The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN/DESA), in partnership with the Government of Italy, has officially opened the 2025/2026 call for applications for two major international career pathways for young Italian professionals:
✔ The Italian Fellowship Programme
✔ The Italian Junior Professional Officers (JPO) Programme

These flagship initiatives provide exceptional opportunities for early-career professionals looking to gain hands-on experience in international development, global governance, and multilateral cooperation.

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Application Deadline

18 December 2025 — 3:00 PM CET (Italian Local Time)
Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early.

TO APPLY CLICK HERE

FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES CLICK HERE

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1. Italian Fellowship Programme

The Fellowships Programme for Technical Cooperation Capacity Building and Human Resources Development is funded by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and implemented by UN/DESA.

It targets post-graduate Italian nationals who are seeking practical and meaningful experience in the field of international development cooperation.

What the Fellowship Offers

Fellows selected for the programme will:

• Spend one year working in a UN field office located in a developing country

• Receive hands-on training and contribute directly to UN operations

• Take part in a mandatory two-week pre-departure orientation in Italy

• Engage in development projects across thematic areas such as governance, health, education, climate, humanitarian response, youth, and more

This programme is specifically designed to help young Italians build a strong foundation for a future career within the UN system or in international development more broadly.

Available Positions

A full list of fellowship posts is available on the official programme website.

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2. Junior Professional Officers (JPO) Programme

The Italian JPO Programme is a long-standing multilateral technical cooperation initiative sponsored by the Government of Italy and implemented by UN/DESA.

It serves a dual purpose:

1. Supporting international organizations with highly skilled junior personnel

2. Providing young Italian professionals with meaningful entry-level experience in global institutions

Programme Highlights

• Work for 2 years as a young professional within a UN agency or international organization

• Gain exposure to policy, programming, research, and field operations

• Strengthen your recruitment prospects within the international system

• Contribute to global work in development, human rights, humanitarian affairs, climate, and more

The JPO Programme is one of the most effective pathways into long-term UN careers.

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 Upcoming Webinars (Registration Required)

To help applicants prepare, the programme will hold three information sessions:

• 26 November 2025 — 13:30 (CET)

• 28 November 2025 — 12:00 (CET)

• 4 December 2025 — 17:00 (CET)

These webinars will cover:
✔ Programme overview
✔ Application process
✔ Eligibility criteria
✔ Tips for preparing a competitive application

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 Contact Information

UN/DESA Office in Rome
c/o FAO Headquarters
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00153 Rome, Italy
Phone: +39 06 5705 4638