International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - Junior Professional Officer Programme

The purpose of the JPO programme is to assist the IAEA in its activities and to give an opportunity to young professionals who wish to pursue an international career to acquire on-the-job professional experience, which may lead to future career development within international organizations or elsewhere in the international field. The JPO works as a staff member, at P-1 or P-2 level, as part of a team and under the guidance of a senior staff member in either a scientific, technical or administrative field.

The JPO programme is based on an agreement signed between Member States and the IAEA, which outlines the respective responsibilities and provides a framework for cooperation.

Applying for the JPO programme

As the assignment of a JPO is financially supported by the government of the respective IAEA Member State, the candidates are selected by the donor countries, either on an ad-hoc basis or following a structured approach.

Candidates interested in the JPO programme are encouraged to inquire at their Ministry of Foreign Affairs as to whether their country has an agreement with the IAEA on this matter and where they can apply.

• Member State Proposals for JPO Positions: In September of each year, the Director of the Division of Human Resources submits a list of JPO needs identi ed by the IAEA to Member States which have signed a JPO agreement. Member States are asked to review the list and to consider nancing positions falling under their programmatic priorities. In addition, ad-hoc needs for JPO positions may arise. In such cases, the Heads of IAEA Departments, in cooperation with the Division of Human Resources, will reach out to Member States directly. Once a Member State has identi ed the positions which it is interested in funding, the Member State should inform the IAEA of its interest and subsequently propose, for each position, at least three candidates which were identi ed as quali ed through the Member State’s internal process.
• JPO Selection Process by the IAEA: Member States should instruct candidates to complete their applications in the IAEA’s online application system. Candidates will be reviewed by the IAEA for eligibility based on the above-mentioned candidate requirements. Candidates who meet these requirements will be invited for an interview with the IAEA. Should any of the candidates have prior service with the IAEA which limits either their eligibility to be considered or the duration of their JPO assignment, the Member State will be noti ed accordingly. The Member State will be informed of the outcome of the selection process and provided with an estimate of the associated cost. The Member State should transmit to the IAEA the of cial pledge letter con rming its nancial support of the selected candidate, as well as, if not already deposited with the IAEA, the funds as per the cost estimate. The IAEA will in turn provide the Member State with the voluntary contribution acceptance letter. The receipt of the funding is a prerequisite for issuing the offer of employment to the selected JPO candidate. Upon acceptance of the offer of employment by the candidate, the onboarding process begins. When the JPO joins the IAEA, he/she becomes subject to the IAEA Staff Regulations and Staff Rules and the authority of the Director General.

About us

Widely known as the world’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” organization within the United Nations family, the IAEA is the international centre for cooperation in the nuclear field. The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.

The International Atomic Energy Agency is the world's central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical co-operation in the nuclear field. It works for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, contributing to international peace and security and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.