Talent Programmes

Talent Programmes Young Professionals Programme (YPP) The Young Professionals Programme is a recruitment initiative designed to enhance geographical representation and bring new talent to the Secretariat. This programme provides talented, university graduates and young professionals from non- and under- represented Member States the opportunity to join UNESCO and gain valuable professional experience at the early stage of their professional career. In exchange, UNESCO provides Young Professionals with learning and career development opportunities and mentoring, within an environment that promotes wellbeing and a healthy work-life balance. Nationality : Candidates should be nationals from non- and under-represented Member States at UNESCO. Education: Advanced university degree (master’s degree) in education, culture, science, social and human sciences or communication, or in a field related to the management and administration of an international organization. This will be specified in the vacancy announcement. Experiences: Initial professional experience is an asset, but not mandatory. Languages: Fluency in English or French. Knowledge of both working languages is an asset. Knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is an additional asset. The Bureau of Human Resources Management of UNESCO sends a call for applications to National Commissions for UNESCO and Permanent Delegations of non- or under-represented Member States. Each National Commission is responsible for the dissemination of this information and for the pre-selection at national level. Submission Candidates submit their applications to their National Commission for UNESCO or the Permanent Delegation of their country of citizenship. National Commissions and Permanent Delegations review all applications and submit a list of proposed candidates to the Bureau of Human Resources Management at UNESCO. UNESCO does not accept applications sent directly to the Organization. Screening All applications are reviewed by a committee which will establish a shortlist based on - academic qualifications - motivation/statement of interest - presentation of the application - language and writing skills Assessment and Interview As part of the selection process, preselected candidates will be invited to complete an assessment to evaluate various skills, including drafting, verbal, numerical and situational reasoning, language skills etc. The assessment will take form of a written test and/or pre-recorded video interview. If successful, candidates will be invited to an interview Panel Interview. This interview is an opportunity to showcase communication skills, team spirit, analytical skills, sense of initiative, creativity, ability to learn and adaptability. Decision UNESCO inform all candidates of the outcome of their application in writing. Mid-level Professionals Programme (MLPP) The Mid-Level Professionals Programme is a recruitment initiative for talented and qualified mid-level professionals who wish to start and/or advance their careers at UNESCO. Whilst recruitment is open to candidates from all of UNESCO’s Member States, priority consideration, at equal competence, will be given to candidates from non- and under-represented Member States and to internal candidates. Nationality: You must be a national of a UNESCO Member State. Qualified candidates from non- and under-represented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply. Age, Education and Experience: The MLPP selection process is based on the standard UNESCO recruitment process. Standard educational and work experience requirements for professional positions at P-3 and P-4 level apply. Languages: Excellent knowledge of at least one working language of the Secretariat (English or French). Knowledge of both working languages is an asset. Knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is an additional asset. All candidates must apply via UNESCO careers website. Positions included in the MLPP are indicated as such and are advertised for a two-month period. The MLPP typically opens once a year. An indicative timeline will be provided on this page when the process is scheduled to begin. Please note that the timeline may vary during the process. Junior Professional Officer Programme (JPO) The JPO Programme provides an opportunity for young professionals to acquire work experience in multilateral and technical cooperation and obtain training and exposure to the work of UNESCO. The purpose of JPO assignments may vary and have a country-specific, regional, sector-based or thematic focus. JPOs are appointed to posts funded by Donors governments. Nationality : Candidates for the JPO program are normally nationals of the donor country funding their assignment to UNESCO. Some donors may also consider financing the JPO assignments of nationals from developing countries Age : Be under the age of thirty-two (inclusive) when applying Education : Possess a Master's degree or equivalent advanced degree. A first-le