15 December 2023 - As a truly global organization, equitable geographical representation of staff in the United Nations is a key element to better reflect the people we serve. This week Switzerland joined the push to make the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ¡¯s Junior Professional Officers (JPO) Programme ¨C a crucial training programme fostering talent and expertise in the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ system ¨C more inclusive.
Despite the programme¡¯s importance, only a small percentage of JPOs come from developing countries, limiting the diversity of perspectives the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ needs to address global challenges. Over the last decade, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Department of Economic and Social Affairs (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ DESA), together with other Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ organizations and sponsoring Member States, have taken important steps to address this situation.
During the ninth JPO biennial meeting in Stockholm in 2013, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ DESA proposed the establishment of the Developing Countries Candidates (DCC) Trust Fund. This initiative, in line with ECOSOC Resolution 849, seeks to facilitate the training of young professionals from developing countries in the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ system improving the effectiveness of the organization. The Trust Fund was formally established in 2015 as an inter-agency initiative, under the administrative guidance of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ DESA¡¯s Capacity Development Programme Management Office (CDPMO). On 12 December 2023, Switzerland signed a Letter of Agreement, joining Germany in actively supporting the Trust Fund.
By enhancing the representation of developing country candidates within the JPO Programme, the Trust Fund offers a tangible solution to bridge existing gaps, ensuring a more equitable distribution of skilled professionals between the Global North and South. It will foster the diversity of perspectives needed to achieve the , while providing opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds.
The Trust Fund is overseen by a Steering Committee comprising senior representatives from participating Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ organizations, including Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDP, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵESCO, and ILO. This committee is responsible for identifying priority areas for funding, defining selection criteria for vacancies, evaluating fund performance, and recommending necessary adjustments. The Fund is open to contributions from various entities, including countries, NGOs, private sector actors, regional organizations, and development banks, encouraging a collaborative approach towards greater inclusivity of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ system.
For more information: Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ¡¯s Junior Professional Officers (JPO) Programme