Global Economic Times

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Opens Doors for Young Korean Talents to Enter International Organizations: Global Economic Times Reporter / Updated : 2026-01-06 02:49:19

On January 5, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) held a hybrid-format orientation for the final successful candidates of the 2026 Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program.

This year, a total of 30 young Korean talents were selected as JPOs. They are scheduled to be dispatched to 21 international organizations, including the UN Secretariat, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The JPO program is an initiative where the Korean government covers the costs of sending candidates to international organizations to serve as regular staff members. Including this year’s group, MOFA has dispatched a total of 343 JPOs since 1996.

In his encouraging remarks during the orientation, Chang Wook-jin, Director-General for Global Multilateral Affairs, emphasized that as international organizations undergo restructuring and reform, it is more important than ever for JPOs to enhance their expertise and international competitiveness. He also urged the participants to contribute to strengthening Korea's role in international organizations with the mindset of being both an international civil servant and a representative of the Republic of Korea.

As mentors for the session, Ms. Kim Yeon-ji (19th JPO batch), an expert at the Independent Evaluation Unit of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and Ms. Park Chan-joo (24th JPO batch), former Resource Mobilization and Partnership Specialist at the UNFPA Uganda Office, shared their personal experiences. They provided insights into international career planning and organizational culture and held a Q&A session with the final candidates. After receiving guidance on dispatch procedures and preparation requirements, the candidates will depart for their respective duty stations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue its efforts to support Korean citizens in entering international organizations through various means, including the JPO program, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program, hosting international organization recruitment fairs, and sharing vacancy information through the International Organizations Recruitment Center website.

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