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Recruitment Channels

 

Recruitment standards

UNDP's recruitment standard for professional posts remains that of an advanced university degree equivalent to a Masters Degree (i.e. normally 4-6 years of full time study within a field of academic specialization). However, for certain jobs or job categories this academic qualification is insufficient and for certain others a first level university degree combined with more years of directly relevant professional work is acceptable. Therefore, applicants' suitability is measured against the requirements of the vacancy, as stipulated in the Vacancy Notice.

To learn more about UNDP's Recruitment and Selection Framework click here. (Requires access to UNDP’s Intranet).



Recruitment channels

You may look at many different recruitment channels when exploring job opportunities with UNDP, but currently JPOs can only apply for external vacancies, as their appointments are not reviewed by the Central Review Board during the JPO recruitment process.

International external job opportunities with UNDP are advertised on UNDP jobs. These are vacancies open to all non-UNDP applicants and, generally, to internal candidates as well.



SARC Programme

In addition to the regularly advertised vacancies, you may also wish to apply to the Special Assistant to the Resident Coordinator (SARC) Programme. Initiated to enhance the coordination capacity of the Office of the Resident Coordinator and strengthen the coherence of the UN System at country level, the SARC Programme aims for experienced and committed young professionals recruited at P3 level to provide support to the UN Resident Coordinator.

SARC positions are advertised on the websites of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Spain and Sweden, as well as in relevant local media. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Spain and Sweden will shortlist candidates, which are qualified for the positions, and the final selection will be made by UNDP in close collaboration with the Resident Coordinator of the assigned duty station.


SARC candidates:

  • are experienced, talented and motivated professionals with a strong development cooperation and international organizations background;


  • share the UN values and ideals and have a strong commitment to development;


  • have the ability to listen to and understand the needs of the people we serve;


  • have the ability to share knowledge and mobilize resources and partnerships;


  • have the ability to communicate and work strategically and effectively in a multicultural environment;


  • are results oriented, team players, self-confident, excellent communicators, take on leader roles, have sensitivity for diversity and apply analytical thinking to problems;


  • are geographically mobile and willing to serve in hardship duty stations;


  • have a bachelors degree, preferably in economics, political science, engineering, social sciences, law or other related studies;


  • have a masters degree, or equivalent, in a development related area;


  • have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, including 3 to 5 years of experience in a development related field in a developing country;

  • are fluent in English and at least one other UN official working language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian).

Click hereto learn more about the SARC Programme.



LEAD Programme

At the end of your JPO assignment, you may as well consider applying to the Leadership Development Programme (LEAD). The LEAD Programme aims to develop a talented pool of young professionals that is drawn upon by the organization to replenish middle management functions in the short term and senior management functions in the long term.


LEAD Candidates:

  • are talented, motivated and energetic individuals, interested in an international career in development;


  • share the UN values and ideals and have a strong commitment to development


  • have the ability to listen to and understand the needs of the people we serve;


  • have the ability to share useful knowledge and mobilize resources and partnerships;


  • have the ability to communicate and work strategically and effectively in a multicultural environment;


  • are results oriented, team players, self-confident, excellent communicators, take on leader roles, have sensitivity for diversity and apply analytical thinking to problems;


  • are geographically mobile and willing to serve in hardship duty stations;


  • have a masters degree, or equivalent, in development related studies, economics, politics, public administration, business administration, governance, environmental management, law, conflict resolution, international relations, or public health;


  • have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in development, crisis/post-conflict management and/or consultancy (particularly in the public sector), including work in developing countries and management in a multi-cultural environment;


  • are fluent in English and at least one other UN official working language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian).


  • are preferably under 35 years of age, as the LEAD Programme is for young professionals.

Click here to learn more about the LEAD Programme.