IO Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Program

Are you interested in a meaningful career with global impact? Get first-hand experience at the United Nations through the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program.

The U.S. Department of State encourages qualified U.S. citizens to explore careers at the United Nations and other international organizations. Americans serving at the UN utilize their technical skills and innovative problem solving to find solutions to complex problems facing communities around the world. A career with the UN means being at the forefront of international efforts to combat climate change, provide relief in humanitarian crises, alleviate poverty, end conflicts, and more.

The UN JPO Program is a two-year developmental program for young professionals that provides a pathway to a career at the United Nations. During the two years, JPOs gain experience in the field of multilateral cooperation through on-the-job learning under the supervision of experienced UN staff.

• Eligibility: JPO candidates must have either a master’s degree with at least three years of work experience or a bachelor’s with at least five years of working experience. U.S. candidates must be no older than 32 years of age as of December 31 of the year of application.
• Important Dates: New opportunities are posted throughout the year.
• How to Apply: Visit the UN DESA website  for more information on how to apply. Current JPO Vacancies sponsored by the Bureau of International Organization Affairs. IO-sponsored JPO vacancies are spread throughout the UN system and are located USUN mission-wide which may include: Bangkok, Geneva, Montreal, Nairobi, New York, Vienna, Paris, and Rome.

If you would like to be notified when new JPO vacancies are announced, you can subscribe here . If you subscribe, updates will be sent to you from usstatebpa@subscriptions.fcg.gov.

Please monitor your spam and junk mail folders to ensure you are not blocking emails from this address.

To learn of other international career opportunities available to U.S. Citizens please see the IO Careers website.

Privacy Act Statement for Junior Professional Officer and Associate Expert Program

AUTHORITIES: The information is sought pursuant to 4422 U.S.C. 2601.
PURPOSE: The information solicited on this subscription request will be used by the U.S. Department of State to distribute Junior Professional Officer vacancy notices, updates, and to be added to the email subscription list, as requested by the user.
ROUTINE USES: The information submitted will be stored and may be shared with United Nations for potential employment.
DISCLOSURE: Providing this information is voluntary; however, failure to provide this information may prevent the individual from receiving the information requested.

Learn More About the Program

MARCH 1, 2023

There’s still time to apply for the @UN’s Junior Professional Officer program, a two-year developmental program that provides a pathway to a career at the United Nations. Our Bureau is sponsoring four positions. Apply here by March 15: https://t.co/UY2uxOZ8PH

— Ambassador Michele Sison (@State_IO) March 1, 2023

FEBRUARY 28, 2023

The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program is a great way to begin a #UN career. There are currently four openings for U.S. citizens. The application deadline is March 15.

Here's how to apply: https://t.co/8wX5opuo44 pic.twitter.com/vGISErxNnd

— Ambassador Chris Lu (@AmbUNReform) February 28, 2023