Define the process of setting objectives. What might be objectives for a newly appointed junior programmer?

A hierarchy of objectives cascades down through the overall intend of the project down to the objectives for individual work packages.
They are agreed in between the setter and the receiver of the objectives and might be subject to negotiation.
Refer back to the utilization of SMART objectives as:

For a recently appointed junior programmer they may comprise work that

a. Needs use of the competences she or he already has

b. Includes a measure of challenge (that is where your expectations must be made clear)

c. Offers the opportunity to develop and for the success of this development to be recorded and recognised.