Junior Professional Officer (JPO) & Associate Expert (AE) Programs

Through the Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), the United States sponsors qualified U.S. citizens for employment in the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program and in the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Associate Expert (AE) program. The Bureau sponsors and funds these programs to demonstrate the U.S. Government's commitment to helping refugees, victims of conflict, and vulnerable migrants around the world.

These fully funded staffing programs strengthen the capacity of UNHCR and IOM. The JPO and AE programs also encourage U.S. citizens to become active members of the international community. After completing their JPO or AE assignments, many JPOs and AEs successfully compete for positions at UNHCR, IOM and in other international and non-governmental organizations.

Competition for the JPO and AE program is keen. Although the qualifications for the positions vary by assignment, a graduate or law degree in a relevant discipline and proficiency in at least one U.N. working language in addition to English are preferred. Competitive applicants generally possess three or more years of work experience in a developing country and an academic background in fields related to human rights, forced migration, humanitarian assistance, development or immigration law, for example. Prior work experience in or familiarity with the UN system or IOM is also helpful. The JPO and AE selection processes are carried out jointly by PRM and UNHCR or IOM.

For additional program information, please refer to JPO & AE Vacancies and Frequently Asked Questions on this website.
--01/18/08 UN Personal History Form [ 80 Kb]