UN Careers: How to Find and Apply for United Nations Opportunities

The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization with 193 member states, established in 1945 to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote social progress, better living standards, and human rights. The UN system encompasses the UN Secretariat (headquartered in New York), UN funds and programmes (UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP, etc.), specialized agencies (WHO, UNESCO, ILO, FAO, etc.), and other related organizations.

Working for the United Nations offers the opportunity to contribute to global challenges including peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, development, human rights, and sustainable development. UN employment offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and the satisfaction of working toward global goals.

Types of UN Employment

Professional and Higher Categories (P-1 to D-1)

Professional positions in the UN are categorized from P-1 (entry-level) to D-2 (senior executive). The P-category positions require advanced university degrees and relevant professional experience.

| Level | Experience Required | Typical Roles |

|---|---|---|

| P-1 to P-2 | 0-5 years | Junior analysts, programme officers |

| P-3 to P-4 | 5-10 years | Senior officers, technical specialists |

| P-5 | 10-15 years | Chiefs of unit, senior advisors |

| D-1 to D-2 | 15+ years | Directors, senior managers |

General Service and Related Categories

General Service positions support the operations of UN offices and missions. These positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant administrative or technical skills. G-category positions are locally recruited and offer competitive local salaries and benefits.

Young Professionals Programme (YPP)

The Young Professionals Programme is a recruitment initiative for young professionals from countries that are underrepresented or unrepresented in the UN Secretariat. The YPP is conducted annually through a competitive examination process. Candidates must be under 32 years of age, hold at least a first-level university degree, and be nationals of a participating country.

National Competitive Recruitment (NCR)

The National Competitive Recruitment examination is conducted for specific professional positions at the P-1/P-2 level. The NCR examination tests candidates' knowledge and skills relevant to the specific occupational group. Successful candidates are placed on a roster from which UN offices can recruit.

Qualifications and Language Requirements

Most professional positions in the UN require at least a master's degree or equivalent. Some positions may accept a bachelor's degree with relevant experience. The field of study should be relevant to the position applied for.

Language requirements are critical for UN employment. English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Fluency in both English and French is required for many positions, especially at headquarters. For field positions, knowledge of the local language may be required.

Internship Opportunities

The UN offers internship opportunities for students and recent graduates. UN internships are typically 2-3 months and can be paid or unpaid, depending on the organization and location. Internships provide valuable experience working in an international organization and can lead to future employment opportunities.