OPEC has opened its Fund’s Young Professional Development Program (YPDP), a structured two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from the OPEC Fund’s member countries for a career in global development.
In a publication yesterday, the cartel said it is currently seeking applicants with a passion for and commitment to international development who demonstrate academic excellence and relevant professional experience.
“We especially want to hear from those with the drive and ambition to help developing countries address their most pressing challenges in the quest for social, environmental and economic progress,” the body said.
To be selected for the YPDP program, applicants must: be an OPEC Fund member country national; be 30 years of age, or younger; hold a Master’s degree; be able to demonstrate outstanding academic credentials; be fluent in English and proficient in at least one other language; specialize in development, engineering, economics, finance, business administration, law, information technology, human resources or any other discipline relevant to the OPEC Fund’s operations.
Also, the candidate must be able to work in an international, multicultural and diverse environment. In addition, understands the OPEC Fund’s mandate; and be willing to work with the OPEC Fund in Vienna for a minimum of two years upon completion of the YPDP, if offered a position.
OPEC said the YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different departments and access to professional networks. The program equips young professionals with the skills and knowledge to meet the minimum requirements for an entry-level position with the OPEC Fund.
The YPDP will enable young professionals to develop an appreciation of how different departments/units contribute to the OPEC Fund’s overall strategic and operational goals. Under 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 spend at least 50 per cent of the program in a ‘home’ department/unit and rotate to other departments for the remainder of their time. This enables participants to broaden their experience and benefit from differing coaching and mentoring styles, while building their professional network.
After participants have successfully completed the two-year program, they may be offered a job at the OPEC Fund, based on their performance and the business need.
Deadline for applications, is September 21, 2020. Successful applicants are chosen following a rigorous selection process. Those offered a place on the YPDP are expected to respond within two weeks.
To apply, candidates must submit: A YPDP online application form, a Curriculum Vitae (CV). An application essay (in Word or PDF format), academic certificates and transcripts.
“Please ensure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, outlined above; Please submit the application essay and transcripts under the ‘Additional Documents’ section in the application form; Please submit a valid and current email address.
Email us at [email protected] with new contact details should they change during the application process; Answer all the questions in the application form; and please ensure that your application essay adheres to the below guidelines,” the publication further read.
The OPEC Fund works in cooperation with developing country partners 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 meet basic needs – such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education.
In fewer than 1,000 words, please 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) about how you would hope to contribute to development if you were selected to work for the OPEC Fund. You may focus on a region or set of countries and / or your area of expertise to formulate your essay.
The OPEC Fund will only consider applications from candidates who meet the above criteria and submit an official online application before the deadline of September 21, 2020.
By Chibisi Ohakah, Abuja
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