JPO Programme Scholarship provides early-career professionals the chance to work in United Nations organisations through Belgium-funded posts; the first sentence includes the focus keyword and summarises the opportunity. The programme places fellows in operational or policy roles (examples include Political Affairs in New York and Humanitarian Affairs in East Jerusalem) and is aimed at candidates with relevant professional experience.
The award provider is Service public fédéral Affaires étrangères, Commerce extérieur et Coopération au Développement (Belgium). Selected candidates receive a UN contract, salary paid in US dollars based on UN scales, international staff status, mentoring and training, and Belgium contributes to pension/ONSS or the UN pension fund.
JPO Programme Benefits
- Salary paid in US dollars based on UN salary scales
- International staff status with the recruiting UN organisation
- Training and mentoring by senior staff
- Belgium pays a pension/ONSS contribution for the pension component
- Contract renewable up to a maximum of 3 years
JPO Programme Eligibility Criteria
- Most posts reserved for Belgian nationals
- Limited number of posts reserved for partner countries (will be announced)
- Master’s degree
- At least 2 years relevant professional experience
- Age 32 or younger (on 31 December of the year of the call)
- Very good knowledge of English and French
How to Apply for JPO Programme
- Prepare the Personal History form (CV) / Personal History
- Prepare a Cover Letter
- Provide copies of university diploma(s)
- Provide work certificates / attestations of employment
- Provide identity card or passport
- Follow the instructions on the official page and review nationality, age, language and post-specific details before applying
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the JPO Programme Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application documents and programme details based on the official information.
What is the JPO Programme Scholarship?
The JPO Programme Scholarship is a Belgium-funded initiative that places early-career professionals in United Nations organisations. Fellows work on operational or policy functions linked to advertised roles and receive a UN contract, salary in US dollars, mentoring, training and contributions to pension/ONSS or the UN pension fund.
Who provides the JPO Programme Scholarship?
The award provider is Service public fédéral Affaires étrangères, Commerce extérieur et Coopération au Développement (Belgium). Belgium funds posts placed within various UN organisations, regional offices, headquarters or partner countries.
What is the application deadline for the 2026 call?
The application deadline for the 2026 call is 18 September 2026 (6 p.m. EST New York). Applicants should submit required documents and follow instructions on the official page before this date.
Who is eligible to apply for JPO positions?
Most posts are reserved for Belgian nationals. A limited number of posts may be opened to selected partner countries (to be announced). Applicants must hold a Master’s degree, have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience, be 32 or younger on 31 December of the year of the call, and have very good knowledge of English and French.
What benefits do JPO fellows receive?
Fellows receive a salary paid in US dollars based on UN salary scales, international staff status with the recruiting UN organisation, training and mentoring by senior staff, and Belgium pays a pension/ONSS contribution for the pension component. Contracts are for one year and may be prolonged up to a maximum of three years after positive evaluation.
What types of positions are listed under the programme?
Current examples on the official page include Political Affairs in New York, Humanitarian Affairs in East Jerusalem, and Coordination in Côte d’Ivoire. Locations and assignments vary by call and host office across UN organisations, regional or headquarters offices.
What documents are required to apply?
Required documents listed on the official page include a Personal History form (CV), a cover letter, copies of university diplomas, work certificates or attestations of employment, and an identity card or passport. Applicants should prepare these before following the official application instructions.
How long is the JPO contract and can it be extended?
The contract between the JPO and the UN organisation is for one year initially. If the evaluation is positive, the contract may be prolonged up to a maximum of three years in total.
Are non-Belgian candidates eligible?
A limited number of posts may be reserved for selected partner countries; details are to be announced. However, most posts are reserved for Belgian nationals, so applicants from partner countries should check specific call details on the official page.
Where can I find full details and apply?
Full details, nationality rules, age conditions, language requirements and post-specific information are available on the official fellowship page maintained by the Belgian foreign service. Applicants are directed to review the official page and follow its instructions to apply.
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