Experts’ tips for starting a career at the United Nations | Experts’ Opinions

Every year, on October 24, the world and the international community celebrate United Nations Day which marks the official establishment in 1945 of the largest international organization – the United Nations. Today, being employed by the UN or one of its agencies at the UN seems like a dream career for young professionals, experts and consultants involved in international development. However, the competition is fierce and, besides having the relevant skills and knowledge, getting your foot into the UN door requires a great deal of preparation, hard work and professional advice. DevelopmentAid asked some experts who have worked with the organization to share valuable tips that helped them start their career with the UN. 

What major skills and requirements are necessary to begin a career with the UN?

“Each internship program has specific skills and requirements. Among the requirements that may be common to the different programs are academic background, language proficiency and previous professional experience. In order to start working as an intern, it is mandatory to be enrolled in an educational institution, preferably in the last year of a bachelor’s or master’s degree. For some of the programs, a master’s degree is required or preferred. To study or have studied something related or specific to the topics and the areas of work of the organization will always be preferable although not mandatory. In addition, some programs require prior professional experience and may require specific age ranges and nationalities. Depending on the duty station, the main working language at the UN is English, therefore it is essential to have an excellent command of it. Proficiency in and knowledge of other UN official languages may be mandatory or preferred. Depending on the organization and the area of work, the necessary skills may vary. The UN seeks dynamic, motivated and passionate young people with a constant desire to learn and to proactively contribute to its work. Originality and creativity in the generation of new ideas are highly valued. A fundamental skill required to work at the UN is the ability to be part of a team and work in a multicultural environment. You also have to be autonomous and independent which involves knowing how to work under pressure and manage stress. It is also very important to develop work habits that allow you to respond to your commitments with responsibility, punctuality, organization and efficiency. Integrity and respect for others is paramount.”

“Well, certainly relevant educational skills are key, which also translate into technical skills with experience. Skills that fit into the extensive variety of needs in the many areas where the UN intervenes in humanitarian assistance, as well as development or international protection work, are of particular interest and relevance for sure. Cross-cultural and international experience, foreign languages, several if possible, and a willingness to endure hardships and to leave one’s own country and family if required are also the attributes of a successful United Nations official. Personal sacrifices on multiple levels often characterize the work of UN staff, and this reality must be front and center for any person contemplating a career with the UN.”

“An academic background in the fields of the UN. European professionals have a greater chance of joining the UN through the Junior Professional Officers (JPO) program. Professionals from countries not participating in the JPO program can benefit from having field experience, experience with public institutions, governments, and NGOs. There is also the Young Professionals Programme which is extremely competitive. I heard that it can take up to several years to obtain a post through it, but some of my ex-colleagues came to UN-Habitat after applying through that program.”

“Flexibility, tenacity, the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, top-notch communication and writing skills, and the ability to liaise with an array of backgrounds, constituencies, and cultures.”

What challenges are faced when applying for a position within UN?

“The first and foremost challenge lies in the interest of so many people who desire to work at the United Nations. The volume of applicants from around the world is very high, competing for a limited number of positions. With so many applicants, it is a challenge for individuals to be noticed. The application process can also be difficult and complex because there are many job postings from different sources. It is highly recommended to read every job posting carefully and choose one that fits your profile, skills, knowledge and experience. Patience will be your main ally in the application process. Not only will applications take some time, but sometimes you may never receive a response. How you manage your frustration will be key in this process. Also, it is very important that you do not forget who you are as an individual and as a professional and do not compare yourself to others. If working at the UN is your main goal, it is very important to be persistent over time. Lack of knowledge or a less-than-perfect command of English will be a major limitation because it is the official language of the UN. Candidates who speak more than one language will have a better chance of gaining a position. Another big challenge is that some organizations will give priority to people with previous experience and good knowledge of the UN working system. Something very important to keep in mind is that most of the internships (2 to 6 months) may be unpaid. This means that young people must have sufficient financial resources and this will vary depending on the duty station where they will work. Similarly, depending on the position, the organization and the country, salaries will be different in the programs mentioned above. Due to the organization’s recruitment system, the hiring and onboarding processes can be lengthy. It is highly recommended to start any application process early (2 to 4 months in advance) to have a margin for the required start date.”

“Bureaucracy, delays, bias against certain nationalities, multiple application modalities and processes; indeed, it seems at times that the application process is designed to test the patience and perseverance of a candidate which are also generally among the attributes necessary to get the job done!”

“Some agencies favour people who already have experience within the agency, such as UNHCR. For sure it helps to have had some experience, maybe as an intern, with the agency and have made connections. It is useful to be recommended by someone who already works at the agency.”

“Positions are limited and highly competitive. Pay attention to every detail in your application. Networking is highly recommended.”

See also: How to stand out from the competition with DevelopmentAid’s career leverage tools

How do you prepare for a UN interview?

“When preparing for an interview with the UN, it is extremely important to carefully read and study the job posting. It is crucial to get to know the position well, this will allow you to think about the personal and professional skills and experiences that will be decisive in the selection process. Normally, interviews begin with the famous and often repeated question, “Tell us about yourself”. This is your time to differentiate yourself from others. Don’t repeat information that is already included in the CV or cover letter. They want to get to know you better and go deeper into certain aspects of your life. Explain your motivation and talk about the experiences you consider relevant for the position. In addition, you should clearly state why you want to work with this organization within the UN and what your expectations are for this position. It is therefore very important to have a good and clear understanding of the organization and its work (mission, strategy, areas of focus and how it works). One thing that can be very useful for the interview, without depending completely on it, is to watch and read the testimonials of people interviewed by a UN organization (blogs, YouTube videos etc.).”

“Get a good night’s sleep and be yourself. Don’t try to oversell yourself or your background, such an approach will not serve your interests going forward.”

“I try to think like the hiring officer and make mock interview questions for myself. Think about the responses in the form of achievements.”

“Be prepared to demonstrate possession of the listed UN competencies. You’ll be asked an array of situational questions to evaluate subject matter knowledge as well as leadership, communications, and teamwork skills.”

What are some mistakes young professionals make when applying for a job at the UN?

“UN recruiters are trying to determine whether you are the right fit for the job, to know about your personal skills and whether you have the appropriate profile. For this reason, it is necessary to be yourself. Integrity and being genuine in the application process are critical. It is very important to be honest and not make up any skills, experience or knowledge. The job descriptions and requirements are very specific, so I recommend that you carefully read the application instructions to avoid being rejected. It can be intimidating applying for work with the UN and, although you should study the organization and the different agencies, it is not necessary to spend too much focus on demonstrating your knowledge of the organization.”

“Overinflating your capabilities or experiences, forgetting to be humble and upfront about your history and qualifications. As noted earlier, be yourself!

What are the main benefits of working for the UN?

“The reputation of the United Nations speaks for itself. Working for the UN will undoubtedly be a life-changing experience. You will be highly recognized, respected and honored, not only as a person but also as a professional. By contributing to the goals of the UN, you will become part of the most influential, prestigious and largest international organization working for peace, justice and human rights. One of the main advantages of the UN is the diversity of agencies, focused on different areas of work but working towards the same goal: to strive to solve the world’s major problems and crises. You can easily be part of multiple projects that address multiple issues in different parts of the world. As a professional, you will have the privilege of having access and learning the modus operandi and the UN system. Acquiring previous UN experience will open doors and can help you to join any agency more easily. You will mostly have the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, meeting knowledgeable leaders and professionals from many areas that will contribute to your intellectual, personal and professional growth, while creating an important network of contacts.”

“Despite the challenges and the hardships noted above, one can meet fabulous people and colleagues, and assist the planet’s neediest populations. Knowing that you are moving the planet in a better direction through your efforts and sacrifices is ultimately among the main benefits of UN service. But of course, with a long-term UN career comes a decent compensation package and a pension plan, i.e., real-world benefits that motivate us all even if they should not be the primary motivation.”

“Other than the salary and the benefits, you may have the opportunity to influence change among partner government agencies. It is important to constantly remind yourself why you joined the UN in the first place. You will encounter inspiring people in the UN, focus on following the good people.”

“The opportunity to work in countries around the world and experience new cultures, often in high-risk settings with limited support. One must be flexible and willing to learn, learn, learn. The UN offers great pay and benefits if once regularized/permanent.”

See also: Working with the United Nations: Tips for junior professionals

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