UNA-UK is delighted that the UK has reinstated its support for the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme, which is administered by the United Nations for various UN funds, programmes and agencies.
In the past, the programme has offered UK nationals a route into the Organisation, and many of those who joined in the 1960s and 70s, when UNA-UK facilitated the Programme, went on to hold senior UN positions. Reinstatement of the Programme has been a long-standing UNA-UK call to Government.
What are JPOs?
JPOs serve primarily in one of the country offices of participating UN bodies. Under the supervision of senior staff, they are involved in the identification, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of UN programmes. Assignments vary and may have a country-specific, regional, sector-based or thematic focus.
In general, JPOs are offered one-year fixed-term contracts, which are normally renewed for a second year, subject to satisfactory performance. Salaries correspond with those of entry-level UN professional staff.
Current vacancies for UK nationals
JPOs are sponsored by their respective governments. The UK is currently supporting 14 posts. Based within the UN Development Programme, World Health Organization and UN Population Fund, these positions are located in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Sudan, Switzerland and the US.
The closing deadline for applications is 24 February.
For further information and to apply, please click here.
To find out more about what it's like to be a JPO, watch the film below.
