The 2026 Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme has opened its second call for applications, providing qualified early-career professionals with opportunities to work with major international organizations and United Nations-related institutions across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the United States.
The current call includes positions in areas such as human resources, migration, livelihoods, strategic planning, renewable energy, sustainable development, economic affairs, climate policy, political affairs, programme management, financial management, legal affairs, counter-terrorism, supply chain management, public health and international development.
The application deadline for the current call is Sunday, 23 August 2026 at 24:00 CET.
For professionals seeking to build an international career, gain experience within multilateral institutions and contribute to global development and policy work, the JPO programme can provide a valuable entry point into the international organization system.
What Is the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme?
The Junior Professional Officer Programme provides early-career professionals with opportunities to gain professional experience within international organizations.
JPO positions are designed for candidates who have already completed advanced academic studies and have some relevant professional experience but are still developing their international careers.
The 2026 second call includes vacancies hosted by organizations such as:
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)
- International Trade Centre (ITC)
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development – International Energy Agency (OECD-IEA)
- United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
- United Nations Secretariat
- World Food Programme (WFP)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
These positions are distributed across several international cities, including Vienna, Erbil, Geneva, Paris, Bonn, Damascus, New York, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and N’Djamena.
Current 2026 JPO Job Openings
1. IAEA – Associate HR Policy Officer
Location: Vienna, Austria
Organization: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Chiffre: 2026-2-34
Sector/Unit: Human Resources Development
The IAEA is recruiting a Junior Professional Officer, Associate HR Policy Officer.
The position focuses on human resources policy and related organizational activities within the Human Resources Development function.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants should have:
- A master’s degree in:
- Business administration
- Human resources management
- International relations
- Law
- Or a related field
- At least two years of experience in human resources management
- Excellent written and oral English
- Experience drafting:
- Policies
- Procedures
- Position papers
The position may be particularly suitable for candidates with academic and professional backgrounds in human resources, organizational policy, international relations or administration.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
2. IOM – Migration and Livelihoods Officer
Location: Erbil, Iraq
Organization: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Chiffre: 2026-2-44
Sector/Unit: Livelihoods, Protection and Migration Management Technical Team
The IOM JPO position focuses on migration and livelihoods, with particular relevance to migration management, protection and programmes supporting affected populations.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants should have:
- A master’s degree in:
- Political or social sciences
- Social work
- Economics
- Development studies
- Law
- Or a related field
- At least two years of relevant work experience
- Familiarity with programme issues concerning migration and returnees
- Fluency in English
This position could be relevant to professionals interested in migration, displacement, development, humanitarian programming and livelihoods.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
3. ITC – Strategic Planning, Performance and Governance Officer
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Organization: International Trade Centre (ITC)
Chiffre: 2026-2-39
Sector/Unit: Strategic Planning, Performance and Governance
The ITC opening focuses on strategic planning, performance and governance.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants should have a master’s degree in an area such as:
- Public administration
- Business administration
- Finance or accounting
- Data science
- Risk management
- Evaluation
- Economics
- Social sciences
- A related discipline
Applicants also need:
- At least two years of relevant professional experience
- Fluency in English
- Strong quantitative and qualitative research and analytical skills
- Computer literacy
This position may appeal to professionals interested in organizational performance, monitoring and evaluation, governance, data analysis and strategic planning.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
4. OECD-IEA – Junior Renewable Energy Policy Analyst
Location: Paris, France
Organization: OECD – International Energy Agency (IEA)
Chiffre: 2026-2-35
Sector/Unit: Directorate of Energy Markets and Security
This position focuses on renewable energy policy, making it particularly relevant for professionals working in energy, climate policy and sustainable development.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants should have a master’s degree in:
- Political science
- International relations
- Economics or econometrics
- Engineering
- Physical sciences
- Statistics
- Another relevant field
Applicants also require:
- Two years of relevant experience in renewable energy policies
- Fluency in English or French
- Experience using Microsoft Excel
Click HERE to read more and apply.
5. UNCCD – Junior Policy Officer
Location: Bonn, Germany
Organization: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Chiffre: 2026-2-38
Sector/Unit: Drought Resilience, Sustainable Land Management and Food Security
The UNCCD position focuses on policy issues surrounding drought resilience, sustainable land management and food security.
Main qualification requirements
Candidates should have a master’s degree in:
- International development
- Sustainable land management
- Natural resources management
- Land governance
- Development economics
- Or a related field
Applicants should also have at least two years of professional experience in areas such as:
- Food security
- Sustainable agriculture
- Drought resilience
- Sustainable land management
- Sustainable water management
- Environmental policy
Fluency in English and proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaborative platforms are also required.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
6. UNCTAD – Economic Affairs JPO
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Organization: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Chiffre: 2026-2-37
Area: Critical Minerals and Green Hydrogen
This position sits within the Economic Development area and focuses on emerging economic issues involving critical minerals and green hydrogen.
Main qualification requirements
Candidates need:
- A master’s degree in economics or a related discipline
- At least two years of relevant professional experience
Relevant experience may include:
- Economic research
- Economic analysis
- Policy formulation
- Development programmes
- Application of economic principles to development-related work
Fluency in English is required.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
7. UNECE – Sustainable Energy, Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Organization: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
Chiffre: 2026-2-36
Sector: Economic and Environmental Affairs
This JPO position focuses on sustainable energy, climate mitigation and climate adaptation.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants should hold a master’s degree in:
- Economics
- Environmental sciences
- International relations
- Sustainability
- Social sciences
- Or a related field
Candidates should also have:
- At least two years of relevant experience
- Experience in the energy sector, environmental sustainability or energy-related policymaking
- Fluency in English
Click HERE to read more and apply.
8. UNDP – Programme Analyst
Location: Damascus, Syria
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Chiffre: 2026-2-41
Sector/Unit: Socio-Economic Recovery, Inclusive Growth and Finance
The UNDP position focuses on economic recovery, inclusive growth, finance and private sector development.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants should have:
- A master’s degree in:
- Economics
- Business management
- International development
- Or a related field
- At least two years of paid professional experience in areas such as:
- Economic recovery
- Inclusive growth
- Finance
- Private sector development
- Fluency in English
Strong abilities in:
- Data collection
- Data analysis
- Research
- Report writing
are also required.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
9. UNDP – Local Action Analyst
Location: New York, United States
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Chiffre: 2026-2-40
Sector/Unit: Governance, Rule of Law and Peacebuilding Hub
The UNDP is also recruiting a Junior Professional Officer, Local Action Analyst.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants should hold a master’s degree in:
- Public administration
- Economics
- Political science
- Social sciences
- A related field
Applicants need at least two years of relevant experience in areas such as:
- Peacebuilding
- Insider mediation
- Local governance
- Related fields
Fluency in English and proficiency with office software and web-based management systems are required.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
10. UN-Habitat – Junior Professional Officer
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Organization: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Chiffre: 2026-2-42
Sector/Unit: Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section
The UN-Habitat position focuses on housing, land, urban development and informal settlements.
Main qualification requirements
Candidates should have:
- A master’s degree in a relevant field
- At least two years of relevant professional experience
Relevant experience should be related to:
- Housing
- Land administration
- Land management
- Urban development
- Slums
- Informal settlements
Fluency in English is required.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
11. UN Secretariat – Financial Management JPO
Location: New York, United States
Organization: United Nations Secretariat
Chiffre: 2026-2-25
Sector/Unit: Programme Planning, Finance and Budget
This position focuses on financial management, programme planning, finance and budgeting.
Main qualification requirements
A master’s degree in the following areas is preferable, although the vacancy indicates that these fields are not strictly required:
- Business administration
- Economics
- Information systems
- Law
- Statistics
- Finance
Applicants need at least two years of progressively responsible experience in:
- Finance
- Administration
- Budget
- Business administration
- Related areas
Fluency in English and strong computer skills are also required.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
12. UN Secretariat – Legal Affairs JPO
Location: New York, United States
Organization: United Nations Secretariat
Chiffre: 2026-2-26
Sector/Unit: Legal Affairs
This opportunity is designed for professionals specializing in public international law and legal affairs.
Main qualification requirements
Candidates should have:
- A master’s degree in law
- An emphasis on public international law
- At least two years of relevant professional experience
- Experience in matters related to public international law
- Fluency in English
- Knowledge of legal research sources
This position is particularly relevant to candidates pursuing international legal careers.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
13. UN Secretariat – Programme Management JPO
Location: New York, United States
Organization: United Nations Secretariat
Chiffre: 2026-2-27
Sector/Unit: Programme Management
The role focuses on international relations, public diplomacy, public relations and programme management.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants should have a master’s degree in:
- Political science
- International relations
- Public administration
- Business administration
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Law
- Or a related discipline
Candidates need at least two years of relevant experience in:
- International relations
- Public diplomacy
- Public relations
- Related areas
Fluency in English is required.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
14. UN Secretariat – Political Affairs JPO
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Organization: United Nations Secretariat
Chiffre: 2026-2-28
Sector/Unit: Political Affairs
This is one of the notable opportunities in the current call for professionals interested in political affairs, development and international relations, and it is based in Addis Ababa.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants should have a master’s degree in:
- Social sciences
- Political science
- International relations
- International economics
- Law
- Public administration
- Development studies
- Another related discipline
Applicants need at least two years of relevant professional experience in areas such as:
- Economic and social development
- Programme management
- Humanitarian affairs
- Political affairs
- Related fields
Fluency in English, strong analytical skills and strong writing skills are required.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
15. UN Secretariat – Associate Political Affairs Officer
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Organization: United Nations Secretariat
Chiffre: 2026-2-29
Sector/Unit: Disarmament
This position focuses on disarmament and international security.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants need:
- A master’s degree in:
- Political science
- International relations
- International economics
- Law
- Public administration
- A related field
- At least two years of relevant professional experience in:
- Political affairs
- International relations
- Law
- Disarmament
- International security
- Related areas
- Fluency in English
- Excellent drafting and organizational skills
Click HERE to read more and apply.
16. UN Secretariat – Prevention of Violent Extremism and Counter-Terrorism
Location: Nairobi and New York
Organization: United Nations Secretariat
Chiffre: 2026-2-30
Sector/Unit: Political Affairs / Counter-Terrorism
This JPO position focuses on preventing violent extremism and counter-terrorism.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants should have a master’s degree in:
- International relations
- Political science
- Law
- Economics
- Business administration
- Communications
- A related field
At least two years of relevant professional experience is required, particularly in:
- Public administration
- Research
- International organizations
- Related areas
Fluency in English and strong computer skills are also required.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
17. UN Secretariat – Programme Management JPO
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Organization: United Nations Secretariat
Chiffre: 2026-2-32
Sector/Unit: Programme Management
This position focuses specifically on Internet governance-related processes.
Main qualification requirements
Candidates should have a master’s degree in:
- Business or public administration
- International relations
- Journalism
- Communication
- Management
- Computer and information science
- A related field
Applicants need at least two years of relevant professional experience in Internet governance-related processes.
Fluency in English and knowledge of information and communication technology issues are required.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
18. WFP – Supply Chain Officer
Location: N’Djamena, Chad
Organization: World Food Programme (WFP)
Chiffre: 2026-2-45
Sector/Unit: Supply Chain
The WFP JPO opportunity focuses on supply chain management and information management.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants need:
- A master’s degree in:
- Supply chain management
- Data sciences
- Business administration
- Engineering
- Development studies
- Disaster management/disaster risk reduction
- A similar discipline
- Three years of relevant professional experience
- Experience in supply chain, information management or similar areas
- Fluency in English and French
- Sound knowledge of Microsoft Windows
This position has a higher experience requirement than several other vacancies in this call, requiring three years of relevant experience.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
19. WHO – Project Officer
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
Chiffre: 2026-2-46
Sector/Unit: Divisional Office, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care
The WHO is recruiting a Junior Professional Officer, Project Officer.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants should have a master’s degree in:
- Public health
- Health or clinical research
- Political sciences
- Social sciences
- A related discipline
Candidates need:
- Two years of professional experience in national or international public health or health policy
- Fluency in English
- Strong analytical skills
- Good communication skills
This opportunity may be especially relevant to professionals with backgrounds in public health, health policy, health research and international health programmes.
Click HERE to read more and apply.
20. WIPO – Associate Program Officer
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Organization: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Chiffre: 2026-2-33
Sector/Unit: Regional and National Development Sector
The WIPO position focuses on programme and development cooperation activities.
Main qualification requirements
Applicants should have:
- A master’s degree in:
- Law
- International relations
- Communication studies
- Public administration
- Other social sciences
- Three years of relevant professional experience in:
- Project management
- Development cooperation
- Fluency in English
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Click HERE to read more.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is aimed primarily at early-career professionals who have completed an advanced university degree and acquired relevant professional experience.
However, eligibility is not identical across all vacancies.
Depending on the specific position, candidates may need:
- A relevant master’s degree
- Two or three years of relevant professional experience
- Strong English-language skills
- In some cases, French or another language
- Technical or analytical skills relevant to the position
- Experience in a specific professional field
Application Deadline
The deadline for the second 2026 JPO call is:
Sunday, 23 August 2026 at 24:00 CET
Applicants should not wait until the final day to complete their application. Because different positions require different qualifications and supporting information, sufficient time should be allocated to reviewing the relevant vacancy description and preparing the application.
Important Application Information
The 2026 JPO recruitment process will continue to be conducted virtually.
Applicants should pay attention to the official programme information and recruitment schedule.
The announcement also emphasizes that applicants should use only the current version of the application form.
Another important change concerns unsuccessful applications: because of the high volume of applications, applicants who are not selected for an interview will no longer receive rejection letters.
Therefore, applicants should understand that not receiving an interview invitation means that their application could not be considered further.
Important Note for Applicants
Applicants should not apply solely because they meet the general master’s degree and experience requirements.
The strongest approach is to identify the specific position that matches your professional profile and then compare:
- Your academic qualification
- Your years of professional experience
- Your sector experience
- Your technical skills
- Your language abilities
- Your research and analytical experience
- Your experience working with international or development-related programmes
- Any position-specific eligibility requirements
Candidates should also read the complete job description before preparing their application because the information provided in the general announcement is only a summary of the requirements.
Click HERE to access the application form.
Conclusion
The 2026 second-call JPO Programme offers a broad range of early-career international positions across major global institutions. With openings spanning health, migration, economics, climate change, energy, development, governance, political affairs, law, finance, programme management and supply chains, the programme provides opportunities for professionals from many academic and professional backgrounds.
The current call includes positions in Vienna, Erbil, Geneva, Paris, Bonn, Damascus, New York, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and N’Djamena, making it particularly relevant to candidates seeking international professional experience.
The most important date to remember is 23 August 2026 at 24:00 CET. Since each vacancy has distinct educational, professional, language and potentially nationality requirements, prospective applicants should carefully review the complete job description for their chosen position before applying.
Click HERE for more job opportunities.
