The UNDP Graduate Programme is a fully funded, two-year entry pathway into the United Nations Development Programme for early-career graduates from UNDP programme countries. Launched in 2021, it has already drawn tens of thousands of applicants worldwide and places successful candidates into one of two streams: Programme and Policy, focused on substantive development and project work, or Corporate Operations, centred on finance, procurement, HR, and support functions. Over the 2-year assignment in a country, regional, or headquarters office, participants follow a structured Formation Journey of mentorship, peer learning, and tailored training while working on real projects tied to the Sustainable Development Goals. The support package is based on UN entry-level pay scales and typically includes salary and allowances, relocation assistance, comprehensive medical and travel insurance, and access to UNDP learning platforms. Eligibility requires either a master's with up to 1 year of experience or a bachelor's with 2 to 3 years, plus fluency in English and willingness to relocate internationally. Because pay scales, the number of placements, and the application dates vary by duty station and cycle, confirm the current-cycle figures and deadlines on the official UNDP careers page before you apply.
Applications are submitted through the UNDP careers portal during the published recruitment window.
The programme explicitly welcomes applicants from underrepresented regions, women, indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, and first-generation university graduates.
Nationals of UNDP programme countries
Selection is multi-stage and competency-based. UNDP first screens applications for eligibility and documentation, then reviews qualifications covering education, experience, and technical skills. Shortlisted candidates sit virtual competency-based interviews assessing behavioural and technical competencies, followed by reference checks and final placement matching to a suitable duty station and stream.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's lead agency on international development, operating in around 170 countries and territories to help eradicate poverty and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Its Graduate Programme, launched in 2021, recruits early-career talent from UNDP programme countries into two-year assignments across policy and operations.
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Nationals of UNDP programme countries with a master's degree (up to one year of experience) or a bachelor's degree (two to three years of experience) in a relevant field.
Yes. It covers salary based on UN entry-level pay scales, relocation assistance, and comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
The programme is a two-year international assignment in a UNDP country, regional, or headquarters office.
Programme and Policy, focused on substantive development work, and Corporate Operations, focused on finance, procurement, HR, and support functions.
Compensation follows UN entry-level pay scales, on the order of about USD 40,000 (est.) per year, varying by duty station and contract terms.
A structured programme of mentorship, peer learning, and tailored training that runs alongside your assignment for the full two years.
Fluency in English is mandatory; working knowledge of French, Arabic, or Spanish is an asset.
Yes. Candidates must be willing to relocate internationally for the two-year assignment.
An online application, an updated CV, a motivation statement, proof of degree, evidence of relevant experience, and referee details.
Screening and qualifications review, then virtual competency-based interviews, reference checks, and placement matching to a duty station.
Yes. It explicitly encourages applicants from underrepresented regions, women, indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, and first-generation graduates.
On the official UNDP careers and Graduate Programme pages, which publish the binding eligibility rules, benefits, and current-cycle dates.