YPP Exam: Development and Sustainability (for external applicants), P2
- Organisation: DOS - Department of Operational Support
- Location: Other
- Contract: E
- Deadline: 1 December 2026
Org. Setting and Reporting
Candidates who successfully complete the Young Professionals Programme (YPP) examination process will be placed on a roster used to fill appropriate vacancies. Candidates may be selected from the roster as relevant vacancies become available across the UN Secretariat. The roster is valid and used to fill positions, for a period of three years. It is important to understand that placement on the roster does not guarantee an offer of employment. Candidates selected from the roster will be offered a two-year fixed term contract at the start of their Professional career with the UN. After two years, and subject to satisfactory performance, they may be granted a continuing contract. YPP placements are at P-1/P-2 level (entry level professional, Associate Officer positions). These positions may become available at various UN Secretariat offices, including, but not limited to: Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, Geneva, Nairobi, New York, Santiago, Vienna. Successful candidates must be willing to be placed in a position at any UN duty station or field operation. YPP positions in Development and Sustainability are located primarily in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the Regional Commissions, which are the regional branches of the United Nations Secretariat. These entities support the link between global policies and national and regional action across economic, social, environmental and sustainable development issues, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Positions may cover a range of functional and substantive areas, including economic affairs, social affairs, population affairs, statistics, data science, environmental protection, and related areas of sustainable development. Specific assignments may focus on particular sectors or areas of specialization. Associate Officers in these positions typically report to a Senior Officer, Head of Unit, Head of Branch or Section, or Chief of Section. Please be sure to carefully read the Special Notice section below and visit careers.un.org/ypp for more information.
Responsibilities
The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) examination in Development and Sustainability covers a broad range of topics, with a focus on economics, statistics, social affairs, environmental issues, and sustainable development, as well as skills related to technology and digital transformation, and programme management support. It also encompasses other areas within the Development and Sustainability field that are addressed by the various entities of the United Nations system. Candidates who are successful in the examination may be appointed to positions in a variety of functional areas. Responsibilities will vary by assignment but may include the following: Research, Analysis and Data • Conducts research and analysis on economic, social, environmental, statistical, demographic and sustainable development issues, including collecting, evaluating, analysing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data and information from a variety of sources. • Contributes to the collection, validation, compilation, analysis, dissemination and visualization of statistical data and other information, and to the development and maintenance of relevant data platforms and information systems. • Applies appropriate research methods, statistical methodologies, analytical models and other tools, including statistical programming languages and software, to identify trends, assess developments and support evidence-based analysis and decision-making. • Contributes to the development and application of analytical methodologies and tools, including, where relevant, emerging technologies and data science approaches. • Analyses national, regional and global trends, policies and experiences, including progress in the implementation of internationally agreed development goals and frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. Policy Analysis and Written Outputs • Contributes to the preparation of analytical studies, research reports, background papers, technical documents and other written outputs on economic, social, environmental, statistical, demographic and sustainable development issues. • Prepares briefing notes, presentations, inputs to speeches and other materials, including the communication of technical and analytical findings in a manner accessible to specialist and non-specialist audiences. • Researches and maintains up to date information on relevant policies, methodologies, emerging issues and developments within assigned areas of work. Intergovernmental Support and Stakeholder Engagement • Provides substantive support to intergovernmental and expert processes, including preparing inputs to reports, statements and other documentation; following meetings and preparing summaries; and supporting panels, round tables, expert group meetings, seminars and conferences. • Liaises and collaborates, as appropriate, with governments, international and regional organizations, national institutions, academia, civil society and other stakeholders to exchange information and support substantive activities. Technical Cooperation and Capacity Development • Contributes to the design, preparation and implementation of technical cooperation and capacity development programmes and projects, including compiling and analysing relevant data and information and preparing project documentation. • Monitors and assesses the implementation of programmes and projects and contributes to the development of approaches and mechanisms for tracking progress and results. • Supports technical assistance and capacity development activities, including the preparation and delivery of training, workshops and other knowledge-sharing activities and, where applicable, participation in advisory or fact-finding missions. General • Contributes to outreach, knowledge-sharing and communication activities, including the preparation of publications, presentations and other materials for a variety of audiences. • Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: • Shows pride in work and in achievements • Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter • Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results • Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns • Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges • Remains calm in stressful situations • Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work Planning & Organizing: • Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies • Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required • Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work • Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning • Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary • Uses time efficiently Teamwork: • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals • Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others • Places team agenda before personal agenda • Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position • Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings
Education
At least a first-level university degree (i.e., Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree of at least three years) in an area of study relevant to economics, statistics, data science, social affairs, environment, and sustainable development. Candidates with an advanced degree are encouraged to apply. Degrees accepted must be in economics, statistics, data science, social affairs, environment, and sustainable development or a related field, in one of the following areas (to be selected from the “Main Course of Study” dropdown menu): Agriculture, Foresty & Fishery; Business & Administration; Computing; Environmental Protection; Humanities; Law; Mathematics & Statistics; Social & Behavioural Science Important: when preparing your application in Inspira, if you do not see your exact degree listed, please choose the field of study that is closest to your degree, from the “Field of Study” and “Main Course of Study” dropdown menus; then type the exact title in original language as well as its translation in English or French in the additional comment boxes. Do NOT select “other” for main course of study or field of study (or you will be automatically disqualified).
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
No work experience is required. Relevant work experience may be taken into consideration as an additional screening criteria when more than 90 candidates from the same country apply to the same exam area.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, either English or French is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking
English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II
French UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II
Assessment