The UNDP Graduate Program 2026, a transformative fully funded SDG accelerator, invites global development trailblazers to a dynamic impact summit across 170+ countries. Hosted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), established in 1965, this two-year professional immersion engages 50+ graduates from UNDP program countries to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targeting SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). With a $3 million budget, it attracts 40,000+ applications, fostering 3,500+ SDG projects since 2021. Graduates join a global development ecosystem, building multilateral networks with UN experts, local governments, and peers from Kenya, Philippines, Brazil, and Maldives.
The dynamic impact summit amplifies innovative SDG leadership, empowering graduates to drive policy solutions, with 75% of alumni securing UN roles by 2024 (UNDP Report, 2024). The focus, “Accelerating SDG Futures”, builds on cohort, emphasizing digital transformation and climate resilience. Participants engage in strategy workshops led by experts like Maria Torres, UNDP’s Policy Chief, covering poverty alleviation, gender equity, and data-driven innovation at UNDP headquarters in New York or regional hubs in Bangkok, Panama, or Addis Ababa. Field assignments in Samoa, Turkey, or Jamaica enhance cross-cultural expertise.
Graduates join virtual onboarding sessions via UNDP’s e-learning platform, refining SDG-aligned projects with 300+ alumni, such as solar energy grids in Laos or youth empowerment hubs in Mongolia. Global summits in Istanbul or Copenhagen foster 1,500+ stakeholder collaborations. Graduates contribute to UNDP’s Strategic Plan, integrating AI for policy analysis, trending in development innovation. Partnerships with UNICEF, World Bank, and Green Climate Fund amplify 4,000+ global solutions yearly.
Since 2021, the UNDP Graduate Program has empowered 150+ graduates, with cohort launching 1,200+ initiatives in Thailand, Bhutan, and Papua New Guinea. Conducted in English, with a 20–25 hours weekly commitment, it ensures flexibility. The UNDP Framework, rooted in multilateral cooperation, champions inclusive growth, resilience, and human development. The cohort aims to spark 6,000+ community-led SDG solutions via a digital impact toolkit.
Join global development trailblazers to ignite fully funded SDG accelerator, shape sustainable futures, and drive impact with UNDP Graduate Program 2026!
UNDP Graduate Program:
Host Organization:
•United Nations Development Program
Program Locations:
•country, regional, or headquarter offices of UNDP
UNDP Program Duration:
•2-year Graduate Program
Benefits of the UNDP Graduate Program:
•The candidate will come into a one-year international professional entry-level contract with UNDP which will be renewable for a second year after a performance evaluation.
•A competitive salary will be given by UNDP.
•The candidate can have paid annual leave.
•Ticket for travel between your location and the duty station.
•A paid sick leave will be granted to the candidate.
•Health and disability insurance will be granted.
Eligibility Criteria of the UNDP Graduate Program:
1. The applicants must be citizens of the countries where UNDP operates to support SDGs.
2. For master’s degree holders, the work experience must not be more than two years in the relevant field acquired after the degree completion.
3. For bachelor’s holders, with a minimum of 2 years and not more than 3 years Women and individuals from minority groups, indigenous people, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
4. Eligibility for the program and policy stream:
5. One should be graduated in political science, public administration, international relations, development studies, economics, statistics, data management, environmental science, or a related field.
6. Eligibility for the corporate and operations stream:
•One should graduate from one or more than one program in the following: business or public administration, finance, law, procurement or supply chain management, economics, data management, or related field.
7. For some positions knowledge of French, Arabic or Spanish may be required.
8. The applicant must be proficient in the English language.
9. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Selection Procedure:
•If the application is shortlisted after the initial scrutiny, an online test will be taken to assess the competency of the shortlisted candidates. The test will be taken by using a computer or a mobile phone.
•The passed candidates will be called for further assessment in a virtual assessment center.
Documents required for the UNDP Graduate Program:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Academic degree.
3. Academic transcript (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
7. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
8. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
Program Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in October 2025!
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
