United Nations Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2025 : Eligibility, Information Session & Upcoming Application

The United Nations Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a highly competitive recruitment initiative for young professionals seeking a global career with the UN Secretariat. It aims to recruit talented and motivated individuals to contribute to international peace, development, and human rights.

The YPP offers positions at the P-1 and P-2 professional levels in duty stations across the world, including New York, Geneva, Nairobi, Bangkok, Santiago, and Vienna.

Applications for the 2025 UN YPP will open in mid-October 2025.

Eligibility Criteria for YPP 2025

The UN YPP identifies highly qualified candidates to start their careers as international civil servants. The program includes a rigorous entrance examination followed by structured career development for successful candidates.

To apply, candidates must meet all of the following requirements:

• Age: Must be 32 years of age or younger in the year of the examination (born on or after 1 January 1993 for the 2025 cycle).
• Education: Must hold at least a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent, minimum three years) in a field relevant to the examination area.
• Language: Must be fluent in either English or French, the working languages of the UN.
• Nationality: Must be a national of a participating country. The list changes each year, but for 2025, the eligible countries are:
  • A – K: Andorra, Angola, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait
  • L – R: Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar
  • S – Z: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Viet Nam

Required Documents: Applicants should attach a government-issued photo ID indicating nationality and degree certificates when applying.

Application Timeline (Estimated)

While exact dates may vary, the estimated timeline for the UN YPP 2025 is:

How to Apply

The application process is managed through Inspira, the UN’s online recruitment platform.

1. Confirm Eligibility: Review all basic requirements (nationality, age, education, and language).
2. Create an Inspira account: Register at inspira.un.org.
3. Search for YPP job postings: Openings specific to the YPP exam will be posted in October.
4. Complete the application: Provide accurate personal details, education, and qualifications. Write a strong Motivation Statement tailored to the job opening.
5. Submit your application: Ensure all fields are completed and documents uploaded. Applications cannot be modified once submitted for that vacancy.
6. Monitor notifications: Candidates will be informed whether they are invited (convoked) to sit the examination

Career Opportunities After YPP

Candidates who pass the YPP examination are placed on a roster for three years to fill vacancies across the UN Secretariat.

• P-1 Level: Offered to candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and no work experience.
• P-2 Level: Offered to candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience, or a Master’s degree with no experience.

Successful candidates receive a two-year fixed-term contract. With satisfactory performance, they may be offered a continuing contract. After two years in their initial post, staff members may join the Managed Reassignment Programme (MRP), which provides opportunities to move to new roles and locations.

YPP 2025 Workshop (Information Session)

Ahead of the application period, the UN will host an information workshop to guide prospective applicants:

• Date: Wednesday, 8 October 2025
• Time: 3:00–4:30 PM (New York Time)
• Location: Online via Microsoft Teams

What Participants Will Gain:

• Clear understanding of YPP exam areas and eligibility.
• Practical tips on the application and assessment process.
• First-hand insights from successful YPP candidates.
• Opportunities to engage directly with UN staff members.

Registration: Sign up for the YPP 2025 Workshop here.

Fraud and Scam Warning

Candidates should be cautious of fraudulent job postings or companies claiming to offer insider access or paid preparation for the YPP.

• The UN does not charge fees at any stage of the application or interview process.
• The UN does not collaborate with any external agencies for recruitment.
• Official job postings are only available on careers.un.org.

All official YPP information, including free preparation materials, is available on the UN Careers website/ Young Professionals Programme