UNDP Graduate Programme

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Graduate Programme 2026/28 is officially open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin a meaningful career in international development.

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Designed to attract talented, motivated individuals from UNDP programme countries, this two-year programme provides hands-on professional experience, structured learning, and global exposure within one of the world’s leading development organizations.

If you are passionate about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and want to contribute to real solutions for global challenges such as poverty, climate change, inequality, and governance, the UNDP Graduate Programme could be your ideal career starting point.

The UNDP Graduate Programme is a full-time, two-year professional programme created to develop the next generation of development leaders. Participants, known as Graduate Programme Associates, are placed in UNDP country offices, regional hubs, or headquarters, where they work on real projects that support national and global development priorities.

Unlike short-term internships, this programme allows participants to fully integrate into UNDP teams, take on responsibilities, and build professional competencies while contributing to impactful development work.

The programme is highly competitive and targets candidates who demonstrate strong academic backgrounds, professional potential, and a clear commitment to development work. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following general criteria:

• Be a national of a UNDP programme country
• Hold a Master’s degree with no more than one year of relevant work experience, or
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree with two to three years of relevant work experience
• Demonstrate interest in international development and public service
• Be fluent in English (knowledge of additional UN languages is an advantage)
• Be willing to work internationally and relocate if required

UNDP strongly encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and candidates from underrepresented backgrounds as part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The UNDP Graduate Programme offers placements across two main functional streams, allowing candidates to align their roles with their skills and career goals.

Programme and Policy Stream

Participants in this stream support the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development programmes. Areas of work may include climate action, democratic governance, poverty reduction, gender equality, innovation, crisis response, and sustainable economic development.

Corporate Operations Stream

This stream focuses on the operational backbone of UNDP. Graduates may work in human resources, finance, procurement, information technology, communications, and administration, helping ensure that development programmes run efficiently and effectively.

The UNDP Graduate Programme is designed as a structured learning journey that combines practical experience with professional development. Participants benefit from:

• International work experience in diverse cultural and professional environments
• Structured learning and training, including mentorship and career development support
• Exposure to UN systems and development programming
• Opportunities to build a global professional network
• Meaningful contributions to projects that directly support the Sustainable Development Goals

While the programme does not guarantee long-term employment with UNDP, many graduates go on to secure roles within the UN system, international organizations, governments, or development NGOs.

The selection process is rigorous and designed to identify candidates with strong technical skills, adaptability, and a commitment to UNDP values. It typically includes:

• Online application submission
• Application screening and shortlisting
• Competency-based assessments and interviews
• Reference and background checks

Given the high level of competition,…