The Belgium-funded Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme 2026 offers early-career professionals the chance to work in United Nations organizations. Applications must be submitted by 18 September 2026 (6 p.m. EST NY). Most positions are reserved for Belgian nationals, while a limited number may be opened to selected partner countries.
Current examples listed on the official page include Political Affairs in New York, Humanitarian Affairs in East Jerusalem, and Coordination in Côte d’Ivoire. In addition, selected candidates receive a UN contract, structured mentoring, and training support.
Application Deadline: 18th September 2026 (6 p.m. EST NY).
Eligible Countries: Belgium; Selected partner countries (limited number; to be announced)
Program Duration: Contract between the JPO and the UN organisation for one year; if evaluation is positive, contract may be prolonged up to a maximum of 3 years.
Program Location: Examples listed: New York (USA, EOSG), East Jerusalem (OCHA, oPt), Côte d’Ivoire (Resident Coordinator Office). Posts are located within various UN organisations, in partner countries or at regional/headquarters offices.
Funding/Benefits: Salary paid in US dollars based on UN salary scales; international staff status; training and mentoring by senior staff; Belgium pays a pension/ONSS contribution for the pension component.
Award Provider: Service public fédéral Affaires étrangères, Commerce extérieur et Coopération au Développement (Belgium)
About this Program
The JPO Programme places young professionals in UN organizations through Belgium-funded posts. Fellows work on operational or policy functions linked to the advertised role. Therefore, the programme is designed for candidates who already have relevant professional experience and want to build a multilateral career.
According to the official page, current openings cover Political Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs, and Coordination. However, locations and assignments may vary by call and host office.
Eligibility Criteria
- Most posts reserved for Belgian nationals
- Limited number of posts reserved for partner countries (will be announced)
- Master’s degree
- At least 2 years relevant professional experience
- Age 32 or younger (on 31 December of the year of the call)
- Very good knowledge of English and French
What Fellows Receive: Salary paid in US dollars based on UN salary scales, international staff status with the recruiting UN organisation, training and mentoring by senior staff, Belgium contribution to pension/ONSS or UN pension fund, and a contract renewable up to a maximum of 3 years.
Program Components Contribute to definition, formulation, execution, monitoring and evaluation of programmes; work under or within a UN organisation in areas related to the advertised JPO function; receive training and mentoring from senior staff and participate in organisational duties.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare the required documents and follow the instructions on the official page. Required documents listed include:
- Personal History form (CV) / Personal History
- Cover Letter
- Copies of university diploma(s)
- Work certificates / attestations of employment
- Identity card or passport
Before applying, review the nationality rules, age condition, language requirements, and post-specific details carefully. If any detail is unclear, please see the official page.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
