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Introduction to the UN DESA JPO Programme 2025
Are you a young professional seeking a stepping-stone into the United Nations and global development? The UN DESA JPO Programme 2025 (Italian-sponsored) offers a powerful opportunity—a fully funded, two-year Junior Professional Officer (JPO) placement within the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). With an upcoming application deadline of August 1, 2025, this is a high-impact chance to build a global career while tackling real development challenges.
About the UN DESA JPO Programme 2025
The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme is a United Nations initiative that recruits highly qualified, motivated, and young professionals to work within various UN agencies around the world. Sponsored by individual member states, these positions are designed to give young professionals hands-on experience in international cooperation and policy-making. The Italian-sponsored JPO programme at UN DESA places fellows primarily in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs in New York and occasionally in other duty stations.
As a JPO, you’ll work on substantive UN development initiatives and be an integral part of a global team focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You’ll contribute to projects in economic analysis, policy research, intergovernmental coordination, social development, and global statistics, depending on your assigned role.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet a set of eligibility criteria that ensure the programme attracts the best-suited and most qualified candidates. You are eligible if you:
- Are a citizen of Italy (the Italian government funds this particular JPO call)
- Were born on or after January 1, 1994 (those applying for positions in IT or legal fields may be born on or after January 1, 1991 or January 1, 1993, respectively)
- Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields related to economics, political science, public policy, international relations, law, statistics, or other relevant social sciences
- Possess at least two years of relevant professional work experience
- Have full proficiency in both English and Italian
- Demonstrate a strong interest in international development and working within the United Nations system
Benefits of Participating in the UN DESA JPO Programme 2025
This programme is one of the most prestigious entryways into a UN career for young professionals and comes with a host of benefits:
- Full financial support provided by the Government of Italy, covering salary, insurance, travel expenses, relocation costs, and other benefits
- Direct placement in substantive UN roles, including analytical work, report drafting, capacity development, policy support, and more
- Training and mentoring opportunities throughout your tenure, ensuring both personal and professional development
- Networking access to UN staff, high-level stakeholders, and other JPOs from different member states
- Career visibility with options to transition into P-level staff positions or advance into other global organizations
- Real-time impact by contributing to the implementation of the SDGs and assisting developing countries in designing and monitoring development strategies
- An international work environment that fosters intercultural collaboration and builds your capacity for global citizenship
Typical Roles and Responsibilities for the UN DESA JPO Programme 2025
As a JPO in UN DESA, your assignments may vary depending on your department, but common responsibilities include:
- Conducting policy research and analysis on macroeconomic, social, or environmental issues
- Drafting analytical reports, background papers, and briefs for intergovernmental use
- Coordinating or supporting international workshops, conferences, and capacity-building programs
- Providing technical assistance to developing countries in areas such as statistics, planning, or public sector reform
- Contributing to the UN’s monitoring and evaluation of national and international development frameworks
- Engaging with partners and stakeholders to ensure the inclusive and effective delivery of projects
How to Apply
To apply, candidates must:
- Visit the official UN DESA JPO website linked below
- Review open vacancies and position-specific requirements
- Prepare their CV, motivation letter, two reference letters, degree certificates, proof of citizenship, and language proficiency documentation
- Submit all documents through the online application portal before the deadline of August 1, 2025.
Shortlisted candidates may undergo interviews or written assessments before final selection. Chosen JPOs will be notified and supported in relocating to their assigned duty station.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!
The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!
World Trade Organization Internship Program 2025
Apply for the $5,000 Pathways Access Scholarship
