The Junior Professional Officers Programme, also known as JPO Programme, is an initiative funded by the Italian Government through the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and administered by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN/DESA).
The Programme stems from a resolution of the United Nations Economic and Social Council adopted in 1961, which approved and encouraged the involvement of volunteers (funded by their respective countries of origin) in development cooperation initiatives and programmes.
Italy joined this initiative in the mid-1970s and, over the years, developed it into a comprehensive Programme, extending its sponsorship from the United Nations Secretariat and relevant bodies to specialized agencies of the UN system, as well as to other International Organizations with which the Italian Government has signed specific agreements.
Junior Professional Officers are employees of the different International Organizations, generally with full international civil servant status (UN Professional Staff, P2 level within the UN system), in accordance with the respective Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
The purpose of the JPO Programme is twofold:
- to support the cooperation activities of international organizations by involving young talents in development initiatives;
- to enable young professionals aspiring to an international career to gain relevant experience that may enhance their recruitment opportunities within these organizations or in the broader international field.
The position lasts for two years and may be extended to a third year upon request by the host organization in cost sharing.
As of today (2026), Italy has sponsored more than 2,000 Junior Professional Officers.
Also thanks to the high quality of Italian JPOs, retention rates within the UN system are extremely high, exceeding 80% immediately after the completion of the Programme. Among those who do not continue their careers within international organizations many go on to pursue equally successful career paths in NGOs, diplomacy, or the private sector.
The quality of Italian JPOs, widely recognized within the United Nations, is ensured by an independent selection process based on meritocracy and managed by UNDESA, under the supervision of MAECI. Approximately 2,500 applications are submitted each year (of which 60% to 70% from women), making the selection process extremely competitive.
Requirements to apply
The requirements for admission to the JPO Programme are:
- Age (no more than 31 years old in the year of applications)
- Italian citizenship (except for positions reserved for candidates from developing countries)
- Excellent knowledge of English and Italian (except for positions reserved for candidates from developing countries)
- University Master’s degree (Laurea specialistica/magistrale)
University Master’s degree awarded after a Laurea/Laurea Triennale
University Master’s degree awarded after a Bachelor’s degree
The specific requirements for each position – such as years of professional experience, additional languages, specific academic qualifications or training, required competencies, etc. – are indicated in the Terms of Reference (Job Descriptions) posted online. Candidates must also demonstrate commitment to the core values of the United Nations, namely integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity.
For further information, please refer to the UNDESA website, https://www.undesa.it/