Young Professionals in Development (YPD)
Supporting students enter the Development Cooperation Sector
The initiative Young Professionals in Development (YPD) aims to connect highly qualified and strongly motivated students and young graduates with top development cooperation organisations.
What is the YPD programme?
The programme aims to give selected university students and recent graduates a practical, field experience on donor-funded projects in beneficiary countries in the Global South, implemented by one or more member organisations of ICA World.
Who Can Benefit?
Eligibility Criteria
- The YPD Traineeship Programme is open to final year undergraduate students, Master’s students, and upcoming graduates.
- Background in international relations, development studies, development economics, or similar.
- Excellent command of English, other languages are an asset.
- French/Spanish is required for francophone/hispanophone areas.
How does it work?
To apply, simply send us your CV along with the completed application form.
Why choose YPD?
At YPD, we provide unique opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience by working on donor-funded projects—often in developing countries.
Our mission is to help create meaningful career pathways for young people by supporting their personal and professional growth, while contributing to employment generation and long-term development impact.
Are you a university looking for opportunities for your students?
Explore traineeships, info sessions, and more.
Are you a university student or a young graduate?
Obtain a unique experience in a project run by one or more of top implementing organisations in the field!
Impact Stories
Discover the voices of our trainees
Ana Rafaela
AfC - Ghana
"I am deeply grateful to ICA World Foundation for granting me the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects fostering social change across Africa"
Jade Connoly
Prognos AG - BE
"I am deeply grateful for this enriching opportunity and look forward to driving positive change and make a meaningful impact in the realm of socio-economic development"
Laura Abreu
Devstat - Spain
"Thanks to the YPD Programme I discovered my passion for consultancy and completed a six-month traineeship at DevStat, an experience that helped me contribute to initiatives that foster innovation and global cooperation”