UNDP People Programmes 2026–2027 | Internships, Fellowships, Graduate Programme, JPO & UN Volunteer Opportunities
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) offers a range of People Programmes designed to attract emerging talent and provide students, recent graduates, young professionals and experienced individuals with opportunities to contribute to international development.
These programmes include UNDP Internships, Fellowships, the UNDP Graduate Programme, Junior Professional Officer (JPO) opportunities and United Nations Volunteer (UNV) assignments. Opportunities may be advertised individually or through rosters, and each programme has its own eligibility requirements and conditions.
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme is the UN’s development agency, working in around 170 countries and territories to help address poverty, inequality, exclusion and resilience while supporting countries in achieving sustainable development. UNDP describes its workforce as a diverse global community committed to building a fairer and more inclusive world.
The People Programmes provide different entry points into this international development environment, making them particularly relevant to students, graduates and young professionals seeking experience with the United Nations.
1. UNDP Internships
The UNDP Internship Programme provides practical work experience to students and recent graduates interested in international development.
According to UNDP, internships are available to:
- Students completing a Master’s degree.
- Students in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree.
- Recent graduates who completed their studies within the previous year.
- Candidates with an interest in development who share UNDP’s vision.
Internships can take place in:
- UNDP country offices.
- Regional hubs.
- UNDP headquarters in New York.
- Other locations specified in individual vacancy announcements.
Internship Duration
UNDP internships may last for up to six months. In exceptional cases, an internship may last up to nine months when it is undertaken for academic credit. Depending on the vacancy, internships may be conducted in person or remotely.
Internship Stipend
All UNDP interns receive a monthly stipend. The amount varies according to the country of assignment and whether the internship is conducted remotely or in person.
UNDP states that all internships are advertised through its official Job Page. Candidates whose applications are of interest may be invited for an interview by the hiring office.
2. UNDP Fellowships
UNDP also provides fellowship assignments for people at different stages of their careers.
The fellowship programme can be suitable for:
- Students.
- Recent graduates.
- Mid-career professionals.
- Individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Fellowships may be funded either directly by UNDP or by a partner institution that has an agreement with UNDP.
Fellowship Duration
Selected fellows can gain experience working in the international development environment within the United Nations for up to 12 months.
Fellows receive a monthly stipend, with the amount depending on the country of assignment.
Because fellowship arrangements differ, candidates should carefully review the individual fellowship vacancy and the UNDP Fellowship Policy before applying.
3. UNDP Graduate Programme
The UNDP Graduate Programme is a two-year young talent development programme designed for recent graduates interested in international development.
The programme is aimed at graduates from UNDP programme countries, meaning countries in which UNDP is directly engaged. Applicants may hold either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
The programme is intended to help develop the next generation of UNDP’s workforce while bringing new perspectives and diverse experiences into the organization.
Who Is Encouraged to Apply?
UNDP specifically encourages applications from:
- Women.
- Individuals from minority groups.
- Indigenous peoples.
- Persons with disabilities.
- First-generation university graduates.
The next recruitment campaign is currently in progress, according to the UNDP People Programmes page. Candidates interested in the Graduate Programme should monitor the official UNDP Job Page and UNDP’s social media channels for recruitment updates.
4. Junior Professional Officer Programme
The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme provides another pathway for young professionals to gain experience within the UN development system.
UNDP states that the JPO Programme targets young professionals from UNDP donor countries who have at least two years of professional experience.
However, JPO eligibility is more specific than some of the other People Programmes.
Requirements can relate to:
- Nationality.
- Age.
- Academic qualifications.
- Professional experience.
Candidates should therefore check the requirements attached to each individual JPO vacancy and consult both the UNDP JPO Service Centre and the relevant sponsoring government’s website.
Where Are JPO Vacancies Advertised?
JPO positions are generally advertised through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the sponsoring donor country. Some vacancies are also advertised on the UNDP Job Page.
Because JPO vacancies are advertised throughout the year, UNDP recommends regularly checking the relevant websites.
5. United Nations Volunteers Assigned to UNDP
Another pathway to contribute to UNDP’s development work is through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.
UNV works with UN agencies and other organizations to place qualified and motivated volunteers in assignments around the world. Some UN Volunteers are assigned to UNDP.
UN Volunteers are managed by UNV and are subject to the organization’s Code of Conduct and Conditions of Service.
UNDP notes that volunteers receive certain allowances to support their assignments, but these allowances should not be considered salary, compensation or a reward.
UNV assignments assigned to UNDP are available through the UNDP Job Page.
Which UNDP Programme Is Right for You?
The People Programmes cover different career stages.
| Programme | Target Group | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Internships | Students & recent graduates | Up to 6 months |
| Fellowships | Students, graduates & mid-career professionals | Up to 12 months |
| Graduate Programme | Recent Bachelor’s/Master’s graduates | 2 years |
| JPO Programme | Young professionals | Programme-specific |
| UN Volunteers | Qualified volunteers | Assignment-specific |
The exact requirements, funding arrangements and application procedures depend on the individual opportunity.
Benefits of UNDP People Programmes
Participating in a UNDP People Programme can provide valuable international development experience and exposure to a global organization.
Depending on the programme, participants may gain:
- Practical experience in international development.
- Exposure to UNDP projects and programmes.
- International professional networks.
- Mentorship and professional development.
- Experience working in multicultural teams.
- Opportunities to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Access to a global development community.
- Career development opportunities.
UNDP also emphasizes continuous learning and career development for its people, including learning resources, career labs, coaching, mentoring, certifications and on-the-job learning opportunities.
Areas of Work at UNDP
UNDP careers span numerous areas of international development.
Examples include:
- Governance.
- Poverty reduction.
- Environment.
- Climate action.
- Crisis resilience.
- Gender equality.
- Energy.
- Management.
- Operations.
- Digital transformation.
- Data and artificial intelligence.
- Sustainable development.
UNDP’s current strategic direction also places emphasis on people and culture, data, digital technologies and AI, alongside its wider development mandate.
How to Find UNDP Opportunities
UNDP states that its vacancies are advertised on the UNDP Job Page. The recruitment system includes internships, international and national staff positions, JPO positions, personnel services agreements and UN Volunteer opportunities.
Candidates should therefore avoid relying solely on third-party websites when applying.
Step 1: Visit the UNDP Careers Website
Go to the official UNDP Careers website and explore current vacancies.
Step 2: Choose Your Programme
Identify whether you are best suited for an internship, fellowship, Graduate Programme, JPO position or UN Volunteer assignment.
Step 3: Check Eligibility
Read the individual vacancy carefully because requirements vary considerably between programmes.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application
Prepare your CV, academic information, professional experience and any other documents requested.
Step 5: Submit Through the Official Portal
Follow the application instructions contained in the official vacancy announcement.
Important: Beware of Recruitment Scams
UNDP warns applicants about fraudulent vacancy announcements designed to obtain money from job seekers.
UNDP does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process, including application, interviews, processing, training or visas.
Applicants should be especially cautious if someone claiming to represent UNDP asks for:
- Registration fees.
- Visa fees.
- Interview fees.
- Processing fees.
- Training fees.
- Travel or booking payments.
Applications should be made through official UNDP recruitment channels.
Final Thoughts
The UNDP People Programmes provide several pathways for students, recent graduates and professionals to gain experience within one of the world’s leading international development organizations.
For students and recent graduates, internships and the Graduate Programme can provide particularly valuable entry points. Professionals with more experience may find fellowships, JPO positions or UN Volunteer assignments more appropriate depending on their nationality, qualifications and career stage.
The key is to identify the programme that matches your current qualifications and carefully follow the specific requirements of each vacancy. UNDP emphasizes that application criteria and job features are specific to each programme and vacancy, so candidates should always read the official announcement before applying.
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Disclaimer
Vacancy Bridge shares international career opportunities for informational purposes only. Vacancy Bridge is not affiliated with UNDP. Programme requirements, vacancies, stipends, eligibility criteria and recruitment timelines vary by opportunity. Always verify the latest information through the official UNDP website before applying.
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