LEAD Programme

LEAD profiles

We are looking for motivated and talented young professionals who are interested in an international career in development and who have a passion to make a difference to the world’s poor. The LEAD Programme provides qualified individuals exciting opportunities to develop their experience, knowledge and skills, to serve as development practitioners and leaders in UNDP, while contributing to UNDP’s development work.

Interested candidates must share the UN values and ideals, have a strong commitment to development, be able to listen to and understand the ideas and concerns of the people we serve, mobilize, and share knowledge and resources that inspire and catalyze development, and be able to communicate and work strategically and effectively with others to achieve results. Additionally it is critical for candidates to be geographically mobile and willing to serve in hardship duty stations.

The qualifications and experience that we seek are:

• Masters degree (or equivalent)* in development related studies, economics, politics, public administration, business administration, governance, environmental management, law, conflict resolution, international relations, or public health.
• Proficiency in English and at least one of the following languages: French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Russian.
• A minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in development, crisis/post-conflict management and/or consultancy (particularly in the public sector), including work in developing countries and management in a multi-cultural environment.

As the LEAD Programme is for young professionals, preference will be given to candidates who are under 35 years of age.

*Applicants must be in receipt of their Masters degree (or equivalent) at time of application

Competencies for the LEAD Programme

• Leadership
• Sensitivity to diversity
• Teamwork
• Problem Analysis
• Confidence without arrogance
• Communication