Talent programme "Swiss Youth at the United Nations / World Bank"
Are you a Swiss national, under 29 years old and hold a master’s degree? Would you like to gain valuable field experience while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Each year, the Swiss Government funds around 30 one-year positions within the talent programme, "United Nations Youth Volunteer (UNYV)". With your master's degree in hand and having had some initial work experience, you are eligible for this unique international opportunity.
YES, you are a valued team member
You are an integral part of the UN organisation / World Bank personnel during your assignment.
YES, your chances are very good
Since the programme is reserved for Swiss graduates, there is no international competition when applying.
YES, your work is rewarded
So that you can get the best out of your assignment, travel, relocation, life and UN health insurance costs are covered.
This opportunity will allow you to
- work with a renowned organisation in a developing country,
- obtain on-the-job training,
- increase knowledge and competencies in your work area of interest while living in dynamic and multifaceted settings,
- get support from cinfo (coaching and training sessions),
- join the work force of young Swiss professionals in the area of international cooperation.
Examples of assignments and locations
Get a glimpse of the UN Youth Volunteers currently involved in the programme, who they work with and where they are posted:
Would you like to work with the United Nations?
Next call for application: 2023
Dive into the work of the United Nations for a year.
Would you like to work with the World Bank?
Next call for application: 2023
Dive into the work of the World Bank for a year.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of work will you be doing? Will you be working for free? How can you submit your application? etc. Find answers to your questions here:
FAQ Swiss Youth at the United Nations
FAQ Swiss Youth at the World Bank
The roles of Switzerland, cinfo, UNV and the host organisation
The Swiss government – the donor
The UN Youth Volunteers positions are funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Peace and Human Rights Division of the Swiss Confederation (PHRD), and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). As a result, these positions are open to Swiss nationals only.
cinfo – the facilitator
cinfo is mandated by the Swiss Confederation to promote the programme, publish all vacancies, process the applications and conduct the recruitment process. cinfo also prepares the selected UN Youth Volunteers candidates for their assignment, and ensures to follow-up during and after the mission.
United Nations Volunteers (UNV) – the programme owner
UNV administers the global talent programme. UNV partners with all funding governments (Switzerland in this case) and the host organisations, and deploys the selected UN Youth Volunteers in their countries of assignment.
Host organisation – the employer
The partner organisation is responsible for managing the UN Youth Volunteer who is part of their office team during the assignment.
Any questions?
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