The United Nations Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is an exceptional recruitment initiative aimed at bringing talented and highly qualified professionals into the UN Secretariat. It offers a unique opportunity for young individuals to kickstart their careers as international civil servants, working at the forefront of global issues. Here’s everything you need to know about the YPP, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and timeline details.
What is the UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP)?
The YPP is an entry-level examination-based recruitment process designed for individuals looking to embark on a career within the UN Secretariat. It’s held annually in various subject areas, determined by the UN’s staffing needs. Once selected, successful candidates undergo professional development to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles within the organization.
Key Benefits of the YPP
- International Exposure: Work in various UN Secretariat offices worldwide, contributing to global peace, security, human rights, and development.
- Career Development: The YPP includes structured professional development programs to enhance your skills and prepare you for a fulfilling career in international civil service.
- Competitive Compensation: Successful candidates are offered a two-year fixed-term contract with the UN, with the possibility of a continuing contract based on performance.
- Diverse Work Environment: Work with a diverse team of professionals from different cultural and professional backgrounds, fostering an inclusive work culture.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the YPP, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: You must be a national of one of the participating countries. The list of participating countries changes each year, so it’s important to check if your country is included in the current year’s list.
- Education: A first-level university degree (equivalent to at least a Bachelor’s degree) in a relevant field for the exam area is required.
- Age: Applicants must be 32 years old or younger in the year of the examination (for the 2024 cycle, born on or after January 1, 1992).
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the UN.
Application Process
The YPP application process is thorough, requiring careful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Confirm Eligibility: Before applying, ensure you meet all the basic eligibility requirements, including nationality, education, age, and language proficiency.
- Review the Job Openings: The application period typically opens in June each year. Job openings specific to each exam area are posted on the UN Careers Portal. Review these openings carefully to ensure you meet the requirements for your chosen exam area.
- Prepare and Submit Your Application: Use the Inspira platform to submit your application. It’s recommended to watch the YPP Application Guide Videos available on the platform to familiarize yourself with the application process.
- Application Screening: After submission, your application will be screened for eligibility. If more than 40 applicants from the same country are eligible for an exam area, further screening based on education level, work experience, and language skills may occur.
- Examination: If selected, you will be invited to participate in an online examination, which typically includes both general and specialized questions. Successful candidates from the first stage of the exam will proceed to the second stage, followed by an interview.
- Interview and Final Results: After the examination, selected candidates will be interviewed via video conference. Successful candidates are placed on a roster, from which they can be selected for job openings within the UN Secretariat.
- Application Portal Link: https://careers.un.org/young-professionals-programme?language=en
YPP Examination Timeline
Here is a general timeline for the YPP 2024 cycle:
- Application Period: August 31, 2024 – Review job openings and submit applications via Inspira.
- Application Screening: August – October 2024 – Applications are evaluated based on eligibility criteria.
- Assessment Process: November 2024 – March 2025 – Online examinations are conducted and evaluated.
- Interviews & Results: April – June 2025 – Candidates are notified of exam results, followed by interviews and final notifications.
