Aspiring to contribute to global governance and international public service? The United Nations is seeking talented young professionals through its Young Professionals Programme (YPP), with applications being accepted until December 14, 2025. This recruitment initiative aims to attract highly qualified individuals to begin their careers as international civil servants with the UN Secretariat.
The YPP consists of an entrance examination and professional development opportunities for those who successfully begin their career with the UN. The examination is held annually in various subject areas, depending on the UN's needs, and is open to nationals of participating countries, a list that varies each year. For 2025, nationals from the following countries are eligible to apply: Andorra, Angola, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.
To be eligible for the UN YPP, applicants must meet certain criteria. Candidates must be 32 years or younger at the time of the examination and hold at least a bachelor's degree. Fluency in either English or French is also required. Notably, work experience is not mandatory for eligibility.
Successful candidates will be offered a two-year fixed-term contract at the P-1 or P-2 level. These positions are entry-level professional roles that generally do not require extensive work experience. The P-1 level is typically for individuals with a bachelor's degree and no work experience, while the P-2 level is for those with a bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience or a master's degree without work experience. After the initial two years, subject to satisfactory performance, appointees may be granted a continuing contract.
YPP professionals must be willing to accept placements at any UN duty station or field operation for at least two years. The YPP is more than just a job; it is a chance to contribute to international development, peacebuilding, and humanitarian efforts on a global scale. It provides opportunities to collaborate with experts, diplomats, and local communities from diverse cultural backgrounds, building lasting professional and personal connections.
Interested individuals can apply through the UN's online recruitment platform, Inspira. The application period for the 2025 YPP exam in Global Communications is open from October 28 through December 14, 2025. The UN advises that applicants carefully complete their profile before submitting. The selection process includes a screening of applications between November and December, an assessment process from January to April, and interviews and results from May to June.
