Assessment and screening of candidates
The preliminary assessment of applicants for admission to the selection phase is carried out by the UN/DESA Office in Rome. Following a careful examination of the profiles of eligible candidates vis-à-vis the requirements of the position(s) for which they have applied, the Office identifies the most suitable candidates.
This phase generally results in long-lists of between 10 to 12 potential candidates for each JPO position. The exercise is performed taking into consideration all aspects of the candidates’ application form, such as reasons for applying to the specific position(s), language skills, university qualifications, specializations, voluntary and professional experiences and motivations.
Pre-selection
The outcome of the assessment of applications is further examined by a UN Commission comprising Human Resources experts from the UN Secretariat in New York.
This Commission undertakes a second in-depth evaluation of the applications received with a view to pre-selecting a maximum of 8 applicants for each JPO position.
The large volume of applications makes it extremely difficult for the office to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates on their application. Only short-listed applicants will be informed by UN/DESA about the final decision and invited to participate in the final selection phase.
Final selection
The last phase of the selection process is carried out by representatives of the international organizations receiving the JPOs. Responsibility for the final decisions lies exclusively with these organizations.
The selection phase usually consists of a written exercise and a panel interview, both of which are administered by the respective organization. The interviews of the short-listed candidates are normally conducted via web-based video conference facilities.
At the end of the interview process each international organization transmits to the UN/DESA Office in Rome the names of the: a) selected candidate; b) reserve candidate; c) suitable candidate(s); d) not recommended/not suitable candidate(s).
All pre-selected candidates are informed by e-mail of the outcome of the final selection phase. Reserve candidates are contacted only if the selected candidate declines the JPO position.
Prior to official recruitment by the international organizations, successful candidates must attend a mandatory training course organized by the United Nations System Staff College.
The final list of the selected candidates is posted on the UN/DESA website at the end of the selection process once all recruitment formalities are finalized. The list is publicly available for one year.
Selection process calendar (tentative)
Check of the requirements and pre-selection: May – June 2026
Final Selection: June-July 2026
Orientation course: November 2026
Entry on duty: December 2026