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If you're passionate about protecting the environment from degradation, supporting economic growth in impoverished regions, or advancing causes for the betterment of humanity, then a career at the United Nations (UN) might be the perfect fit for you. The UN is a prestigious organization offering greater career growth and opportunities than even major private corporations. Competition for positions is fierce, but with thorough preparation and a bit of luck, you could land your dream job at the UN.
Steps to Follow
Preparing Your Job Application
Explore Career Opportunities at the UN. Visit the United Nations' official website to get an overview of the job openings available. What field interests you the most? Are there positions you're already qualified for? Are there roles you'd love to pursue but still require additional credentials? Researching this information beforehand is crucial when job hunting. Check out the following websites for updates:
- Official UN Careers Website (http://careers.un.org)
- UN Job Finder Platform (http://unjobfinder.org)
- UN Job Listings (http://unjoblist.org)
What Type of Job Are You Looking For? The UN offers various job categories, each requiring specific educational qualifications and expertise. These job types are further divided into different levels, each demanding a particular amount of experience. Assess your skills, interests, and experience to determine the right job type and level for you. Here are some options:
- Professional and Higher Categories (P and D)
- General Service and Related Categories (G, TC, S, PIA, LT)
- National Officers (NO)
- Field Service (FS)
- Senior Appointments (SG, DSG, USG, and ASG)
Ensure You Meet the Educational and Experience Requirements. Each position at the UN has specific academic and professional prerequisites. Before applying, make sure you fulfill these criteria; otherwise, your application will not be considered. Here are the general requirements for most UN positions:
- Proficiency in English or French, the primary working languages of the UN. Additional fluency in Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, or Russian can provide a competitive edge.
- A bachelor's degree or higher. Some lower-level general service positions (mainly clerical or secretarial roles) may only require a high school diploma with relevant work experience, but most UN jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. Many specialized roles demand a master's degree in the relevant field.
- Work experience in a related field. Depending on the position, you may need anywhere from 1 to 7 years of professional experience.
Submitting Your Job Application
Search for Available Positions. Visit the UN recruitment website to explore current job openings within the UN Secretariat. You can also use Unjobfinder to browse vacancies across all UN-affiliated organizations. Since job listings are regularly updated, if you don’t find a suitable role now, check back later.
Create a 'My UN' Account. Click on the 'Register as a User' option at the top of the UN recruitment website. You will be required to enter your name, email address, date of birth, and create a username and password.
Create a 'Personal History Profile' (PHP). After registering, you will be prompted to create your PHP. This is a secure online resume that includes your general information, educational background, and work history. You only need to create it once, but you can modify it for different job applications.
- You can complete the PHP immediately or return to it later. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete, but you can save your progress and finish it later.
- Ensure your PHP is thorough, accurate, and error-free. When you apply for a position, the PHP is the first (and often the only) document that recruiters will review. If it lacks professionalism or contains spelling or grammatical mistakes, your application may be dismissed.
- You can update your PHP anytime, but make sure it is in top condition before applying for any position.
Select the Job You Want to Apply For. Make sure you meet all the requirements; otherwise, refrain from applying unless you have a compelling reason to justify any discrepancies. The UN website explicitly states that while you can apply for multiple positions, your credibility may suffer if you apply for jobs you are not qualified for.
Submit Your Application as Directed Online. You will be prompted to upload your latest PHP along with any other necessary documents required for the position. Update your PHP if needed before submission.
- Provide a valid email address to receive confirmation of your application. If you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours, follow up to ensure your application was received.
Wait for an Interview Invitation. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, and this may take some time. You can check your application status under the 'Application History' section in your 'My UN' account. Some positions require you to take an exam before being considered. Follow the specific guidelines for the role you applied for.
Applying for the Young Professionals Programme
Ensure You Meet the Eligibility Requirements. The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is designed for talented young individuals with little or no professional experience. Eligible candidates must pass both a written and oral examination to be considered for the YPP roster. Those on the roster may be offered positions through the YPP when openings arise. To qualify for the program, you must meet these criteria:
- Be 32 years old or younger
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in one of the designated professional fields
- Be proficient in English or French
- Be a citizen of a participating member state
Register for a 'My UN' Account. Click 'Register as a User' at the top of the UN Careers website. You will be required to enter your name, email address, date of birth, and create a username and password.
Create Your Personal History Profile (PHP). After registering, you will be prompted to complete your PHP. This is a secure online resume containing your general details, educational background, and work experience.
- You can create your PHP immediately or return to it later. It takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour to complete, but you can save your progress and finalize it later.
- Be sure to enter your participating YPP member country in the 'Nationality' field.
Submit Your Job Application. As a YPP candidate, you must select a job labeled 'YPP Examination.' Choose a position within a relevant job category that aligns with your qualifications and interests. Accurately fill in the 'Main Course of Study' and 'Field of Study' sections according to your degree and the job requirements. You are allowed to submit only one application per exam.
- After completing the forms, click 'Apply Now' to submit your application. You will need to answer a few screening questions and agree to the terms before your submission is finalized. A confirmation email will be sent upon successful submission.
- Your application will be reviewed, and you will either receive an invitation to take the exam or a notification that you do not meet the qualifications.
Take the Written Examination. If you meet the qualifications, you will be invited to take the written test. The exam lasts 4.5 hours and consists of two parts: a General Paper, which is the same for all job categories, and a Specialized Paper, which assesses your knowledge in a specific professional field. Passing this exam qualifies you for the oral assessment.
Attend the Oral Examination. This interview is conducted by the Specialized Board to assess whether you possess the necessary skills and professional demeanor for the role you have applied for. Following the interview, the Central Examination Board will contact you with the final decision on your YPP participation.
Receive Notification from the Central Examination Board. If you pass the interview, the Central Examination Board will place you on the YPP job roster. When a suitable position becomes available within your field, you may receive a job offer.
- Being placed on the roster does not guarantee immediate employment. While your chances are high, securing a job depends on position availability.
- If you do not pass the interview, you will receive a notification stating that you have not been selected for the YPP program.
Tips
- Carefully craft your job application. Check for spelling errors, inconsistencies, and sloppy grammar. Each mistake can be a reason for disqualification, as recruiters receive numerous applications.
- Gather as much information as possible via email or phone. Ask whether the position is currently occupied and what challenges may come with it. Be prepared for difficulties in obtaining information.
- Gender can be an advantage: Article 8 of the UN Charter states, 'The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs.' However, a hiring policy (ST/AI/2006/3, Section 9.3) gives priority to female candidates when multiple equally qualified candidates apply for a role, especially if female representation in that rank/department is low. Gender balance considerations can also apply to men, though men tend to dominate professional-level roles while women are more represented in general service positions.
- Anyone can be placed on the job roster (a list of pre-approved candidates who were not selected but passed the central review). Since 2012, this roster has been unlimited, though this may change.
- Apply early. UN recruiters typically do not favor last-minute applications. Many candidates submit their applications at the final moment, risking less thorough consideration. Late applications are not accepted.
- Successful UN applicants often have connections within the organization. They understand how to structure their PHP correctly and know what the UN looks for in candidates. Do you know anyone? If not, try networking with those who can offer insights. While connections can help, hiring is not solely based on referrals. Also, be mindful of national quotas and hiring trends—they may impact your chances positively or negatively.
Warning
- Remember, working at the United Nations may not always be as challenging, noble, or 'meaningful' as you might expect. Read books written by former UN employees to gain insight. While salaries and benefits are excellent, many employees become disillusioned due to rigid bureaucracy, lack of creativity, resistance to innovation, and nepotism. Change can only happen if passionate and bold thinkers join the organization and drive transformation. Be fully aware of both the pros and cons.
- Avoid sending additional personal information unless explicitly requested. Recruiters may find this frustrating and perceive it as bypassing bureaucratic procedures, which could lead to disqualification. If you are invited for an interview, that is your moment to shine.
- Be prepared for long wait times after the application deadline. Waiting up to eight (8) months is not uncommon.
- The UN does not accept traditional résumés or job applications. Unless otherwise stated, you must apply through the designated online application system.
- Do not randomly apply for positions you do not qualify for. Recruiters keep records of past applications, and repeated unqualified applications can hurt your chances. Your previous applications remain in the employment database, so apply strategically.
- If you advance to the interview stage, brace yourself for a rigorous selection process. Multiple interview rounds may be required if you progress further in recruitment.
