Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme: Launch Your Career in International Development

The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme is a prestigious entry-level initiative designed to give young professionals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience within international organisations, particularly within the United Nations (UN) system. Funded by the Government of the Netherlands, the programme allows talented university graduates to actively contribute to policy formulation, programme design, and implementation in the field of international development cooperation.

Through structured placements, the JPO Programme supports capacity building for both participants and host organisations, while also strengthening international collaboration between the Netherlands and partner countries.

---

About the JPO Programme

The JPO Programme offers early-career professionals the opportunity to work in international development roles across various UN agencies and related organisations that collaborate closely with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Assignments are aligned with Dutch international development policy priorities, ensuring that JPOs contribute meaningfully to global development challenges while gaining invaluable professional experience.

The programme is open to:

• Candidates with Dutch nationality
• Candidates from eligible developing countries, as defined by the programme

All JPO positions are entry-level and designed with a strong learning component to support professional growth.

---

Placement and Duration

Junior Professional Officers are typically appointed for a maximum duration of 36 months (three years). This period includes:

• An initial 12-month contract
• Possible extensions up to the three-year maximum, subject to performance and organisational needs

Extensions beyond 36 months are not permitted. Each assignment includes a detailed job description and a learning track that supports both technical and personal skill development. While learning objectives are predefined, JPOs should note that job descriptions may be adjusted during the assignment to respond to changing organisational priorities.

JPOs sign an employment contract directly with the host organisation. Salary, benefits, and employment conditions are governed by a Memorandum of Understanding between the Netherlands Minister of Foreign Affairs and the respective organisation.

---

Host Organisations

JPOs are placed in UN agencies and international organisations that maintain active collaboration with the Government of the Netherlands. These include organisations working in areas such as:

• Public health
• Education
• Human rights
• Climate and environment
• Governance and development cooperation

Assignments are always outside the candidate’s country of origin, ensuring international exposure and cross-cultural experience.

---

Minimum Qualification Requirements

To be eligible for the JPO Programme, all candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A Master’s degree in a field relevant to the advertised position, plus at least 2 years of relevant work experience after obtaining the first university degree
  OR
• A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 4 years relevant work experience
• No previous experience as a Junior Professional Officer
• Maximum age of 32 years as of 31 December of the application year
• UN system work experience must not exceed one year (including paid UN internships, consultancies, or UNV roles)
• Strong working knowledge of English
• Willingness to work outside the country of origin

---

Nationality-Specific Requirements

For Dutch Candidates

• Must hold Dutch nationality

For Candidates from Developing Countries

• Must be a national of an eligible developing country
• A substantial part of their Bachelor’s and/or Master’s education must have been completed in an eligible developing country

---

Additional Selection Criteria

In addition to the formal requirements, competitive candidates should:

• Demonstrate a clear interest in international development cooperation
• Preferably have working knowledge of a second official UN language (such as French or Spanish)
• Show adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and motivation to work in international environments

---

Vacancies and Applications

JPO vacancies are published under two categories:

• Dutch – open only to candidates with Dutch nationality
• DC – open to candidates from eligible developing countries

Vacancies are advertised on:

• The official JPO Programme vacancy page
• The PIF World website
• LinkedIn
• The websites of the host organisations

Important:
Applications are only accepted for specific advertised vacancies. Candidates must submit their applications directly to the organisation or contact person listed in the vacancy announcement. Applications sent to the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Nedworc Foundation will not be considered.

Candidates with partners are advised to check whether local labour laws in the host country permit partners to work.

---

Selection Procedure

The recruitment and selection process is carried out by the host organisations. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, after which final selections are made.

---

Privacy and Data Protection

The Nedworc Foundation manages programme administration and maintains personal data of contracted JPOs for monitoring and evaluation purposes. Personal information is handled confidentially and is not shared with unauthorised third parties. Data of unsuccessful candidates is deleted once the selection process concludes.

---

Programme Administration and Contact

The JPO Programme is administered by the Multilateral Organisations and Human Rights Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, with programme management support from the Nedworc Foundation.

For general questions, applicants are encouraged to consult the FAQ section. For additional information, inquiries can be directed to Nedworc Foundation via email or phone. Questions related to specific vacancies should be addressed directly to the recruiting organisation.

The Junior Professional Officer Programme is an exceptional pathway for young professionals seeking to build a long-term career in international development and the United Nations system. With structured learning, global exposure, and meaningful responsibilities, the programme equips participants with the skills and experience needed to make a lasting impact worldwide.

Find out more from HERE

---

Subscribe to OFY for opportunities like this…