UN YPP (Young Professionals Programme) — Complete Guide & Tips

Updated 2026 · 14 min read

The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is one of the most direct pathways into the UN Secretariat at the P-2 level. If your country is eligible, it's an opportunity you cannot afford to miss.

1. What Is the YPP?

The YPP is a competitive examination run by the UN Secretariat to recruit entry-level Professional staff (P-1/P-2). It was created to improve geographical representation — ensuring the Secretariat reflects the diversity of UN Member States.

The programme has been running since 1999 (originally as the National Competitive Recruitment Examination, or NCRE). It is held annually, usually with examinations in late Q4 and results in mid-Q2 of the following year.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To apply you must:

• Be a national of a participating country (list changes annually)
• Be 32 years old or younger as of 31 December of the exam year
• Hold at least a first-level university degree (bachelor's or equivalent) in a field relevant to the job family you're applying for
• Be fluent in English or French (the Secretariat's working languages)

Note: There is no work experience requirement — the YPP is specifically designed for early-career professionals. However, having some relevant experience (internships, entry-level positions) will strengthen your application and exam performance.

3. Job Families

You apply to a specific job family(also called "job network"). Not all families are offered every year. Common families include:

Choose the family that best matches your education and experience. You can only apply to one job family per year.

4. Application Timeline

A typical YPP cycle:

• June–July: Announcement published, eligible countries and job families confirmed
• July–September: Application period (apply via Inspira)
• October–December: Written examination (held at UN exam centres worldwide)
• March–May (next year): Oral examination (competency-based interview, usually virtual)
• June–August: Results published, successful candidates placed on roster
• Ongoing: Roster members offered P-2 positions as vacancies arise

5. Written Exam: Format & Tips

The written exam typically consists of two parts taken on the same day:

Part 1: General Paper (2 hours)

• Tests analytical thinking, drafting skills, and awareness of global issues
• Usually involves a summary exercise (summarise a complex text) and an essay on an international affairs topic
• Tip: Practice summarising UN reports (General Assembly resolutions, Secretary-General reports) to 200–300 words

Part 2: Specialised Paper (3 hours)

• Tests subject-matter knowledge in your chosen job family
• Includes multiple-choice questions and essay-style questions
• Tip: Review past exam papers (available on the UN Careers website), study relevant UN frameworks and reports in your field

General exam tips:

1. Write clearly and structure your answers — use headings and paragraphs, not walls of text
2. Reference specific UN frameworks, resolutions, or initiatives when relevant
3. Manage your time — don't spend 90% of the time on the first question
4. If writing in English, use formal, precise language — avoid colloquialisms
5. Practice under timed conditions before exam day

6. Oral Exam: CBI Interview

If you pass the written exam, you'll be invited to a competency-based interview (CBI). This is the same format used for all UN interviews — expect questions on Communication, Teamwork, Planning & Organizing, and other core competencies.

Prepare STAR stories and practise answering in 2–3 minutes. For detailed preparation, see our CBI questions guide.

7. After Passing: The Roster

Passing both stages places you on a YPP roster — a pool of pre-approved candidates. Key facts:

• Roster membership lasts 2 years (renewable once)
• Hiring managers can select you for P-2 positions without a new recruitment
• Placement is not guaranteed — it depends on vacancies in your job family
• You may be offered positions at any UN duty station — flexibility increases your chances
• Most roster members receive an offer within 6–18 months

Tip:While waiting, keep your Inspira profile updated and indicate willingness to serve at hardship duty stations — these vacancies are harder to fill and you're more likely to be selected.

8. How to Prepare

1. Study past exams — the UN publishes sample papers on careers.un.org
2. Read widely in your job family — UN reports, General Assembly resolutions, SDG monitoring reports
3. Follow current events — the general paper often references recent global developments
4. Practice timed writing — essays, summaries, analytical pieces under exam conditions
5. Join YPP study groups — online forums and social media groups share tips and materials
6. Prepare your CBI stories early — even if the interview is months away
7. Review UN core values and competencies — they frame every question

9. Alternatives to the YPP

If your country isn't eligible for the YPP, or if you want additional pathways:

• Junior Professional Officer (JPO): Sponsored by your home government. P-2 level for 2–3 years. Check your country's sponsoring ministry.
• UN Volunteers (UNV): Specialist or community volunteer positions with a living allowance. Good stepping stone.
• Internships: 2–6 month placements across the system. Build networks and learn the culture.
• Direct recruitment: Apply to P-2 vacancies directly on agency career portals.
• Consultancy contracts: Build a track record inside the system, then apply for staff positions.

Read our full guide on building a UN career from intern to staff.