Talent programme "Swiss Youth at the United Nations"

Immerse yourself in the work of the United Nations for a year.

For Swiss graduates only: The Swiss government, through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD), funds a one-year talent programme at the United Nations - up to 20 positions are offered each year. With a Master's degree in hand and some initial work experience, you are eligible for this unique international opportunity.

Types of assignments

The positions we advertise are diverse and reflect the thematic priorities of UN organisations, all of which address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Some examples include:

Human rights
Programme analysis and coordination
Gender equality
Monitoring and evaluation
Peacebuilding coordination

Next call for application: 2024

All positions for "Swiss Youth at the UN" are listed on our job portal, cinfoPoste. To stay updated, create your profile and activate the relevant job agent.

Create a profile

The following positions to work with the UN are now closed for applications:

Closed positions - Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC):

Youth Engagement in Climate Change Action Associate - UNICEF, Azerbaijan
Programme Associate, Gender-Responsive Leadership - UN Women, Bangladesh
Associate Policy Analyst - Environment and Climate Change - UNDP, Cambodia
Associate Education Officer - UNICEF, Cambodia
Humanitarian Programme Analyst - UN Women, Jordan
Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Associate - UNDP, Kosovo
Associate Gender Based Violence Officer - UNFPA, Nepal
Associate Resource Mobilization Officer - UNICEF, Nigeria
Programme Associate in Decentralization and DRR - UNDP, North Macedonia
UN Youth Volunteer in Protection - UNHCR, Venezuela

Closed positions - Funded by the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD):

Human Rights Monitoring Associate - OHCHR, Mexico
Peace and Development, Transitional Justice, and Reconciliation Associate - UN RCO, Serbia
Peace and Development Support Associate - IOM, Sri Lanka
Gender Project Support Associate - UN Women, Tunisia
Gender Equality Associate - UN Women, Venezuela
UN Youth Volunteer in Protection - UNHCR, Burundi
Programme Associate, Governance and Rule of Law - UNDP, Burundi
Peace and Development Associate - UN RCO, Colombia
Transitional Justice Associate - Un Women, DRC
Peace and Development Youth Associate - UNDCO, Kosovo

Minimum requirements

Swiss nationality
Master's degree in a relevant field
Ideally 12 months of relevant work experience (min. 3 months - max. 24 months)
Max. 28 years old at the time of application
Excellent command of English and knowledge of two official Swiss languages (active knowledge of at least one of them)
Demonstrated thematic interest in international cooperation, development, human rights, peace promotion or humanitarian affairs

Find out more about the programme:
Swiss Youth at the United Nations / World Bank

Where are they now?

Past participants of the programme look back on their experiences. What are the main learning opportunities of the programme? What are the career paths of these young people a few years after their assignment abroad?
Discover the results of our survey

Webinar replay: UN Youth Volunteer opportunities 2023

Frequently asked questions

What kind of work will you be doing? Will you be working for free? How can you apply? etc. Find the answers to your questions here:
FAQ Swiss Youth at the United Nations

Do you still have questions? Get in touch with us