The United Nations Secretariat and its affiliated institutions employ Junior Professional Officers, formerly known as Associate Experts, through the UN JPO Programme.

Negotiated agreements between the United Nations and donor nations govern the recruitment of JPOs. Although some donors also finance citizens of developing nations, JPOs are primarily citizens of donor nations. Young professionals with at least two years of work experience and an advanced degree from an accredited university typically make up the candidate pool. In general, P2 jobs are JPO employment.

Each year and donor country has a different amount of sponsored posts available. The assignment is meant to last for at least two years. JPOs are initially appointed for one year, with the option to renew for a second year with the consent of the donor nation and based on satisfactory performance. JPOs may apply for regular staff posts like any other external candidate and will go through the UN's usual competitive selection procedure; however, there is no expectation that they will be chosen for such roles. Candidates for Developing Countries (DCC) Trust Fund

The UN's ability to address global concerns is limited by the fact that, despite the JPO Program's significance, a relatively small proportion of JPOs are from developing nations. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in collaboration with other UN agencies and sponsoring Member States, has implemented significant measures to tackle this issue during the past ten years.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which vary.