The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme, managed by the Nedworc Foundation, provides recent graduates and young professionals with an opportunity to work in international organizations. The program focuses on development cooperation and policy implementation. It targets candidates from the Netherlands and eligible developing countries, offering entry-level positions primarily within the United Nations system.
Assignments typically last up to 36 months and are designed to foster both technical and personal skill development. Each JPO signs a contract with the host organization, and terms are set by a Memorandum of Understanding between the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN agency involved. The JPO Programme is ideal for those seeking international experience and a career in global development.
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Application Deadline: Not specified – please see official page
Eligible Countries: Dutch nationals and nationals of eligible developing countries
Internship Location: International (outside candidate’s country of origin, with various UN organizations)
Duration: Up to 36 months (initial 12-month contract, extendable to 3 years)
Compensation: Paid (salary and benefits as per UN and Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs agreements)
Host Organization: Various UN organizations in collaboration with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
About the Nedworc Junior Professional Officer Internship
The JPO Programme places participants in entry-level roles with UN organizations. Assignments support the policy objectives of the Netherlands in international development. Each post comes with a tailored job description and a learning track. Organizations offer structured opportunities for technical and personal growth. Job descriptions may change if required by circumstances.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to policy formulation and implementation in development cooperation.
- Support ongoing projects and activities within the assigned UN organization.
- Engage in both technical and personal skill development as outlined in the learning track.
- Adapt to changes in job responsibilities as needed.
Eligibility Requirements
- Advanced university degree (Master’s) in a relevant field and at least 2 years of relevant work experience after first university degree.
- Alternatively, Bachelor’s degree plus at least 4 years of relevant work experience.
- Applicants must not have previously held a JPO position.
- Maximum age of 32 years as of 31 December of the application year.
- Work experience within the UN system should not exceed 1 year (including UNV, paid internship, or consultancy).
- Working knowledge of English required; knowledge of a second UN language preferred.
- Assignments take place outside the candidate’s country of origin.
- Dutch candidates must have Dutch nationality.
- Candidates from developing countries must be nationals of eligible countries and have completed part of their academic training in an eligible developing country.
Skills Preferred: Interest in international development cooperation; working knowledge of a second UN language.
How to Apply for Nedworc Junior Professional Officer Internship
- Review open vacancies on the Nedworc Foundation website and relevant UN agency sites.
- Apply directly to the organization or contact person listed in the vacancy announcement.
- Prepare your application documents in English, including a strong motivation letter tailored to the position.
- Only applications for specific vacancies will be considered.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a written test and an online interview.
For complete details and the latest vacancies, 👉 Visit the official internship page for details
