The United Nations Secretariat is accepting applications from external candidates for the 2026 Young Professionals Programme (YPP) examination in Development and Sustainability, Job Opening ID 285586. No work experience is required, applicants must be 32 or younger by the end of this year, and applications close on 30 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full job opening and set out every requirement and exam stage below.
What Is the YPP Exam in Development and Sustainability?
The purpose of this job opening is to invite applications from external candidates who wish to take the YPP examination in Development and Sustainability. The examination covers a broad range of topics, with a focus on economics, statistics, social affairs, environmental issues and sustainable development, as well as skills related to technology and digital transformation, and programme management support. It also encompasses other areas within the Development and Sustainability field that are addressed by the various entities of the United Nations system.
Job Opening Details at a Glance
🆔 Job Opening ID: 285586
🏷️ Title: YPP Exam: Development and Sustainability (for external applicants), P2
📶 Category and level: P-2
🧾 Recruitment type: Young Professionals Programme
🏛️ Department/Office: Department of Operational Support
📍 Duty stations: Other, Vienna, Santiago, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Beirut, Bangkok, New York, Geneva
Where Could Successful Candidates Work?
YPP placements may become available at various UN Secretariat offices, including, but not limited to, Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, Geneva, Nairobi, New York, Santiago and Vienna. Successful candidates must be willing to be placed in a position at any UN duty station or field operation.
YPP positions in Development and Sustainability are located primarily in the following entities, which support the link between global policies and national and regional action across economic, social, environmental and sustainable development issues, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
🏢 The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)
🚢 The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
🗺️ The Regional Commissions, which are the regional branches of the United Nations Secretariat
Functional Areas Covered by These Positions
Specific assignments may focus on particular sectors or areas of specialization. Positions may cover a range of functional and substantive areas, including:
💹 Economic affairs
🤝 Social affairs
👥 Population affairs
📈 Statistics
💻 Data science
🌳 Environmental protection
♻️ Related areas of sustainable development
Associate Officers in these positions typically report to a Senior Officer, Head of Unit, Head of Branch or Section, or Chief of Section.
How the YPP Roster Works
📋 Candidates who successfully complete the examination process are placed on a roster used to fill appropriate entry-level (P-1/P-2) vacancies
🔔 Candidates may be selected from the roster as relevant vacancies become available across the UN Secretariat, at various offices globally
🗓️ The roster is valid and used to fill positions for a period of three years
⚠️ Placement on the roster does not guarantee an offer of employment
What Contract Do Selected Candidates Receive?
Candidates selected from the roster are offered a two-year fixed-term contract at the start of their Professional career with the UN. YPP placements are at P-1/P-2 level, which means entry-level professional, Associate Officer positions. After two years, and subject to satisfactory performance, they may be granted a continuing contract.
If you are also looking at other entry routes into the UN system, read our guide to the UN Junior Professional Officer programme.
Who Can Apply: The Four Eligibility Requirements
🎓 Have at least a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or at least a three-year equivalent) in the fields of study listed in the job opening
🎂 Be 32 years old or younger by the end of this year (born on or after 1 January 1994)
🗣️ Be fluent in either English or French
🛂 Have the nationality of a participating Member State
Participating Member States for the 2026 YPP
Only nationals of the following participating Member States can apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America and Vanuatu.
Which University Degrees Are Accepted?
You need at least a first-level university degree (a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree of at least three years) in an area of study relevant to economics, statistics, data science, social affairs, environment and sustainable development. Candidates with an advanced degree are encouraged to apply.
Degrees accepted must be in economics, statistics, data science, social affairs, environment and sustainable development or a related field, in one of the following areas, selected from the "Main Course of Study" dropdown menu:
🚜 Agriculture, Forestry & Fishery
💼 Business & Administration
🖥️ Computing
🍃 Environmental Protection
📚 Humanities
⚖️ Law
🧮 Mathematics & Statistics
🧠 Social & Behavioural Science
Avoid Automatic Disqualification in Inspira
If you do not see your exact degree listed when preparing your application in Inspira, choose the field of study closest to your degree from the "Field of Study" and "Main Course of Study" dropdown menus. Then type the exact title in the original language, as well as its translation in English or French, in the additional comment boxes.
Do not select "other" for main course of study or field of study, or you will be automatically disqualified.
Language Requirements
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, either English or French is required. The minimum required level is set according to the UN Language Framework:
🔤 English: UN Level II in reading, writing, listening and speaking
🥐 French: UN Level II in reading, writing, listening and speaking
Knowledge of UN languages may be tested at any of the assessment stages.
Is Work Experience Required?
No work experience is required. Relevant work experience may be taken into consideration as an additional screening criterion when more than 90 candidates from the same country apply to the same exam area.
What Happens if More Than 90 People From One Country Apply?
If more than 90 applicants from the same country apply for the same exam area, those applicants are further screened and ranked according to points given for the following additional qualifications:
🏅 Highest level of education completed
🌐 Knowledge of official UN languages
🧰 Relevant work experience
The "top 90" applicants per country per exam area are convoked to the first stage of the online exam. A maximum of 60 applicants per country per exam area move forward from the first stage to the second stage, based on exam performance.
Possible Responsibilities: Research, Analysis and Data
Responsibilities vary by assignment. Candidates who are successful in the examination may be appointed to positions in a variety of functional areas, and the duties may include:
🔬 Conducting research and analysis on economic, social, environmental, statistical, demographic and sustainable development issues, including collecting, evaluating, analysing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data and information from a variety of sources
🗄️ Contributing to the collection, validation, compilation, analysis, dissemination and visualization of statistical data and other information, and to the development and maintenance of relevant data platforms and information systems
📐 Applying appropriate research methods, statistical methodologies, analytical models and other tools, including statistical programming languages and software, to identify trends, assess developments and support evidence-based analysis and decision-making
🤖 Contributing to the development and application of analytical methodologies and tools, including, where relevant, emerging technologies and data science approaches
🔭 Analysing national, regional and global trends, policies and experiences, including progress in the implementation of internationally agreed development goals and frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals
Possible Responsibilities: Policy Analysis and Written Outputs
📝 Contributing to the preparation of analytical studies, research reports, background papers, technical documents and other written outputs on economic, social, environmental, statistical, demographic and sustainable development issues
🎤 Preparing briefing notes, presentations, inputs to speeches and other materials, including the communication of technical and analytical findings in a manner accessible to specialist and non-specialist audiences
🔄 Researching and maintaining up-to-date information on relevant policies, methodologies, emerging issues and developments within assigned areas of work
Possible Responsibilities: Intergovernmental Support and Stakeholder Engagement
🗂️ Providing substantive support to intergovernmental and expert processes, including preparing inputs to reports, statements and other documentation; following meetings and preparing summaries; and supporting panels, round tables, expert group meetings, seminars and conferences
🔗 Liaising and collaborating, as appropriate, with governments, international and regional organizations, national institutions, academia, civil society and other stakeholders to exchange information and support substantive activities
Possible Responsibilities: Technical Cooperation and Capacity Development
🛠️ Contributing to the design, preparation and implementation of technical cooperation and capacity development programmes and projects, including compiling and analysing relevant data and information and preparing project documentation
🧭 Monitoring and assessing the implementation of programmes and projects and contributing to the development of approaches and mechanisms for tracking progress and results
🏫 Supporting technical assistance and capacity development activities, including the preparation and delivery of training, workshops and other knowledge-sharing activities and, where applicable, participation in advisory or fact-finding missions
Possible Responsibilities: Outreach and General Duties
📣 Contributing to outreach, knowledge-sharing and communication activities, including the preparation of publications, presentations and other materials for a variety of audiences
➕ Performing other related duties as required
Competency: Professionalism
🏆 Shows pride in work and in achievements
🥇 Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter
✅ Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results
🎯 Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns
🧗 Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges
🧘 Remains calm in stressful situations
🟰 Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work
Competency: Planning and Organizing
🪜 Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
🔝 Identifies priority activities and assignments and adjusts priorities as required
⏱️ Allocates an appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
🌦️ Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
🎛️ Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
⌛ Uses time efficiently
Competency: Teamwork
🧩 Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
👂 Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise and is willing to learn from others
🚣 Places team agenda before personal agenda
🗳️ Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
🎁 Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings
The Three-Stage Assessment Process
1️⃣ Screening of applications, on the basis of the eligibility criteria in the job opening
2️⃣ Written examination taken online
3️⃣ Oral examination / interviews
How the Online Written Examination Works
The written examination is conducted via an online testing platform. Candidates convoked for the examination are responsible for identifying and securing a location suitable for them to complete it, meaning a computer with a reliable internet connection. Further information regarding the online testing platform and exam preparation guidance is provided to those convoked.
The written examination is planned to be offered in two parts, with a tentative timeframe and exact dates to be announced:
📄 Part I consists of the General Paper, which assesses competencies and abilities critical to success in working in an international affairs context, and the first part of the Specialized Paper, multiple-choice questions which assess knowledge and attributes relevant to the exam area
❄️ Part I is currently anticipated for February 2027, with exact dates provided to those invited
✏️ Part II takes place 1-2 months after the first stage and consists of the second part of the Specialized Paper, constructed response items (open-ended questions) which assess knowledge and attributes relevant to the exam area
🚪 Only examinees successful in the first part of the online exam are invited to the second part
The Oral Examination Stage
🏁 Only examinees who are successful in the overall written examination are invited to the oral examination
🎥 The oral examination is conducted via online video conference
🔑 It assesses the key competencies for the job family, as described in the job opening
🔍 Part of the final assessment stage, either before, during or after the oral examination, may include an element to verify the candidate's answers given in the Specialized Paper as well as the information in the Candidate Profile submitted
☀️ The anticipated timeframe for the oral examinations is mid-2027
How to Apply: Documents You Must Attach
Applications are submitted through the UN Careers Portal and the Inspira recruitment platform. Applicants must submit scanned copies of the following documents as attachments in their applications to be considered:
🪪 Passport or a valid identification document issued by a state authority, showing your name, birth date and nationality, with a photograph
📜 Documentation of university degree(s), such as a diploma, transcript or similar official document, reflecting the main course of study selected
Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in Inspira and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on "Manuals" in the "Help" tile of the Inspira account-holder homepage. Clicking "apply" activates the Virtual Assistant or chatbot, Alba, in Inspira, which answers questions about the YPP. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal are removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
Who Should Use This External Job Opening?
🌟 All external candidates should apply via this opening, including UNV, JPO, National Officers and interns
🛑 UN Secretariat General Service (or equivalent) staff members who are eligible to apply through the "G to P" or "G to N" track must not apply through this job opening
How Applications Are Evaluated
🔎 Applicants are evaluated on the basis of the information submitted in the application, according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislation of the United Nations, including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines
🖊️ Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira
🔒 No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification can be made to applications that have been submitted
☎️ Candidates under serious consideration for selection are subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application
UN Conditions and Standards of Conduct
⭐ According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity
🚷 Candidates will not be considered for employment if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts
🔶 "Sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another
🛡️ "Sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions
❗ "Sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator's working relationship
🚦 Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment
🌎 Due regard is paid to the importance of recruiting staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible
🙌 The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs
🚭 The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment
♿ Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process
Mobility and Probation After Appointment
🧳 By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c)
✈️ Staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised; this condition applies to all position-specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions
🕰️ All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed-term appointment without limitation, and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity, are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment
Find more jobs at international organizations on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for the UN YPP exam in Development and Sustainability?
Applicants must be 32 years old or younger by the end of this year, which means born on or after 1 January 1994. Applicants must also meet the degree, language and nationality requirements.
Do I need work experience to apply for the YPP exam?
No work experience is required. Relevant work experience may only be used as an additional screening criterion when more than 90 candidates from the same country apply to the same exam area.
Can I apply if my country is not on the participating list?
No. Applicants must have the nationality of one of the participating Member States for the 2026 YPP, which are listed in this article and in the job opening.
Does passing the YPP exam guarantee a UN job?
No. Candidates who pass are placed on a roster that is valid for three years, and placement on the roster does not guarantee an offer of employment. Candidates may be selected as relevant vacancies become available.
What contract do selected YPP candidates receive?
Candidates selected from the roster are offered a two-year fixed-term contract at P-1/P-2 level. After two years, and subject to satisfactory performance, they may be granted a continuing contract.
Do I have to travel to take the exam?
The written examination is taken on an online testing platform and the oral examination is held via online video conference. Candidates convoked for the written examination must secure a suitable location with a computer and a reliable internet connection.
When will the written and oral examinations take place?
Part I of the written examination is currently anticipated for February 2027, and Part II follows 1-2 months later. The oral examinations are anticipated for mid-2027, and exact dates are provided to those invited.
Do I need both English and French?
No. Fluency in either English or French is required, and the minimum level is UN Level II in reading, writing, listening and speaking in the required language.
Which documents must I upload with my application?
You must attach a scanned passport or valid state-issued identification showing your name, birth date, nationality and photograph. You must also attach documentation of your university degree or degrees that reflects the main course of study you selected.
Can I change my application after submitting it?
No. The job opening states that no amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification can be made to applications that have been submitted, so check all information before you submit it.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
👉 Job opening and application: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/285586?language=en
🕸️ YPP page on the UN Careers Portal: https://careers.un.org/ypp
📘 UN Language Framework: https://languages.un.org
