: Do I need to prove my nationality?
A: Yes, you must provide a government-issued photo ID listing your nationality.
Q: I have multiple nationalities. Am I eligible?
A: Only your nationality of the participating country is considered for eligibility.
Age, Education & Work Experience
Q: I will be 33 this year. Can I apply?
A: No, candidates must be 32 years or younger in the examination year.
Q: Is work experience required?
A: No, work experience is not mandatory, but relevant experience may be used for ranking if applicant numbers exceed limits.
Q: I recently completed my Bachelor’s degree. Can I apply?
A: Yes, but you must attach documentation proving degree completion.
Application Process
Q: When should I apply?
A: The application period typically opens in June and closes in July each year.
Q: Can I modify my application after submission?
A: Minor corrections can be made if the submission is withdrawn and resubmitted before the deadline.
Examination
Q: What is the format of the YPP exam?
A: Stage 1 – Multiple choice (2 hours). Stage 2 – Constructed response (2–2.5 hours). Successful candidates proceed to interviews.
Q: Are preparation materials available?
A: Yes, candidates invited to the exam receive access to the UN Online Examinations & Tests System, including suggested readings and sample questions.
Career Prospects
Q: What type of contract is offered?
A: A two-year fixed-term contract at either P-1 or P-2 level, with potential for a continuing contract upon satisfactory performance.
Q: What locations will I be assigned to?
A: Candidates may be assigned to any UN Secretariat duty station or field operation.
Q: How long is placement on the YPP roster valid?
A: Three years; candidates are considered for vacancies as they arise.
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