The UNDP Trainee Programme 2026 offers a fully funded two-year international assignment for young professionals from UNDP programme countries. Learn eligibility, benefits, duties, and how to apply.
Overview
The UNDP Trainee Programme (Graduate Programme) 2026 is one of the most prestigious entry-level pathways into the United Nations system. Designed for young professionals from UNDP programme countries, the programme helps build the next generation of global development leaders while strengthening diversity, innovation and technical capacity within UNDP.
Launched in 2021, the Graduate Programme is now one of UNDP’s most competitive youth pipelines, with more than 75,000 applications across its first two cohorts.
Successful trainees receive a two-year international assignment, a comprehensive professional development package, and exposure to multilateral work environments.
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Summary Table for UNDP Trainee Programme 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | UNDP Graduate (Trainee) Programme 2026 |
| Duration | 2-year international assignment |
| Locations | UNDP Country Offices, Regional Bureaux, HQ (New York) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s or Master’s graduates from UNDP programme countries |
| Experience Required | 0–3 years depending on academic level |
| Languages | English (required); French/Arabic/Spanish optional |
| Streams | Programme & Policy; Corporate Operations |
| Salary/Benefits | UNDP employment package + relocation + insurance |
| Application Period | Next recruitment campaign to be announced |
| Target Groups | Women, first-generation graduates, minorities, persons with disabilities |
What Is the UNDP Graduate Programme?
The UNDP Graduate Programme—often called the UNDP Trainee Programme—is a two-year structured career pathway that places talented graduates in UNDP offices worldwide. The aim is to:
- Strengthen workforce diversity
- Build a talent pipeline for future UNDP staff
- Equip young professionals with technical, operational and leadership skills
- Accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Graduates work alongside development specialists, policymakers, innovation teams and government partners.
Where Trainees Are Assigned
Trainees are deployed to international duty stations including:
- UNDP Headquarters (New York, USA)
- Regional hubs in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Pacific and Europe
- Country offices such as Samoa, Bhutan, Jamaica, Maldives, the Philippines, Turkey, Thailand, PNG, Timor Leste, and others
Assignments depend on programme needs.
Who Can Apply
To qualify for the 2026 UNDP Trainee Programme, applicants must meet the following:
Nationality
- Must be a citizen of a UNDP programme country.
- Women, minority groups, indigenous groups, persons with disabilities, and first-generation university graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Academic Requirements
You must have:
Option 1:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent)
- Maximum 1 year of relevant work experience
OR
Option 2:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 2 years and maximum 3 years of relevant work experience
Additional Requirements
- Strong interest in international development and the SDGs
- Systems-thinking, innovation and/or digital skills
- Fluency in English
- Knowledge of French, Arabic or Spanish is an asset
- Willingness to relocate internationally for 24 months
Programme Streams
Trainees are recruited under two specialized tracks:
Programme and Policy Stream
Work focuses on:
- SDG implementation
- Programme design
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Climate action
- Governance
- Crisis recovery
- Inclusive growth & digital development
Corporate Operations Stream
Focused on:
- HR
- Finance
- Procurement
- Administration
- Oversight and compliance
- Business services
Both streams provide deep exposure to UNDP’s operational systems.
What the Programme Offers
Two-Year International Assignment
Trainees are deployed for a full 24-month placement in a UNDP duty station abroad.
Learning and Formation Journey
A structured capacity-building pathway including:
- Technical training
- Leadership development
- Digital and innovation workshops
- Coaching and mentorship
- Peer learning
- On-the-job exposure
Career Development
The programme serves as:
- A pipeline into future UNDP staff roles
- A foundation for UN system careers
- A valuable global professional network
How to Apply for the UNDP Trainee Programme 2026
Applications will open once the next recruitment cycle is announced. When the call is published:
Step 1 – Visit the UNDP Careers Page
Go to the official UNDP Jobs Platform and search for “Graduate Programme”.
Step 2 – Create an Account
Register your profile and upload required documents:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate(s)
Step 3 – Submit Online Screening Questions
Candidates must complete competency-based and background-related questions.
Step 4 – Assessments and Interviews
Shortlisted applicants undergo:
- Aptitude testing
- Written assessments
- Competency-based interviews
Step 5 – Talent Pool and Deployment
Selected applicants join the Graduate Programme talent pool, from which candidates are deployed to duty stations.
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Related Opportunities on Flex Jobs Space
- UNDP 100% Remote Volunteer Assignments 2026 – Paid & Fully Funded
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- UNICEF Remote Internship 2026 – Paid International Opportunities
- Global Fellowships & Skills Training Programs 2025
FAQs
Is the UNDP Trainee Programme paid?
Yes. Trainees receive full UNDP employment packages, including salary, benefits, leave and insurance.
Do I need experience to apply?
Yes.
- Master’s graduates: max 1 year of experience
- Bachelor’s graduates: 2–3 years of experience
Can I choose the country assignment?
No. Placement is based on UNDP needs, but preferences may be considered.
How competitive is the programme?
Extremely. Previous rounds attracted 38,000+ applicants per cohort.
When will 2026 applications open?
UNDP will announce the next call soon; updates will appear on the official UNDP Careers site.
Keywords
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