Selection process
Young Experts
The Young Expert Programmes are open to Dutch Young Experts and national Young Experts from any of the eligible countries. There is a difference in the selection progress for both Dutch and National Young Experts. National Young Experts apply by approaching Dutch organisations, who conduct their own selection process. They are subsequently included in the project application by the organisation as their preferred candidate. Dutch Young Experts can similarly approach Dutch organisations or apply directly to a position when new vacancies are posted online.
Dutch Young Experts
The first step of the selection process starts when you submit your CV (max. 2 pages) and motivation letter (1 page)*. Several times a year, you can apply for positions, which are posted on the Application page. Make sure to conduct the self test prior to submitting an application to find out whether you are eligible.
* The motivation letter should explain your motivation for the position, as well as your motivation for joining YEP Programmes. The project positions will include a link to the application form.
The YEP Programme Bureau will evaluate the submitted CVs based on the required competences, outlined in the Young Experts Guidelines document. The most suitable candidates will be invited to proceed to the next stage of the process.
After the initial assessment, the YEP Programme Bureau hosts a selection interview session with approved candidates, where you will be individually assessed on your knowledge, motivation, communication skills and other topics. After this selection process, you will receive feedback and the Programme Bureau decides whether you will be matched with a YEP position, will be added to the pool of potential YEP candidates, or will be rejected.
After the selection process, the YEP Programme Bureau matches the selected Young Expert candidates with a project position. Information of these candidates will be forwarded to the seconding organisations, that subsequently assume responsibility for the next step in the process.
Usually, the YEP Programme Bureau suggests the seconding organisation multiple potential candidates for a YEP position, and the organisation selects the best suitable candidate. They generally conduct additional interviews to support their decision-making process.
When you succcesfully complete the YEP selection process, but have not been matched with a YEP position, you will be places in the pool of potential YEP candidates. This allows you to remain eilgible for YEP positions for one year, without undergoing the selection process again. The YEP Programme Bureau may draw from this pool to match projects with suitable candidates. However, you should always re-apply for specific new YEP vacancies. Please note that inclusion in the YEP candidate pool does not guarantee a position within the YEP Programmes, as placement depends on the availabilty of projects and their alignment with your profile and preferences.
Dutch Young Experts: It is also possible to be suggested for a project as a preferred candidate. In this case, you first pass the selection process of the Dutch organisation, after which you will be assessed by the YEP Programme Bureau.
National Young Experts
Recruitment of national Young Expert candidates occurs initially through the selection process of the organisation submitting the application. You should therefore approach Dutch organisations to employ you, or be approached by a Dutch organisation. A list of Dutch organisations is available at the Dutch embassy in your country. It is also possible that you already work for the Dutch organisation that submits the application.
The Dutch organisation has its own selection process through which they select their preferred candidate. For more information, please ask the organisation for more information on the process.
If you have passed the selection process of the organisation, they will submit the project application and include your CV and motivation letter for the YEP position. First, the Programme Bureau assesses the submitted project application on the criteria. It is possible that the application by the organisation is rejected and the process stops here.
If the project is accepted, the YEP Programme Bureau assesses your CV (max. 2 pages) and motivation letter (1 page)*, using the criteria in order to determine whether you match all of the criteria. You can take the self test and check our criteria to make sure you are eligible to apply.
* The motivation letter should explain your motivation for the position, as well as your motivation for joining YEP Programmes.
Finally, the YEP Programme Bureau will schedule an online call with you to ensure you are a suitable candidate. During this interview you will be individually assessed on your knowledge, motivation, communication skills and other topics. If you are accepted for the position, the organisation will be informed.