UNDP Graduate Programme 2026–2027: Two-Year International Opportunity for Young Graduates
Overview
The UNDP Graduate Programme is an early-career initiative run by the United Nations Development Programme. Selected participants take a two-year international assignment in a UNDP country, regional or headquarters office, working on sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals. It is a professional assignment rather than a short internship, and participants must be ready to live and work in another country. The next recruitment campaign has not been announced; UNDP says it is under consideration.
There are two streams. Programme and Policy suits graduates interested in development programmes, policy and project implementation. Corporate Operations covers the organizational systems behind UNDP's work, such as management services, policies, processes and oversight. Participants follow a customized Formation Journey for learning and professional growth. Earlier cohorts were deployed to places including New York, Thailand, Mongolia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste, Maldives and Jamaica, though future locations depend on UNDP's needs.
Who can apply
Applicants must come from a UNDP programme country. A master's degree holder can apply with up to one year of relevant work experience, while a bachelor's degree holder generally needs two to three years. Candidates should show strong interest in international development, commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, systems thinking, innovation or digital skills, fluency in written and spoken English and willingness to relocate. French, Arabic or Spanish may be an advantage or required for some posts. UNDP encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, minority groups and first-generation university graduates.
Key dates
No application window is open. The first cohort drew more than 38,000 applications from over 130 countries and the second more than 37,000 from 145 countries, so competition is intense.
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme is the UN's global development network. It supports countries in reducing poverty, pursuing sustainable economic growth and advancing human development, with a focus on building local capacity. It is headquartered in New York City and was established in 1965 through the merger of two earlier UN programmes.
Source: Wikipedia