UNESCO Young Professionals Programme

The UNESCO Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a recruitment initiative designed to improve geographical representation and promote gender parity within the organization at the international level. It targets talented, highly qualified university graduates and young professionals from non- and under-represented Member States, offering them the opportunity to join UNESCO at the early stage of their professional career. Every biennium, subject to the availability of P-1/P-2 level posts, UNESCO recruits up to 20 Young Professionals. The program provides participants with entry-level professional positions, professional development, and exposure to UNESCO's mandate in areas such as education, culture, science, social and human sciences, and communication.

The application process is managed through National Commissions and Permanent Delegations of eligible Member States. UNESCO's Bureau of Human Resources Management sends calls for applications to these entities, which handle pre-selection and submission of candidate lists. Shortlisted candidates undergo video and panel interviews assessing communication skills, team spirit, analytical abilities, initiative, creativity, flexibility, and adaptability, along with possible competency and language proficiency tests in English and French. Successful candidates receive a letter of appointment, launching their international civil service career at UNESCO headquarters in Paris or field offices.