The OPEC Youth Professional Development Programme (YPDP) is a structured two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from OPEC member countries for a career in global development. We are currently seeking candidates with a passion for and commitment to international development who demonstrate academic excellence and relevant professional experience. We especially want to hear from those who have the desire and ambition to help developing countries address their most pressing challenges in the pursuit of social, environmental, and economic progress.   

What does YPDP offer?

In short, the YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different areas of work and to access professional networks. The program equips young professionals with the skills and knowledge to meet the minimum requirements for an entry-level position at the OPEC Fund. 

The YPDP will enable young professionals to develop an appreciation of how different departments/units contribute to the overall strategic and operational objectives of the OPEC Fund. In the structured talent management program, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to achieving the OPEC Fund's vision of a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.  

YPDP participants will gain valuable on-the-job experience, a wide range of relevant learning and development opportunities, rotation across different departments, and benefit from a coaching/mentoring arrangement.
After participants successfully complete the two-year program, they may receive a job offer from the OPEC Fund, based on their performance and the needs of the business.  

Eligibility

• OPEC Fund Member Country
• Must be 30 years of age or younger at the time of registration.
• Having obtained at least a master's degree from a reputable university. 
• Excellent academic performance  
• Become fluent in English.
• Proficiency in one or more languages is desirable.
• Have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience.
• Specialize in a field relevant to OPEC Fund operations, such as Engineering, Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Information Technology, Law, Human Resources, or any other relevant discipline. 
• Ability to work in a global and culturally diverse institution. 
• An understanding of the OPEC Fund's mandate
• Willingness to serve the OPEC Fund, if selected, for a minimum period of two years after completion of the Program.

Application process

Application deadline 

The deadline for applications is December 15, 2022. Successful candidates are chosen after a rigorous selection process. Those who receive a place on the YPDP must respond within two weeks. 

To apply, candidates must submit:

• ONE YPDP online application form
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• An application essay (in Word or PDF format)
• Certificates and academic transcripts

Important considerations

• Make sure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria described above;
• Upload your essay and application transcripts to the "Additional Documents" section of the application form;
• Please provide a valid and current email address. Send us an email to csd-hrpp@opecfund.org with new contact details, in case they change during the registration process; 
• Answer all the questions on the application form; and
• Please ensure that your application essay complies with the guidelines below. 

Application test

• The OPEC Fund works in cooperation with partners in developing countries and the international donor community to stimulate economic growth and alleviate poverty in all disadvantaged regions of the world. It does this by providing financing to build essential infrastructure, strengthen social services, and promote productivity, competitiveness, and trade. The OPEC Fund's work is people-centered, focusing on projects that address basic needs – such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (primarily related to SMEs), clean water and sanitation, health, and education. 
• In fewer than 1,000 words, write an original essay addressing (i) the potential of development actors, such as the OPEC Fund, to help developing countries overcome obstacles to social, environmental, and economic progress and (ii) how you hope to contribute to development if you were selected to work for the OPEC Fund. You can focus on a region or group of countries and/or your area of expertise to formulate your essay. 
• Please remember that the OPEC Fund will only consider applications from candidates who meet the above criteria and submit an official online application before the deadline of December 15, 2022. 
• Furthermore, please note that we will only contact shortlisted candidates.