Applications for the Young Professionals Programme 2026 — the United Nations initiative aimed at young professionals seeking to launch a career as international civil servants — will open in mid-October. Citizens of the Republic of San Marino are also eligible to take part in the selection process.
“This is one of the main recruitment initiatives of the United Nations Secretariat, designed to attract talented and highly qualified young professionals,” explain the Secretariat of State and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The programme includes an entrance exam covering thematic areas defined each year according to the UN’s needs. For 2026, the selection will focus on development and sustainability, with particular emphasis on economics, statistics, social affairs, environment and sustainable development.
To take part, candidates must hold Sammarinese citizenship, possess at least a first-level university degree in one of the relevant fields, be no older than 32, and have a strong command of English or French.
Applications can be submitted through the Inspira platform from mid-October through November. Successful applicants will then sit an online exam divided into three parts: two written tests and one oral.
“Those who pass the selection process will be placed on a roster valid for three years, from which they will be contacted whenever P1 or P2 level vacancies arise,” states the statement from the Secretariat of State for Foreign Affairs.
Ahead of the opening of applications, the United Nations Office of Human Resources will organize a series of online informational workshops. These sessions will explain the structure of the programme, eligibility criteria, the examination process, and the correct procedure for submitting an application.
Former candidates who were selected through the programme and now work at the UN Secretariat will also take part in the seminars. “They will share their experiences and answer participants’ questions,” the statement reads.
The workshop aimed at prospective Sammarinese candidates is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, from 6 to 7 p.m., San Marino time. Registration is available at tr.ee/ypp-outreach-workshop-1-october.
Additional sessions are also planned for September 29 and October 5, 8, 13 and 15, held at different times to allow participation from every part of the world. Further information on the Young Professionals Programme 2026 is available on the official United Nations website.
