How to Get a Job at the United Nations - The Global Humanitarian

An overview of the job opportunities at the UN for young professionals.

“The United Nations is our one great hope for a peaceful and free world.”- Ralph Bunche

The United Nations (UN) system is vast and intricate—a complex maze that many young professionals find difficult to fully comprehend, especially when it comes to navigating the hiring process. How does one even begin to crack the code of getting a job at the UN? What’s the best strategy to get your foot in the door? Should you major in a specific field? Are UN internships your golden ticket? What entry-level positions should you aim for? Does the UN even have a front door? Let’s break it down.

Here’s the reality: there isn’t a one-size-fits-all path to landing a role at the UN. No magic formula guaranteed by some blogger, YouTuber, or UN-focused Reddit thread. Why? Because the routes into the UN are as diverse as the organization itself. Your entry into the UN will depend on your unique skill set, educational background, language proficiency, citizenship status, and the specific requirements of the role you’re targeting.

Many young professionals are drawn to the United Nations due to its mission of promoting global peace, development, and human rights. Adding to the appeal are enticing perks such as international travel, competitive salaries (especially in the Professional category), engaging colleagues, and the prestige of working at a respected institution. Tax-free salaries and the possibility of children attending some of the world’s top academic institutions also enhance its appeal, particularly for those in the P category. The sheer volume of applicants makes it challenging for the UN to prioritize entry-level roles in the same way some other organizations may. While the UN values diversity and experience, candidates may need to demonstrate relevant expertise or skills to stand out in a highly competitive process.

Currently, applications are managed through Inspira, while many UN programs, such as UN Women, WHO, UNDP, and UNHCR, operate their own job portals. This often requires creating multiple profiles, re-entering resumes, and spending significant time submitting applications across various platforms. The need to maintain separate accounts for each UN agency—UNHCR, IOM, UNDP, and others—can create some complexity. Many would agree that a centralized portal for accessing and applying to all UN positions (including UN internships) would greatly enhance the process and improve the overall applicant experience.

Let’s face it, navigating the UN’s labyrinth isn’t easy, but with the right strategies and a clear understanding of the system, you can find your way in.

So, the question remains.. How do I get a job with the UN then?

What does it take to get a job at the UN? (professional category)

Typically, you will need an advanced level degree (Masters degree, minimum).
Excellent command of English and/or French.
Having knowledge of an additional language is an asset although not always necessary. The six official UN languages are: English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese.
Previous work experience. P-1 positions generally do not require any prior work experience; however, they have become increasingly rare. P-2 positions typically require a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience, P-3 positions typically require at least 5 years, P-4 positions require a minimum of 7 years, and P-5 positions generally require a minimum of 10 years of experience.

What options are there for young professionals looking to work at the UN?

The UN Internship Program

The United Nations (UN) Internship Program offers a valuable entry point for young professionals aspiring to work within the UN system. While the specific requirements and opportunities can vary across different UN agencies, some general insights are as follows:

Eligibility Criteria:

Educational Requirements: Typically, applicants should be enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral program, or in the final year of a Bachelor’s program. Some agencies may also consider recent graduates who have completed their studies within the past year.
Language Proficiency: A strong command of English or French is generally required, as these are the main working languages of the UN.

Internship Duration:

Internships usually last between two to six months, depending on the specific agency and the nature of the assignment.

Compensation:

While many UN internships are unpaid, certain agencies offer stipends or other forms of compensation:

UNDP Internships: Interns receive a monthly stipend that varies depending on the country of assignment.
UNICEF Internships: UNICEF has introduced paid internships, providing financial support to interns.
UNOPS Internships: UNOPS offers a monthly stipend and a one-time travel lump sum of USD 500 to all interns.

Post-Internship Opportunities:

Completing an internship with the UN can open doors to various career paths, including:

Consultant Roles: Short-term assignments requiring specific expertise.
Temporary Staff Positions: Short-term contracts that can lead to longer-term opportunities.
Professional (P) Level Positions: Entry-level positions for professionals, typically requiring a Master’s degree and relevant experience.

Networking during your internship and demonstrating your skills and commitment can enhance your prospects for these roles.

Note: The application process and requirements can vary across different UN agencies. It’s advisable to consult the specific internship pages of the UN agencies you’re interested in for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

In summary, while the UN Internship Program offers valuable experience and potential career pathways, the specifics can vary. It’s essential to research each agency’s requirements and opportunities to tailor your application effectively.

UN Volunteers

Another valuable entry point into the UN system is the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program. Despite the term “volunteer,” UNVs receive a Volunteer Living Allowance, which covers essential expenses. The UNV program offers various options, including National and International UN Volunteers. National volunteers are nationals of the country where they serve, while International UNVs typically receive higher allowances, accommodation, a living stipend, annual leave, and comprehensive insurance. You can use the UNV entitlement calculator here for more details.

Though referred to as “volunteers,” UNVs often function similarly to P-level staff, assuming comparable responsibilities. This can be an excellent opportunity to build valuable connections, enhance your resume, and gain firsthand insight into the UN system. UNV positions are generally more accessible, especially for assignments in “hardship” locations. If you’re considering applying for the UNV program, you can explore my Comprehensive Guide to the United Nations Volunteers Program for further information.

Interviews for UNV roles, as well as other positions, are typically competency-based. You can find additional tips on UNV interview preparation here.

Contract durations for UNV assignments vary. Short-term assignments typically last three months or less, while International UNV contracts can extend up to 12 months. Please note that volunteers must be at least 25 years old to apply.

The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Program

The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Program offers another great opportunity for entering the UN system, however it is more competitive. JPO posts are not offered by every UN organization, and not every country participates in the program.

JPO positions are sponsored by your respective national government, meaning that you can only apply if your government currently offers a specific JPO position. If you are successful, you will be offered a one year contract. Usually, these are renewed for a second year. Salaries are in the P1-P2 range.

To participate in the JPO program, you must be younger than 32, hold a Master’s degree, and a minimum of two years of paid work experience. You must also speak two UN languages.

The Young Professionals Program

Finally, we have the Young Professionals Program, a recruitment initiative for young professionals to start a career with the United Nations Secretariat. The process with YPP can be quite intense as it does require you to complete an entrance examination which is held once a year. Like the JPO program, not all countries participate in the YPP program and it varies every year. You can find more information on the YPP homepage.

You can apply for YPP openings through Inspira. If you are successful, you will be requested to complete the entrance examination. Similar to the JPO program, you must be under 32, hold a first-level university degree relevant to your exam area and be fluent in either French or English.

What is the secret to getting a job with the United Nations?

Persistence and dedication will get you far. However, it is most important that you only apply to jobs that you are qualified for. Target your applications and use keywords that are relevant to the roles you are interested in. Make sure your application is complete and that you meet the language requirements. Otherwise, you will be screened out. The UN receives many applications, so you need to meet every single requirement. If you apply to hardship stations, you may have better luck getting an interview. Think South Sudan, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, etc.

One final piece of advice would be to apply to other International NGO’s to build up some field experience before you apply to the UN. Try looking at International NGO’s such as Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, PLAN, Oxfam, and the Danish Refugee Council. To find current international development job offers, you can visit Relief Web.

Oh, and yes, the UN does have a front door. I’ve used it, and I hope you can too.

Ready to take the next step in your UN career journey? Explore more on The Global Humanitarian Blog for insider tips and resources to help you succeed!

Comment, subscribe, and follow me on Instagram @the.global.humanitarian

Please note: the views and opinions expressed on this blog are that of my own and do not represent the opinions of any agency mentioned.