Source: United Nations
The United Nations is looking for highly qualified candidates who are ready to launch a professional career as an international civil servant. The young professionals programme (YPP) is a recruitment initiative that brings new talent to the United Nations through an annual entrance examination. For young, high-calibre professionals across the globe, the examination is a platform for launching a career at the United Nations. This programme builds upon the national competitive recruitment examination (NCRE) which was held for the last time in 2010. For information and updates on the 2010 NCRE cycleclick here.

Are you eligible to participate in the young professionals programme examination?

• Do you hold at least a first-level university degree?
• Are you 32 or younger by the end of this year?
• Do you speak either English and/or French fluently?
• Are you a national of a participating country?

The examination is held worldwide and is open to nationals of countries participating in the annual recruitment exercise - the list of participating countries is published annually and varies from year to year. This year the application period runs from 11 July to 10 September 2011 and the examination is held 7 December 2011 in locations across the globe.

This examination is also held for staff members of the United Nations Secretariat who work within the General Service and other related categories and aspire to a career within the Professional and higher categories. For more information about staff members participating in the young professionals programme, click here.

The examination tests your substantive knowledge, analytical thinking, drafting abilities, as well as your awareness of international affairs.

Initially you will be appointed for two years and then be reviewed for a continuing appointment. The Organization promotes mobility within and across duty stations and job families. As a new recruit you are expected to work in at least two different functions and duty stations within your first five years of service. You will be offered orientation and mobility training as well as career support. This will help you adapt and accelerate the learning period leading to productive work and job satisfaction as an international civil servant.