JPOs4UN Programme at Multilateral Humanitarian Organizations – 2026-2031


The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) programme aims at contributing to qualified workforce in the United Nations (UN) with adequate Swiss representation, by financing JPO positions in priority UN humanitarian organizations as identified in Switzerland’s International Cooperation Strategy. The programme provides young Swiss professionals with an opportunity to start a career in the UN while at the same time strengthening the UN capacities to implement the Agenda 2030.

Pays/région Thème Période Budget
Monde entier
Venezuela
Aide d'urgence et protection
Aide alimentaire d'urgence
Protection, accès & sécurité
01.01.2026 - 31.12.2031
CHF  4’800’000
Contexte In order to implement the UN Agenda 2030, UN organizations require a qualified workforce. By providing highly qualified and motivated JPOs to Switzerland’s priority UN humanitarian organizations (WFP, OCHA, UNICEF, UNHCR), the JPO programme contributes to strengthen the UN Development System (UNDS) human resources; at the same time, it allows young professionals to start a career.
Objectifs Switzerland has an increased presence in its priority UN organizations through a greater representation of its nationals, including young professionals; the UNDS can rely on a diverse and qualified workforce that effectively supports partner countries in the implementation of the Agenda 2030.
Groupes cibles Young Swiss professionals with interest in working in multilateral organizations and priority Swiss multilateral humanitarian organizations according to Switzerland’s International Cooperation Strategy 2025-2028 (ICS).
Effets à moyen terme

(1) Young Swiss professionals get the opportunity to work in a SDC priority multilateral organizations (MOs) and improve their career perspectives.

(2) Priority MOs of SDC receive additional qualified workforce to implement the objectives of the UN Agenda 2030 and Switzerland’s International Cooperation Strategy.

Résultats

Principaux résultats attendus:   Up to 12 Junior Professional Officers are deployed for Swiss priority multilateral humanitarian organizations.


Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

By the end of 2025, 37 Swiss JPOs have been deployed to Swiss priority UN organizations. Out of these, 20 JPOs have been retained at least 6 months after their contract end. The programme has achieved its overall target of retaining more than half of the JPOs within the UN system, with a retention rate of 54%.

Swiss JPOs are perceived as highly qualified and well performing; the programme has had a positive effect on the hired JPOs’ skills, empowerment and expertise.


Direction/office fédéral responsable DDC
Partenaire de projet Partenaire contractuel
Organisme des Nations Unies (ONU)
  • Haut Commissariat des Nations Unies pour les réfugiés
  • Fonds des Nations Unies pour l’enfance
  • Bureau des Nations Unies pour la coordination de l’assistance humanitaire
  • Programme alimentaire mondial
  • OCHA, UNHCR, UNICEF and WFP


Coordination avec d'autres projets et acteurs

The twin SDC JPO programmes financed respectively from the UN&MDBs and the Multi-H Sections are aligned and jointly steered.

Other Federal Offices involved in the promotion of Swiss nationals in the UN or IFIs are involved in bi-annual meetings of the Comité de Pilotage (SECO, FDFA PHRD, Swiss Missions to the UN, Swiss Representations).

Budget Phase en cours Budget de la Suisse CHF    4’800’000 Budget suisse déjà attribué CHF    139’362 Projet total depuis la première phase Budget de la Suisse CHF   24’893’782 Budget y compris partenaires de projet CHF   37’567’000
Phases du projet Phase 12 01.01.2026 - 31.12.2031   (Phase en cours) Phase 11 01.01.2023 - 31.12.2028   (Phase en cours) Phase 8 01.09.2013 - 31.12.2019   (Completed)