Apply for the UN Young Professionals Programme 2026 (Global Communications) — a pathway for graduates to launch their UN careers. Deadline: 14 December 2025.
Launch Your United Nations Career in Global Communications – Apply by 14 December 2025
The United Nations Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is now open for applications for the 2026 Global Communications exam area, offering talented young graduates from eligible countries a prestigious pathway to a career as an international civil servant within the UN Secretariat.
This year’s YPP recruitment focuses on Global Communications (Public Information) — an area at the heart of how the UN informs, inspires, and mobilizes global audiences.
Job Title: YPP Exam: Global Communications (External Applicants)
Category & Level: Professional (P-2)
Department/Office: Department of Operational Support
Duty Stations: New York, Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna, Bangkok, Santiago, Addis Ababa, Beirut, and other UN offices worldwide
Application Deadline: 14 December 2025 (11:59 p.m. New York Time)
Job Opening ID: 265848
About the UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP)
The UN YPP is a competitive recruitment initiative for talented, highly qualified young professionals who want to start a career with the United Nations Secretariat.
Successful applicants who pass the exam are placed on a three-year eligibility roster and may be selected for entry-level Professional (P-1/P-2) roles across the UN system.
Those recruited receive a two-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of a continuing appointment based on performance.
Exam Area: Global Communications
The 2026 YPP focuses on Global Communications, preparing participants for careers in public information, strategic communications, digital media, campaign management, and multimedia production within the UN system.
As an Associate Communications Officer, you may work in:
- The Department of Global Communications (DGC) or its worldwide network of UN Information Centres
- The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA)
- The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
- The Department of Peace Operations (DPO)
Positions can be based at UN Headquarters or field offices around the world.
Key Responsibilities for UN Young Professionals Programme 2026
Associate Communications Officers contribute to the UN’s global information and public engagement efforts by:
- Developing communication strategies to raise awareness and drive engagement with global audiences.
- Monitoring media trends and analyzing public narratives to inform communications planning.
- Creating multimedia content — from videos and social media posts to press releases and infographics.
- Organizing press conferences, campaigns, and media events.
- Managing partnerships with journalists, influencers, and strategic stakeholders.
- Drafting reports and public information materials on UN programmes and priorities.
- Supporting crisis communication and advocacy initiatives at country and regional levels.
- Analyzing data and using digital insights to improve outreach performance.
This role is ideal for graduates passionate about international affairs, media, and storytelling for impact.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the UN YPP 2026 (Global Communications), candidates must meet all of the following requirements:
- Nationality:
Must hold the nationality of one of the participating Member States for 2025, including:
Andorra, Angola, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United States, Viet Nam, among others.
(Full list available on careers.un.org/ypp.) - Age:
Must be 32 years old or younger by 31 December 2025
(born on or after 1 January 1993). - Education:
Must hold at least a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in one of the following fields:- Arts
- Journalism & Information
- Business & Administration
- Computing
- Humanities
- Social & Behavioural Science
- Language:
Fluency in English or French (the working languages of the UN Secretariat) is required.
Knowledge of additional UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) is an advantage. - Experience:
No prior work experience is required.
Relevant experience may, however, be used as a screening criterion if there are more than 90 applicants from the same country.
Selection Process
The YPP assessment process involves three stages:
1. Application Screening
All submitted applications are reviewed to confirm eligibility. Only qualified applicants move forward to the examination stage.
2. Online Written Examination
Held in two parts, tentatively starting in February 2026:
- Part I: General Paper + first section of the Specialized Paper (multiple-choice questions).
- Part II: Written essay-type questions (for those who pass Part I).
The exam tests competencies in:
- International affairs and analytical thinking (General Paper)
- Communications, media, and information management (Specialized Paper)
3. Oral Examination (Interview)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online competency-based interview in June 2026, assessing communication skills, professionalism, and motivation for a UN career.
Placement and Career Progression
- Successful candidates will be placed on a roster valid for 3 years.
- Being on the roster does not guarantee immediate employment, but candidates may be selected as vacancies arise.
- Rostered professionals are appointed at P-1 or P-2 levels and may be assigned to any UN Secretariat duty station worldwide.
- After two years of successful service, they may be considered for a continuing contract.
Required Documents
Applicants must upload scanned copies of the following to their application on Inspira:
- Valid passport or national ID (showing name, birth date, and nationality).
- University diploma or transcript showing the degree and field of study.
How to Apply
- Visit the UN Careers Portal.
- Create or log in to your Inspira account.
- Search for Job Opening ID 265848 – YPP Global Communications (External Applicants).
- Complete the online application form, attach the required documents, and submit before the deadline.
Application Deadline: 14 December 2025 (11:59 p.m. New York Time)
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Why Apply for the YPP?
- Join the United Nations at a professional level without prior experience.
- Gain exposure to international diplomacy, media, and public advocacy.
- Build a global career in the world’s most respected multilateral organization.
- Contribute to tackling global challenges through communication and storytelling.
Meta Description
Apply for the United Nations Young Professionals Programme 2026 (Global Communications) — a pathway for graduates to launch their UN careers. Deadline: 14 December 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the 2026 YPP Global Communications exam?
Applicants aged 32 or younger, with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, fluent in English or French, and from one of the participating Member States.
2. Is work experience required?
No. YPP is open to recent graduates and early-career professionals.
3. What is the deadline for applications?
14 December 2025 (New York time).
4. What happens after passing the exam?
You’ll be placed on a three-year roster and may be selected for a P-1 or P-2 position at any UN duty station.
5. What degree fields are eligible?
Arts, Journalism, Business Administration, Computing, Humanities, or Social Sciences.
6. Where will I work if selected?
Possible duty stations include New York, Geneva, Bangkok, Nairobi, Vienna, Santiago, Addis Ababa, and Beirut.
7. Is there an application fee?
No. The United Nations never charges fees at any stage of recruitment.
8. How can I prepare for the YPP exam?
Review past papers on the UN YPP Portal and follow the Inspira applicant guide for detailed instructions.
Keywords
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