UNDP Graduate Programme 2025 – Get Paid to Work on Global Development Projects

🌍 UNDP Graduate Programme 2025: Fully Funded Entry-Level UN Opportunities for Global Development Professionals

The UNDP Graduate Programme 2025 is a prestigious, fully funded, paid two-year opportunity for recent graduates from UNDP programme countries. With placements in UNDP country, regional, or headquarters offices, the programme prepares future leaders in sustainable development, policy, and humanitarian operations. Learn how to apply, what qualifications are required, and how this UN entry-level career path can launch your journey in global development.

✨ A Rare Opportunity for Global Graduates: UNDP’s Entry-Level Career Programme

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is opening doors for early-career professionals through its Graduate Programme 2025, a highly competitive, structured entry-level track designed to develop the next generation of UN talent. This unique two-year rotational programme is open to nationals of UNDP programme countries with either a Bachelor’s degree and 2–3 years’ work experience, or a Master’s degree with up to 1 year of experience.

UNDP Graduate Programme 2025 – Get Paid to Work on Global Development Projects

Participants will receive paid assignments and international placements in UNDP country offices, regional hubs, or at UNDP Headquarters in New York, working alongside global experts on high-impact projects that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Whether you aim to work in policy research, programme implementation, governance, environmental solutions, humanitarian aid, or corporate operations, the UNDP Graduate Programme offers unparalleled exposure to the international development ecosystem.

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🌐 Background & Programme Overview

First launched in 2021, the UNDP Graduate Programme was created as part of the organization’s talent pipeline strategy to attract and train diverse, high-potential graduates from across the Global South. It directly supports UNDP’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and leadership development, ensuring that the future of the UN reflects the diversity of the world it serves.

What Is the UNDP Graduate Programme?

• Duration: 2 years

• Type: Paid, full-time assignment with relocation support

• Location: UNDP Country Offices, Regional Hubs, or Headquarters (New York)

• Streams:

  • Programme and Policy

  • Corporate Operations

Programme Objectives

• Prepare a new generation of development professionals

• Support country-level delivery of the SDGs

• Foster cross-cultural collaboration and on-the-ground experience

• Build leadership potential and long-term UN careers

Previous Placements Have Included:

• UNDP Headquarters in New York

• Bangkok Regional Hub (Thailand)

• Country Offices in: Mongolia, Turkey, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste, Bhutan, Jamaica, Micronesia, and the Solomon Islands

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📋 Key Responsibilities by Stream

The Graduate Programme features two distinct tracks that align with your educational and professional interests.

1. Programme and Policy Stream

This stream focuses on the design, implementation, and monitoring of development projects, including:

• Policy research and impact analysis

• Monitoring and evaluation of programmes

• Preparing development reports and policy briefs

• Stakeholder engagement with governments, NGOs, and communities

• Contributing to initiatives in areas such as:

  • Governance and Rule of Law

  • Climate Action

  • Inclusive Economic Development

  • Gender Equality

  • Digital Transformation

2. Corporate Operations Stream

This track focuses on the internal functioning of UNDP, ensuring effective programme delivery through operational excellence:

• Budget planning and financial management

• Human resources support

• Procurement and supply chain oversight

• Risk management and compliance

• Organizational development initiatives

Graduates in both streams will be equipped with hands-on experience, mentorship, and training aligned with UNDP’s strategic plan and global development priorities.

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🎓 Qualifications: Who Can Apply?

UNDP is seeking dynamic, motivated, and globally-minded graduates who are eager to make an impact. Candidates must meet the following criteria:

📚 Education and Certification

Two education-based eligibility paths:

• Option 1: Master’s degree (or equivalent) with maximum 1 year of relevant work experience

• Option 2: Bachelor’s degree with 2–3 years of relevant work experience

Relevant Academic Fields:

• International Development

• Public Administration

• Political Science

• Economics

• Environmental Studies

• Sociology and Social Sciences

• Law, Human Rights, and Governance

• Digital Transformation and Systems Thinking

💼 Professional Experience

Depending on your degree level, your relevant experience should include:

• UN internships or fellowships

• Research or policy roles at NGOs or international organizations

• Volunteer work in development settings

• Work in public policy, sustainability, HR, finance, or programme management

🌎 Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a national of a UNDP programme country

• Fluent in English (written and spoken)

• Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered an asset

• Willingness and ability to relocate internationally for 24 months

• Demonstrated commitment to UN values, sustainable development, and global cooperation

💡 UNDP strongly encourages women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and first-generation university graduates to apply.

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💡 What the Programme Offers: Benefits and Learning Journey

This opportunity is not just a job—it’s a career accelerator in one of the world’s most impactful organizations.

✅ Benefits

• Competitive Salary and entitlements (commensurate with location and UN standards)

• Relocation and travel support

• Medical insurance and social security benefits

• 2-year professional assignment with real responsibilities

• Mentorship from UNDP leadership and technical experts

• Access to UN learning platforms and career development tools

📚 Training & Learning

Participants join a structured learning journey designed to fast-track their development:

• Induction training and onboarding workshops

• Mentorship programmes with senior UNDP staff

• Access to UNDP’s learning management system

• Workshops in cross-cultural leadership, project management, and inclusive development

• Career coaching, feedback sessions, and networking opportunities

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📅 Recruitment Timeline & Application Tips

The next UNDP Graduate Programme call for applications is scheduled for Q2 of 2025. The selection process is highly competitive, so early preparation is key.

📆 2025 Recruitment Schedule (Estimated)

📌 Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Highlight impact-driven experiences (internships, volunteering, policy work)

• Showcase cross-cultural competence and language skills

• Use action-oriented, concise writing in your CV and cover letter

• Align your profile with UNDP’s current focus areas, such as:

  • Digital public infrastructure

  • Green economy

  • Social protection

  • Gender equality

  • Resilience and governance

🌐 Visit the UNDP website regularly and follow them on social media to stay updated on application openings and deadlines.

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💬 Success Stories from the UNDP Graduate Programme

Here are just a few examples of how graduates from previous cohorts are thriving in the UN system:

• Mohammed Jopran Alsaied (Syria): Shaping policy reforms in fragile states

• Charya Gamalath (Sri Lanka): Leading emergency response and humanitarian coordination

• Judite Adriano (Mozambique): Empowering communities through local development initiatives

• Facundo Olivera (Argentina): Advancing UNDP’s corporate operations in Latin America

• Tegawende Sonde (Burkina Faso): Driving digital inclusion initiatives in Africa

These stories reflect how the programme acts as a launchpad to long-term UN careers, and how diverse experiences contribute to solving the world’s most pressing challenges.

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🌱 Why You Should Apply for the UNDP Graduate Programme

The UNDP Graduate Programme is more than just a foot in the door. It’s a transformative professional experience for passionate young people who want to create positive global change.

🎯 Key Reasons to Apply:

• Fully funded, paid entry-level UN position

• Access to worldwide placements

• Deep immersion in sustainable development and multilateral cooperation

• Career acceleration and long-term advancement in the UN system

• Contribute directly to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

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📢 How to Stay Informed

Interested candidates should:

• Bookmark the UNDP Graduate Programme page

• Subscribe to UN job newsletters and WhatsApp channels for real-time updates

• Follow UNDP Careers on LinkedIn and Twitter

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