The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is currently seeking individuals to participate in the 2023 Graduate Programme Pool, as it announces the commencement of its second round of the 2-year Graduate Programme. This unique opportunity aims to attract capable graduates who wish to gain extensive exposure to multilateral collaboration and sustainable development, all while establishing a valuable entry point into UNDP and the broader United Nations (UN) system.
The Graduate Programme’s primary objective is to empower exceptional young graduates by equipping them with the necessary skills and firsthand experience to jumpstart a successful career in the field of international development. By actively contributing to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, participants in the programme will actively contribute to the creation of a more sustainable and prosperous future, making a positive impact on the world at large.
Scholarship Summary:
- Company/Organization(s): United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Program Location: Various UNDP Regions
- Program Duration: 2 years
- Available Slots: 40
- Basic Qualifications: Recent graduates
- Nationality: Nationals from the countries listed below
Note: The list of countries eligible for participation will be provided separately.
Scholarship Details:
The Graduate Programme presents a distinctive chance for individuals to actively contribute to the fulfillment of UNDP’s mission. This two-year program entails an assignment within one of our country, regional, or headquarters offices. The assignments are specifically designed to align with the Sustainable Development Goals and are focused on two primary streams:
- Programme and Policy: In this stream, participants will play a significant role in advancing UNDP’s programs and project activities. Their contributions will directly impact the implementation and success of these initiatives.
- Corporate Operations: This stream involves contributing to the management services that facilitate the effective execution of UNDP programs. Participants may also work in the domain of organizational policies, processes, and oversight, ensuring the smooth functioning of operations at UNDP.
By joining the Graduate Programme, individuals have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions towards sustainable development while gaining invaluable experience and knowledge within the UNDP system.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for the UNDP Graduate Programme Pool for Recent Graduates, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Possession of a completed Master’s degree in a relevant field (with no more than 2 years of work experience), or
- Possession of a completed Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (with a minimum of 2 years and no more than 3 years of relevant, paid work experience)
Applications from a diverse range of relevant degree courses are encouraged. Eligibility for each stream is as follows:
Programme and Policy Stream:
- Graduation in one or more of the following areas is preferred: political science, public administration, international relations, development studies, economics, statistics, data management, environmental science, or a related field. It is advised to review UNDP’s areas of work for further details.
Corporate Operations Stream:
- Graduation in one or more of the following areas is preferred: business or public administration, finance, law, procurement or supply chain management, human resources management, economics, data management, or a related field.
Fluency in English and the ability to work effectively in a professional setting must be demonstrated.
Nationals from the countries listed below are particularly encouraged to apply:
- Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Iran, Kiribati, Kosovo, Libya, Marshall Islands, Morocco, Nauru, Nicaragua, Niue, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Republic of Montenegro, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu.
Note: The list of eligible countries is subject to change and it is recommended to refer to the most recent information provided by UNDP.
Program Benefits:
Applicants selected for the UNDP Graduate Programme Pool for Recent Graduates will enjoy the following benefits:
- A one-year international professional entry-level contract, which may be extended for a second year based on performance evaluation and funding availability.
- Competitive entry-level salary.
- Travel ticket provided for transportation between the applicant’s location and the assigned duty station.
- Paid annual leave.
- Paid sick leave.
- Health and disability insurance coverage.
- Pension contributions.
How to Apply:
To apply for the UNDP Graduate Programme Pool for Recent Graduates, interested individuals are required to submit their applications online through Cappfinity, a renowned company specializing in graduate recruitment and strengths-based assessment. The application process for the Graduate Programme is conducted via Cappfinity’s platform.
If an applicant’s submission meets the specified requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement and captures the interest of UNDP, they will be invited to take online tests designed to evaluate the competencies mentioned earlier. In most cases, these tests can be completed using either a computer or a mobile device, unless stated otherwise.
Application Deadline:
The Last date for this scholarship is October 12, 2023
