The UN YPP 2025 Global Communications exam is now open, offering young professionals from eligible countries a pathway into P-1/P-2 UN Secretariat roles. Learn about eligibility, exam stages, important dates, responsibilities and expert tips for applying successfully.
Overview
The United Nations has officially announced the opening of the Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2025 for the Global Communications exam area. This prestigious entry-level recruitment initiative targets talented young individuals who aspire to build a long-term career within the UN Secretariat.
Those who pass the rigorous multi-stage YPP examination process are placed on a three-year roster used to fill P-1/P-2 positions across UN duty stations worldwide. Duty stations may include New York, Geneva, Nairobi, Bangkok, Beirut, Vienna, Santiago, Addis Ababa and numerous field locations.
The 2025 intake focuses on the Global Communications job family, a crucial area supporting the UN’s global narrative, public messaging, media relations, digital communication and reputation management.
The application deadline is 14 December 2025.
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel, and connect with us on LinkedIn.
What the Global Communications YPP Covers
The Global Communications exam assesses expertise across public information, strategic communications, multimedia production and media engagement. Candidates must be able to support the UN’s mission through communication initiatives, storytelling, research and digital engagement.
Topics covered in the exam and expected competencies include:
- Public relations and campaign management
- Media analysis and monitoring
- Strategic communication planning
- Multimedia content creation (video, audio, visual, digital)
- Writing and editing public-facing materials
- Digital and social media communication
- Crisis communication and reputational risk monitoring
- Advocacy and outreach
- Data-driven insights for communication strategies
The exam is designed to evaluate whether candidates can operate effectively in an international, fast-paced communication environment.
Responsibilities of a UN YPP Associate Communications Officer
Successful candidates placed in communications roles may work in headquarters, regional offices, UN information centres or field locations. Key tasks include:
- Monitoring global media narratives and identifying reputational risks
- Drafting compelling stories, messages and communication materials
- Producing multimedia assets such as video clips, radio content, graphics and web stories
- Planning and coordinating press conferences, events and briefings
- Supporting communication campaigns tailored to specific target audiences
- Maintaining relationships with global and local media outlets
- Gathering data and preparing visual insights for reporting and decision-making
- Supporting strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
- Ensuring gender inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in all communications
- Staying updated on global trends, crisis developments and emerging technology tools
These activities ensure that communications officers help shape how the UN informs, engages and inspires global audiences.
Eligibility Requirements for UN YPP 2025
To apply for the Global Communications YPP exam, candidates must:
- Hold at least a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent, minimum of 3 years) in one of the following fields:
- Arts
- Business & Administration
- Computing
- Journalism & Information
- Humanities
- Social & Behavioural Sciences
- Be 32 years old or younger by 31 December 2025
- Be fluent in English or French (UN Level II or higher)
- Be a national of one of the participating countries
Participating Countries for UN YPP 2025
A selection of eligible countries includes:
Andorra, Angola, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, DPRK, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Liberia, Libya, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, UAE, USA, Vanuatu, Viet Nam … among others.
Only nationals of these countries may apply.
Important Dates for UN YPP 2025
- Application Deadline: 14 December 2025
- Written Exam Part I: Likely February 2026
- Written Exam Part II: 1–2 months after Part I
- Oral Examination: Expected June 2026
- Roster Placement: After interviews conclude
The written exam occurs in two stages, and only high-scoring candidates move on.
YPP Exam Stages
The recruitment process includes three major phases:
1. Application Screening
The UN screens all applications for eligibility. If more than 90 applicants from one country apply for Global Communications, priority ranking will factor in:
- Highest education level
- Additional UN language knowledge
- Relevant work experience
2. Online Written Examination
The written exam has two parts:
Part I (February 2026)
- General Paper (assesses international reasoning, analytical skills and situational judgment)
- Specialized Paper Part I (multiple-choice questions on communications topics)
Part II (1–2 months later)
- Specialized Paper Part II (open-ended questions, long responses and scenario-based tasks)
Only candidates who pass Part I are invited to Part II.
3. Oral Examination (June 2026)
A virtual competency-based interview assessing:
- Professionalism
- Client orientation
- Creativity
- Communication ability
- Problem-solving
- Understanding of UN communication principles
Documents Applicants Must Submit
Mandatory documents (scanned and uploaded in the application):
- Valid passport or official national ID
- Copy of university diploma/transcript
- Exact name of academic programme (in original language + English/French translation)
Failure to attach these documents results in automatic disqualification.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the UN YPP 2025 Global Communications exam:
- Visit careers.un.org/ypp.
- Click on the Global Communications (P-2) Job Opening.
- Log into your Inspira account or create one.
- Complete the online application form carefully — no edits allowed after submission.
- Upload:
- Government-issued ID
- Diploma/transcript
- Any additional language certificates (optional but helpful)
- In the Main Course of Study dropdown, choose the closest match to your degree — DO NOT select “Other.”
- Submit your application before 11:59 PM (New York time) on 14 December 2025.
- Watch your email for exam convocation updates.
Tip: Enable the Inspira virtual assistant ALBA to help answer application questions.
APPLY NOW
UN YPP 2025 Recruitment
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel, and connect with us on LinkedIn.
Related Opportunities on Flex Jobs Space
- UNDP 100% Remote Volunteer Assignments 2026 – Paid & Fully Funded
- Mercy Corps Global Fellowship 2026 – Fully Funded Training + Monthly Stipend
- UNICEF Remote Internship 2026 – Paid International Opportunities
- Global Fellowships & Skills Training Programs 2025
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | UN YPP 2025 – Global Communications |
| Level | P-1/P-2 Entry-Level |
| Deadline | 14 December 2025 |
| Exam Part I | February 2026 (tentative) |
| Exam Part II | March–April 2026 (tentative) |
| Oral Exam | June 2026 |
| Age Limit | 32 or younger |
| Degree Fields | Arts, Journalism, Business, Computing, Humanities, Social Sciences |
| Nationality | Must be from eligible YPP 2025 countries |
| Work Experience | Not required |
| Languages | English or French |
| Duty Stations | Global – NY, Geneva, Nairobi, Bangkok, Beirut, Vienna, etc. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I have no work experience?
Yes. Work experience is not required, but may help if your country has many applicants.
Can I choose my duty station after passing?
No. Placement depends on UN needs — you must be willing to relocate anywhere.
How competitive is YPP?
Extremely. Thousands apply each year. Only 60 per country move to Part II.
Is passing the exam a guarantee of a job?
No. Passing places you on a roster for three years. Selection occurs based on vacancies.
Can I apply if my exact degree is not in the dropdown?
Yes — choose the closest field, then type your exact title in the comment box.
Final Thoughts
The UN YPP 2025 Global Communications track represents one of the few entry points into the UN system for young professionals without prior experience. It is highly competitive but equally rewarding for those committed to international public service, communication strategy and global impact.
Start early, prepare thoroughly and tailor your application to align with UN competencies. With dedication, strong writing skills and strategic preparation, you can position yourself for success in one of the world’s most respected recruitment programmes.
Keywords: UN YPP 2025, Global Communications YPP, UN Careers 2025, UN P-2 recruitment, YPP exam 2026 dates, YPP eligibility requirements, careers.un.org, UN entry-level jobs, public information UN, strategic communication UN jobs.
