United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Entry Programmes
The UNDP Graduate Programme offers two-year assignments for recent graduates from UNDP programme countries. UNDP also lists 3 other entry routes on this page.
Last reviewed: 15 July 2026
Entry programmes
Junior Professional Officer Programme
UNDP JPO assignments are country-sponsored posts for young development professionals. Minimum requirements usually include a master's degree and two years of paid experience. Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden may also sponsor developing-country candidates. Source
- Track: Junior Professional Officer (JPO)
- Eligibility: Sponsor countries follow the UNDP JPO Service Centre sponsoring-government list, excluding the non-country DCC Trust Fund. Most calls are for sponsoring-country nationals.
- Minimum degree: Master's
- Typical max age: 32
- Typical window: Varies by sponsor country
- Cycle: Rolling recruitment
- Some vacancies are posted by UNDP JPOSC, while others are advertised by partner countries directly.
- 29 donor sponsor countries. Confirm on the official source.
- Programme page
UNDP Fellowships
UNDP fellowship assignments give early-career and mid-career professionals temporary development experience. Assignments may be funded by UNDP or a partner institution. UNDP states fellows can serve for up to 12 months and receive a monthly stipend. Source
- Track: Fellowship
- Typical window: Varies by assignment
- Cycle: Ad hoc
- Fellowship assignments depend on UNDP or partner-institution funding.
UNDP Graduate Programme
The UNDP Graduate Programme offers two-year assignments for recent graduates from UNDP programme countries. UNDP lists the programme as part of its entry-level offer. Applicants need a relevant bachelor's or master's route and fluency in English. Source
- Track: Young professional programme
- Eligibility: Applicants must be from a UNDP programme country.
- Minimum degree: Bachelor's
- Typical window: Cohort-based
- Cycle: Ad hoc
- UNDP says the next recruitment campaign is under consideration.
UNDP Internship Programme
UNDP internships give students and recent graduates practical experience in country offices, regional hubs or headquarters. UNDP states internships can be in person or remote and last up to six months, with academic-credit exceptions up to nine months. Interns receive a monthly stipend. Source
- Track: Traineeship
- Minimum degree: Bachelor's
- Typical window: Posted throughout the year
- Cycle: Rolling recruitment
How to read timing
Dates here describe typical or recent patterns from official sources, not live application deadlines. Confirm the current call on the programme or careers page before you apply.
Where to look next
Browse related open roles below, then read eligibility and deadlines on the official UNDP careers site. For staff pay by grade, see the UNDP salary guide.
Relevant open roles
Search all jobsLast checked 17 July 2026 · 5 roles
- Project Specialist (Health Systems)UNDP
Hanoi, VNCloses 31 JulThe Project Specialist leads the health and care systems transformation component of a multi-year partnership in Viet Nam, focusing on medical product access, digital health, and elderly care. The role provides strategic and technical leadership across the UNDP health governance portfolio while managing partnerships with WHO and the Australian government.
- Project Specialist - Construction EngineeringUNDP
Belgrade, RSCloses 24 JulThe Project Specialist manages and oversees infrastructure activities related to design, supervision, and quality assurance for the Advanced Capacity for Accelerated Delivery Initiative. The role ensures that large-scale construction projects are implemented according to technical standards, within budget, and on schedule while providing high-level engineering expertise to the Ministry for Public Investment.
- Field Security OfficerUNDP
Buka, PGCloses 23 JulThe Field Security Officer provides technical assistance in the implementation of security plans and safety management for UN operations in Buka and Wewak. Working under the UNDSS Security Advisor, the incumbent ensures that personnel, offices, and equipment remain compliant with security risk management standards while maintaining liaison with local authorities.
- Chief Technical SpecialistUNDP
Almaty, KZCloses 23 JulThe Chief Technical Specialist provides high-level technical guidance and strategic direction for UNDP's urban resilience portfolio in Central Asia. The role focuses on enhancing regional cooperation, introducing innovative urban planning approaches, and strengthening disaster risk reduction systems across five countries.
- LGU and Stakeholder Engagement SpecialistUNDP
Manila, PHCloses 21 JulThe Specialist leads coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) and stakeholders to enhance circular economy practices in Metro Manila. Working under the EU Green Economy Partnership, the role focuses on fostering collaboration between the private sector, civil society, and government to reduce plastic waste and improve energy efficiency.