Applying for a job in the UN can be challenging, but extremely rewarding. With that in mind, we prepared five great tips for you to keep in mind during the application process:
Choose the right job for you
Apply only to those jobs that are suited to your strengths and aspirations and make sure to update your application to highlight important facts relevant to the job you are applying for.
Highlight your achievements
When describing past experiences, focus on what you’ve accomplished and achieved, as opposed to what you do on a daily basis.
Use your motivation statement to prove you are the best candidate for the position
Think of your motivation statement as an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other job seekers by highlighting what makes you the best match for the position. It should be brief, three to four paragraphs, and as targeted as possible to the position for which you are applying.
Research, prepare and train for your interview
If you are called for an interview, train for competency-based interviewing techniques by preparing a wide range of brief real-life stories about your accomplishments. The structure of your answer should be: Situation, Action, Result.
Apply for as many as you can
But be targeted! The UN’s selection process is very competitive, so you should not be discouraged to apply for other jobs for which you feel you are qualified in case you are declined for a position. And remember, customize your application according to each position you apply for.
Job Openings
Internships (I-1)
- Intern – Graphic Design and Communication
- Intern – Data Analyst and Information Management
- Intern – Project Support LAC
- Environmental Affairs Intern
- Intern – Meeting Services
- Intern – Policy and Strategy
- Intern – Information Management
- Intern – National Urban Policy
- Intern – Information Technology & Communication
- Intern – Capacity Building and Sustainable Urban Development
- Intern – Geospatial Data Analysis
- Intern – Communication and Graphic Design
- Intern – Human Rights and Gender Mainstreaming
- Intern – Urban Law and Governance (Listed twice, so counted as one)
- Intern – Administrative & Finance
- Intern – Political Affairs
- Intern – One Health
- Project Management Intern
- Intern – Urban Law and Governance
General Service and Related Categories (G)
- Information Systems Assistant (G-5)
- Finance and Budget Assistant (G-5)
- Programme Management Assistant (G-5)
- Liaison Assistant (G-6)
- Finance and Budget Assistant (G-6)
- Senior Finance and Budget Assistant (G-7)
- Senior Programme Management Assistant (G-7)
National Professional Officers (NO)
- Assistant Programme Management Officer (NO-A)
Consultants (CON)
- Marine and Coastal Environmental Management Consultant
- Urban Planner
- Access and Benefit Sharing Consultant
- Communications Consultant – Sustainable Mobility Unit
- National Assessment Specialist
- Urban Planning Consultant
- Mid-Term Evaluation Consultant
- Project Development Expert
- Mid-Term Reviewer – India project (GEFID 10204)
- Mid-Term Review Consultant 10523 FSP
- Terminal Review Expert – China Project (GEFID 4865)
- Sustainable Urban Development Specialist
- Research Analyst
Professional and Higher Categories (P)
- Associate Programme Management Officer (P-2)
- Programme Management Officer (P-3)
- Programme Management Officer, Multilevel Climate Action (P-3)
- HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER (P-3)
- Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements (P-3)
- Legal Officer (P-4)
- Reviser, French (P-4)
- SPECIAL ASSISTANT, POLITICAL AFFAIRS (P-4)
- Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements (P-4)
- CHIEF OF SECTION, INVESTIGATIONS (Digital Forensics) (P-5)
- SENIOR INVESTIGATOR (Chief of Unit, Intake and Referrals) (P-5)
- CHIEF OF SECTION, FINANCE AND BUDGET (P-5)
- SENIOR INTERPRETER, ENGLISH (P-5)
How to Apply
Once you find a job in Job Openings and decide to apply, click on “Apply”. This will link you directly to Inspira, where you can log in and either begin a new application or choose an existing application to adapt.
Depending on the job you are applying for you may get a set of questions. Similarly, you may be given a list of skills and be asked to perform a self-assessment on these.
Note: resumes are not considered a substitute or complementary to a completed online application. If any additional information or documentation is required, you will be asked to submit it during the application process.
If you have submitted your job application successfully, you will receive an automated confirmation by email shortly after submitting. Also note that once an application has been submitted it cannot be changed for that specific job opening.