The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has opened applications for two exciting Junior Professional Officer (JPO) positions under the Republic of Korea-sponsored JPO Programme for 2026. These prestigious international opportunities offer young Korean professionals the chance to work at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, while contributing to global initiatives in Earth Sciences, Geoparks, international partnerships, resource mobilization, and sustainable development.
The UNESCO Junior Professional Officer Programme is designed to provide talented early-career professionals with hands-on experience in the United Nations system while helping them develop specialized expertise in their respective fields. Successful candidates will work alongside international experts, policymakers, researchers, and development professionals, gaining invaluable exposure to global governance and international cooperation.
The two available positions are:
- Junior Professional Officer – Earth Sciences and Geoparks
- Junior Professional Officer – Multilateral Partnerships Analyst
Both positions are initially offered for one year and may be extended for up to an additional two years based on performance and organizational needs.
About the UNESCO Junior Professional Officer Programme
UNESCO is one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations, dedicated to promoting peace and sustainable development through international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information.
The Republic of Korea-sponsored Junior Professional Officer Programme enables highly qualified Korean professionals to gain practical experience within UNESCO while contributing to the organization’s global mission.
Participants benefit from:
- Exposure to international policymaking and development cooperation
- Professional mentorship from experienced UNESCO staff
- Opportunities to engage with global experts and stakeholders
- Hands-on project management experience
- International networking opportunities
- Career development within the United Nations system
Position 1: Junior Professional Officer – Earth Sciences and Geoparks
Duty Station
Paris, France
Sector
Natural Sciences Sector
Grade
P-2
Contract Duration
One year, with the possibility of extension for up to two additional years.
Overview of the Role
The selected candidate will join UNESCO’s Earth Sciences and Geoparks Section and contribute to internationally recognized programmes including:
- UNESCO Global Geoparks
- International Geoscience Programme
The role focuses on supporting international scientific cooperation in geosciences, promoting sustainable use of natural resources, advancing geoheritage conservation, and strengthening global geological research initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
The Junior Professional Officer will:
- Draft project reports and technical documentation
- Prepare brochures and training materials
- Update UNESCO Global Geoparks databases
- Maintain International Geoscience Programme databases
- Support monitoring of new geopark initiatives
- Assist in tracking geoscience projects
- Prepare documentation for statutory meetings and councils
- Support UNESCO Global Geoparks Council activities
- Contribute to International Geoscience Programme Council preparations
- Strengthen visibility of UNESCO Earth Sciences initiatives
- Support website updates and digital communication
- Contribute to social media outreach activities
- Participate in other Earth Sciences Section assignments
Learning Opportunities
This role offers exposure to:
- International geoscience cooperation
- Geological heritage conservation
- Sustainable resource management
- United Nations development initiatives
- Scientific diplomacy
- Global environmental governance
Required Qualifications
Education
Applicants must possess:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent in Natural Sciences, Earth Sciences, Ecological Sciences, or related disciplines
OR
- A Bachelor’s degree plus two additional years of relevant experience
Desired Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Experience in geoscience communication
- Data management experience
- Project coordination experience
- Knowledge of Earth Sciences programmes
Preferred Skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong report-writing abilities
- Microsoft Word proficiency
- Microsoft PowerPoint proficiency
- Knowledge of project management methodologies
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) knowledge (advantageous)
Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Excellent Korean language skills
- Excellent English language skills
Additional knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is considered an advantage.
Position 2: Junior Professional Officer – Multilateral Partnerships Analyst
Duty Station
Paris, France
Sector
Division for Partnerships
Grade
P-2
Contract Duration
One year, renewable for up to two additional years.
Overview of the Role
The Multilateral Partnerships Analyst will support UNESCO’s efforts to strengthen relationships with:
- Bilateral donors
- Multilateral organizations
- United Nations agencies
- Regional institutions
- Development banks
- Civil society organizations
- Foundations
- Corporate partners
The position focuses on strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, innovative financing, and donor engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Partner Intelligence and Strategic Positioning
The successful candidate will:
- Monitor political developments affecting partnerships
- Track economic trends influencing donor engagement
- Identify new partnership opportunities
- Support UNESCO positioning at international events
- Develop briefing materials and strategic reports
- Produce partnership intelligence and analysis
- Prepare income projections and resource mobilization reports
Partner Engagement and Relationship Management
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting communications with multilateral partners
- Maintaining stakeholder databases
- Facilitating high-level engagements
- Coordinating outreach initiatives
- Supporting strategic dialogue meetings
- Assisting with partner visibility activities
- Promoting UNESCO’s strategic objectives
Portfolio Management and Advisory Support
The officer will:
- Monitor partnership agreements
- Conduct risk analysis
- Support proposal development
- Advise UNESCO sectors and field offices
- Strengthen resource mobilization efforts
- Contribute to partner engagement strategies
- Support capacity-building activities
Learning Opportunities
Participants will gain experience in:
- International partnerships
- Resource mobilization
- Development financing
- Innovative finance mechanisms
- Policy influence and advocacy
- Stakeholder engagement
- International development cooperation
Required Qualifications
Education
Applicants must hold:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Policy, or related fields
OR
- A Bachelor’s degree plus two years of additional relevant professional experience
Preferred Professional Experience
Candidates should ideally possess:
- Experience in multilateral partnerships
- Experience in innovative finance
- Knowledge of climate finance
- Resource mobilization expertise
- Research and professional writing experience
- Partnership development experience
Required Skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Excellent drafting skills
- Outstanding communication abilities
- Problem-solving capabilities
- Organizational and project management skills
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
- Professional integrity and discretion
Language Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- Excellent English language proficiency
Knowledge of French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is an added advantage.
General Eligibility Requirements for Both Positions
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of the Republic of Korea
- Be fluent in Korean and English
- Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification
- Meet English language proficiency requirements
- Be under 32 years of age as of 31 December 2026
- Have completed military service or be exempt (for eligible male applicants)
Accepted English Test Scores
Applicants must meet one of the following minimum requirements:
- TOEFL iBT: 100
- TEPS: 430
- IELTS: 7.0
- TOEIC: 900
Important notes:
- TOEFL Home Edition is accepted
- TOEFL MyBest scores are not accepted
- IELTS Academic and General Training are accepted
- Test scores must be valid within two years of application
Military Service Age Extension
Age limits may be extended as follows:
- One year for service under one year
- Two years for service between one and two years
- Three years for service of two years or more
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Resident Register (English version)
- University degree certificate(s)
- English proficiency test certificate
- Employment certificates detailing professional experience
- Military service certificate (where applicable)
- National Basic Livelihood Security Recipient certificate (for eligible applicants)
- Disability certificate (for eligible applicants)
All documents must be merged and submitted as a single PDF file.
Application Deadline
26 June 2026 (11:59 p.m. Korean Standard Time)
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
The UNESCO Junior Professional Officer Programme provides an exceptional gateway into the United Nations system. Whether your interests lie in Earth Sciences and sustainable development or in international partnerships and resource mobilization, these positions offer a unique opportunity to contribute to global development while building a highly competitive international career.
Working from UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, successful candidates will gain practical experience, develop leadership skills, engage with world-class experts, and contribute directly to UNESCO’s mission of advancing peace, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
Discover more Global Job Opportunities on OFY here.
