Junior Professional Officer

Once refugees have crossed one of three border points between South Sudan and Uganda in the area surrounding Koluba their names are taken and UNHCR transports them and their belongings on trucks to collection point at Busia village where refugees receive water (20,000 litres are trucked in every day) and high energy biscuits and undergo a very quick, initial registration (just names, number of family members etc). Once a number of refugees have amassed they are transported here to the Koluba collection centre where they go through a further registration to identify unaccompanied children and PSN (persons with special needs ie. the elderly, disabled etc), go through an initial medical screening (everyone receives de-worming treatment and children receive Vitamin A) and receive a hot meal (porridge, ugali (maize), rice and beans). Refugees stay overnight in Koluba and receive a blanket, sleeping mat, soap and, for women, underwear and sanitary pads. The following day they are briefed on the next stage of the process which is moving to Imvepi settlement where they will be allocated land and shelter.

The Junior Professional Officers (JPO) programme brings new talent and ideas to the organization by offering young professionals a unique opportunity to obtain training and exposure to UNHCR`s humanitarian work either in field assignment or at headquarters.

JPOs are young professionals who are interested in the UN and in humanitarian work, who prove able to contribute to UNHCR’s future and its work on behalf of refugees, internally displaced people and the stateless. The areas of expertise that the organization looks for in particular are: law, public administration and social sciences.

Most JPOs are between ages 25 and 35, depending on donor country policy, and are recruited as professional staff members at the P2 level. While most JPOs are citizens of their donor countries, the Netherlands may also sponsor citizens of other countries under the Developing Countries Scheme (JPO/DC). Nearly 69 per cent of JPOs continue in UNHCR as regular staff at the end of their assignment. UNHCR manages around 60 JPOs yearly sponsored by 15 Governments. Most JPO assignments last from two to three years.

Eligibility

Degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree or a Master’s Degree in a field relevant to the functions requested in the job description.
At least two to four years of relevant work experience (two years with a Master Degree - or higher - or four years with a Bachelor Degree).
Proficiency in English (spoken and written) and working knowledge of a second language of the United Nations is strongly recommended asset (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish).
Keen and demonstrated interest in the United Nations and humanitarian issues, in particular, and ability to live and/or serve in hardship locations.

Applicants interested in pursuing a JPO experience need to regularly consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a governmental institution of their country here: JPO Programme: Government Authority Contact Details

Current opportunities

For the JPO opportunities listed below, candidates should apply through International Vacancies and either search with the “JPO” keyword or the job ID.

Candidates should kindly note that the following JPO positions are only open to candidates with the US nationality.

There are no vacancies at the moment.

What are the benefits of being a Junior Professional Officer

"There is no doubt that I have grown professionally in the last three years with UNHCR and shall continue to work with the same spirit in the days to come. I feel more professional, ready to learn more and to continue to grow. The JPO programme is an excellent entry point for any newcomer to learn and to determine their future goal."

-Suprity Timilsina, Associate Protection Officer in Nairobi, Kenya.