On the 8th July 2009, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Libya, and the National Economic Development Board (NEDB) signed a letter of intent, covering their commitment to collaborate in the creation of a Junior Professional Officer (JPO) programme in Libya. The letter was signed by Dr. Mahmud Gebril, General Director of NEDB and Mr. Brian Gleeson, UNDP Libya Resident Representative.

The JPO programme aims to support young professionals pursuing a career in development, through offering a two to four year assignment at United Nations agencies around the world.

The JPO programme is currently sponsored by the governments of 24 donor countries. Libya will prove the first country in Africa, and one of the first developing countries in the world, to sponsor Junior Professional Officers. The programme will offer an opportunity to develop the capacities of young Libyan nationals, as well as to boost Libyan representation across United Nations agencies.