Apply for the UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2025–2026! Open to eligible countries, the program offers entry-level careers at the UN Secretariat through exams and professional development opportunities.
The United Nations Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a prestigious entry-point for talented, highly qualified professionals who aspire to start a career as international civil servants with the UN Secretariat. This competitive program combines an annual entrance examination with professional development opportunities for those successful in the selection process.
The YPP 2025–2026 cycle is now open for eligible countries, providing young professionals the chance to contribute to global peace, development, and humanitarian initiatives while gaining valuable international experience.
About the UN YPP
The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) aims to recruit and train the next generation of international civil servants. It provides:
- Professional development and mentorship for early-career professionals.
- Exposure to a wide range of international policy areas, including human rights, global communications, finance, administration, political affairs, and more.
- Opportunities to serve in UN duty stations worldwide, including New York, Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna, Bangkok, Santiago, and Addis Ababa.
Through the program, successful candidates develop skills essential for addressing complex global challenges, including sustainable development, humanitarian assistance, and multilateral diplomacy.
Who Can Apply for the UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2025–2026?
Nationality
- Must be a national of a participating UN Member State.
- Nationals from participating countries are listed in the YPP Exam Cycles section.
- Candidates with dual nationality should apply under the country where they meet eligibility requirements.
Age
- Candidates must be 32 years or younger in the year of the examination.
Education
- Minimum requirement: first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent 3-year degree) relevant to the chosen exam area.
- A Master’s degree may provide eligibility for P-2 level placement depending on experience.
Language
- Fluency in English or French is mandatory.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages is an advantage.
Work Experience
- Not strictly required for P-1 level candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
- P-2 level candidates require either a bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of work experience or a master’s degree with no work experience.
Participating Countries
The YPP is open to nationals of selected underrepresented countries, and the list varies each year. Some of the countries in the 2025–2026 cycle include:
- A–K: Andorra, Angola, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait
- L–R: Lao PDR, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar
- S–Z: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, UAE, USA, Vanuatu, Viet Nam
For a full and updated list of participating countries, always refer to the YPP Exam Cycles section on the UN Careers portal.
YPP Application Process
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Carefully review nationality, age, education, and language requirements.
Step 2: Review Job Opening
- Job openings are posted in Inspira or the UN Careers portal.
- Review requirements carefully to ensure eligibility.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
- Watch the YPP Application Guide Videos (Parts 1 & 2).
- Prepare and submit your application via Inspira, including CV, motivation letter, and supporting documents.
Step 4: Application Screening
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility: nationality, age, education, and language.
- If more than 90 applicants from the same country are eligible for an exam area, applicants may be ranked based on:
- Highest level of education
- Knowledge of official UN languages
- Relevant work experience
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YPP Examination Overview
The YPP exam typically occurs in three stages:
1. Online Exam – Stage One
- Multiple-choice questions (general and specialized)
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Language: English or French
2. Online Exam – Stage Two
- Constructed-response (open-ended) questions
- Duration: 2–2.5 hours
- Certain questions must be answered in English or French; others may be in any UN official language
- May be proctored remotely
3. Interview Stage
- Competency-based video-conference interview
- Assesses UN core values, reasoning, written communication, and specialized knowledge
- Candidate identity and performance may be verified at any stage
Result Notification and Recruitment
- Candidates are informed of examination results at each stage.
- Successful candidates are placed on a three-year roster used to fill relevant vacancies at UN Secretariat offices globally.
- Placement on the roster does not guarantee employment, but provides eligibility for future positions.
Type and Level of Contract
- Initial contracts are two-year fixed-term, with possibility of renewal or continuing appointment based on performance.
- Placement levels:
- P-1: Bachelor’s degree, no work experience
- P-2: Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of experience or Master’s degree, no experience
Location of First Placement
- UN duty stations worldwide, including New York, Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna, Bangkok, Santiago, and Addis Ababa
- Staff must serve at least two years in initial placement before reassignment
Managed Reassignment Programme (MRP)
- After 2 years in first position, junior professionals may apply for reassignment to diversify skills and career development.
YPP Estimated Timeline (2025–2026)
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Period | October – December |
| Application Screening | December – January |
| Assessment Process | February – May |
| Interviews & Results | June – July |
Timelines may vary slightly each year. Candidates are encouraged to monitor the UN Careers portal for updates.
Examination Subject Areas
YPP examinations are offered in various functional areas depending on UN Secretariat needs, including:
- Global Communications
- Human Resources & Administration
- Political Affairs & Human Rights
- Finance & Budget
Career Opportunities After YPP
- Successful candidates begin as P-1 or P-2 level professionals.
- Potential career paths include policy development, international law, humanitarian affairs, finance, and administration.
- Participation in MRP allows further career diversification and skill enhancement.
- Opportunities to work in multiple UN duty stations and field offices worldwide.
Success Stories
Many YPP alumni have become senior UN officials, leading impactful initiatives in:
- Sustainable Development Goals implementation
- Global health and humanitarian missions
- Peacekeeping and conflict resolution programs
- Human rights advocacy and policy development
These stories inspire new YPP candidates to pursue a meaningful career in international public service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions
- How often are YPP exams held?
Annually, with participating countries varying by year.
Nationality & Eligibility
- Can I apply if I have dual nationality?
Yes, you may apply under the country that meets eligibility requirements. - I am not a national of a participating country; can I apply?
No, the program is limited to eligible countries each year.
Education & Age
- Can I apply if I am turning 33 in the year of the exam?
No, candidates must be 32 or younger. - What if I have not yet received my diploma?
You may attach proof of completion from your university.
Application & Examination
- When should I apply?
Typically between October and December. - Is work experience required?
Required only for P-2 level candidates. - What is the format of the examination?
Two-stage online exam plus competency-based interview.
Career Prospects
- What type of contract is offered?
Two-year fixed-term at P-1 or P-2 level, with potential for continuing appointment. - How long will it take to be recruited from the roster?
Placement depends on vacancy availability; roster is valid for three years.
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