The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is an international organization that works to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. In September 2025, the UNDP, like other UN agencies, has various job openings available globally, ranging from short-term contracts to long-term staff positions.
General Information on UNDP Positions
UNDP career opportunities are categorized based on the type of contract and the level of the role. The positions are located in various countries where UNDP has offices, and some are home-based.
Types of Employment Contracts:
- Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA): A standard staff position under UN Staff Rules. It can be for national or international professionals.
- Temporary Appointment (TA): A short-term staff position, typically for a maximum of 364 days.
- National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA): For individuals providing a time-limited service to UNDP, hired locally.
- International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA): For individuals providing a time-limited service, typically hired to work in a country other than their home country.
- Internships: Opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain experience. Internships can be in-person or remote.
- Fellowships: Assignments for students, recent graduates, and mid-career professionals.
- Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme: A program for young professionals from UNDP donor countries with at least two years of experience.
Types of Roles and Levels:
- International Professionals (IP): Staff recruited internationally for a range of specialist and management functions. These roles require a Master’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree with additional relevant work experience.
- National Officers (NO): Nationals of the country where the duty station is located. Similar educational requirements to International Professionals, but with an emphasis on local knowledge.
- General Service (GS): Locally recruited staff who provide essential administrative, clerical, and support services.
- Consultants: Individuals hired for specific, time-limited projects.
Examples of Positions (as of early September 2025)
UNDP and other UN organizations are actively recruiting for various roles. Here are some examples of positions and their locations:
- Programme Coordination Specialist, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Project Analyst/ Legislation, Gender and Social Inclusion: Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan
- Procurement and Supply Associate: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
- Technical Specialist: Yaoundé, Cameroon, and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (multiple locations)
- Finance Analyst: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- Communications and Outreach Specialist: Home-Based
- IT Associate: Amman, Jordan
- Senior Consultant to Develop a New Business Model for Financial Sustainability: Dakar, Senegal
How to Find and Apply for UNDP Positions
- Search for Vacancies: The primary source for all UNDP vacancies is the official UNDP jobs page. You can also find listings on UN Careers and other specialized job boards for international development.
- Review Requirements: Before applying, carefully read the job description to ensure you meet the minimum requirements for education, experience, and language skills. Pay close attention to both technical and behavioral competencies.
- Complete the Application: Apply online through UNDP’s eRecruitment platform. You will need to create a profile, and the application typically requires an online form, a CV/resume, and sometimes a cover letter.
- Selection Process: If you are shortlisted, you may be invited for an assessment, which could include a written test and a competency-based interview. Reference checks are also a standard part of the process.
It is important to note that the list of available positions changes constantly. To find the most current and comprehensive list, you should visit the official UNDP careers website.
