The United Nations Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2025 offers an incredible opportunity for young, talented, and highly motivated individuals to start a professional career as an International Civil Servant with the United Nations Secretariat. This prestigious global program is designed to recruit outstanding candidates from eligible participating countries and empower them to contribute to international peace, development, and cooperation.
The UN YPP consists of an entry-level examination followed by professional development and training, preparing successful applicants to take on meaningful roles within the United Nations. Candidates who pass the program are offered a two-year contractual appointment at the P-1 or P-2 level, depending on their qualifications and experience. After two years, based on satisfactory performance, they may be offered a continuing contract, ensuring long-term career stability at the UN.
The United Nations Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is an exceptional platform for young individuals to begin a fulfilling and impactful international career. With its competitive salary, global exposure, and opportunities for professional growth, the program provides an ideal pathway to work alongside world leaders and experts shaping global policies. You can also apply for the Hansen Leadership Institute 2026 in USA (Fully Funded)
UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2025 Details
- Host Organization: United Nations (UN Secretariat)
- Program Type: Early Career Recruitment
- Eligible Countries: Citizens from Participating Nations
- Contract Duration: 2 Years (extendable)
- Position Levels: P-1 and P-2
- Application Period: Mid-October 2025
- Primary Locations: Switzerland, USA, Austria, Lebanon, Thailand, Ethiopia
Benefits of the UN Young Professionals Programme 2025
- Competitive base salary (tax-free)
- Travel and relocation allowance for duty station assignment
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance
- 30 days of annual paid leave
- Pension and social security benefits
- Professional training and mentorship programs
- Language learning opportunities (English/French/other UN languages)
- Exposure to international work environments
- Career advancement within the UN Secretariat
- 2-year renewable contract with the possibility of a continuing appointment
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Duty Stations and Placement Levels
The UN YPP offers placements across various UN Secretariat offices worldwide, including:
- New York, USA
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Vienna, Austria
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Beirut, Lebanon
- Santiago, Chile
Placement Levels
- P-1 Level: Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree and no work experience.
- P-2 Level: Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience, or a Master’s degree with no experience.
Eligibility Criteria for UN YPP 2025
- Must be a national of an eligible participating country.
- Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- No work experience required for P-1 level applicants.
- Minimum of 2 years of work experience or a Master’s degree required for P-2 level.
- Must be 32 years old or younger at the time of the examination.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, the working languages of the UN.
Participating Work Areas
- Human Rights
- Legal Affairs
- Public Information and Communication
- Social Affairs
- Statistics and Economics
- Administration and Management
- Environmental and Sustainable Development
Required Documents
- Completed UN YPP application form
- Updated CV or Personal History Profile (PHP)
- Copy of Bachelor’s or Master’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Valid passport or national ID
- Proof of nationality from an eligible country
- Language proficiency evidence (if applicable)
Deadline
The UN YPP 2026 application period opens in mid-October 2025.
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How to Apply for the United Nations Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2025?
Follow these steps carefully to apply for the UN YPP 2025:
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm that your country is on the list of eligible participating nations.
- Create an Account: Register and log in to the UN Inspira Portal at careers.un.org.
- Search for Job Openings: Under “YPP Examination,” search for available job networks or fields relevant to your background.
- Complete the Online Application: Fill in all required fields, upload documents, and tailor your profile to the UN competency framework.
- Submit Application: Review your application carefully and submit it before the deadline in mid-October 2025.
- Take the YPP Exam: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a written examination followed by a competency-based interview.
- Roster and Placement: Successful candidates will be placed on the UN YPP roster and offered positions as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP)?
The UN YPP is a global recruitment initiative that provides young professionals from eligible countries the opportunity to start a career as an international civil servant at the United Nations Secretariat.
Q2. What is the age limit for UN YPP 2025?
Applicants must be 32 years old or younger at the time of the examination.
Q3. Do I need work experience to apply?
No experience is required for the P-1 level, but for P-2, you must have 2 years of experience or a Master’s degree.
Q4. When does the application open?
Applications open in mid-October 2025 on the UN Inspira portal.
Q5. What are the benefits of joining the UN through YPP?
Participants receive a tax-free salary, health insurance, relocation support, and career growth opportunities in a multicultural environment.
