Applying for a job with the United Nations can feel complex, competitive, and confusing—especially for first-time applicants. However, once you understand how the UN recruitment system works, what recruiters look for, and how to position your profile correctly, your chances improve significantly.
This comprehensive guideline is written by an independent career and jobs information platform. It is not affiliated with the United Nations and does not participate in recruitment. The purpose of this guide is to help applicants clearly understand how to apply for UN vacancies correctly and strategically.
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Understanding How UN Recruitment Works
The United Nations recruits staff through a highly structured, merit-based system designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and global representation.
UN vacancies are offered under different contract types, career levels, and agencies. Each vacancy has specific eligibility criteria, and applications that do not strictly follow instructions are often rejected automatically.
Before applying, it is critical to understand:
- UN contract types
- Job levels
- Recruitment platforms
- Evaluation stages
A Complete Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for United Nations (UN) Vacancies
1. Types of UN Vacancies You Can Apply For
A. Staff Positions (Long-Term Careers)
These are salaried positions with benefits.
Common contract types include:
- Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA) – Most common professional contracts
- Temporary Appointment (TA) – Short-term (usually under 1 year)
- Continuing Appointment (CA) – Long-term/tenured (rare)
B. Professional vs General Service
- Professional (P, NO, D levels)
- Require a university degree
- Often international
- Higher salaries
- General Service (G levels)
- Usually local recruitment
- Administrative, clerical, technical roles
C. Consultancies
- Short-term, deliverable-based
- No staff benefits
- Paid monthly or per output
- Can be remote or field-based
D. Internships & Fellowships
- For students or recent graduates
- Often paid (stipend varies by agency)
- Fixed duration (3–6 months typical)
E. UN Volunteers (UNV)
- Modest living allowance
- Excellent entry point into the UN system
2. Where UN Vacancies Are Posted
UN jobs are not posted on one single website. Each agency manages its own recruitment portal.
Common official platforms include:
- UN Secretariat recruitment system (Inspira)
- Agency-specific portals (UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, IOM, UNHCR, etc.)
⚠️ The UN never charges application fees. Any request for payment is a scam.
3. Understanding UN Job Levels (Very Important)
Entry-Level
- P-1 / P-2
- NO-A / NO-B
- G-2 to G-4
- Internships, Junior Officer roles
Mid-Level
- P-3 / P-4
- NO-C / NO-D
- G-5 to G-6
Senior-Level
- P-5
- D-1 / D-2
👉 Apply only for levels that match your experience. Over- or under-qualified applications are often rejected.
4. Creating Your UN Application Profile
Most UN agencies require you to create an online profile.
Key Sections You Must Complete Carefully
- Personal details
- Education (exact dates, institutions)
- Employment history (month/year format)
- Languages (reading, writing, speaking levels)
- Skills and competencies
🔴 Incomplete profiles are automatically screened out.
5. Writing a UN-Standard CV (Very Different from Private Sector)
UN CV Rules
- Long format (2–6 pages is normal)
- Detailed responsibilities (not short bullet points)
- Focus on achievements, outputs, and results
- Use UN language (coordination, implementation, monitoring, compliance, stakeholders)
What Recruiters Look For
- Relevance to the vacancy
- Clear progression
- International or multicultural exposure
- Measurable impact
6. The Cover Letter / Motivation Statement
This is not optional for most UN roles.
Strong UN Cover Letters Must:
- Address each requirement in the vacancy
- Use examples (“I supported…”, “I coordinated…”)
- Demonstrate alignment with UN values
- Be concise and structured
Avoid generic statements like:
❌ “I am passionate about the UN mission”
Instead:
✅ “I supported programme implementation aligned with SDG 4 through…”
7. The Screening & Shortlisting Process
After submission, your application goes through:
- Automated screening (eligibility & keywords)
- HR review
- Hiring manager shortlisting
Only shortlisted candidates proceed.
⏳ This stage can take weeks or months. Silence does not mean rejection.
8. Written Assessments (Very Common)
Many UN vacancies require:
- Technical written tests
- Case studies
- Policy analysis
- Data interpretation
- Drafting exercises
How to Prepare
- Follow instructions exactly
- Manage time carefully
- Be clear, structured, and concise
- Avoid jargon unless necessary
9. UN Competency-Based Interviews
UN interviews are highly structured.
Common Competencies
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Planning & organizing
- Professionalism
- Client orientation
Answer Using the STAR Method
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
Example:
“Describe a time you managed competing deadlines.”
10. Reference Checks & Final Selection
If you reach the final stage:
- References will be contacted
- Background verification is conducted
- Medical clearance may be required
Only after this will an official offer be issued.
11. Common Reasons UN Applications Are Rejected
- Applying for the wrong level
- Incomplete profile
- Ignoring mandatory requirements
- Weak or generic cover letter
- No demonstrated results
- Poor written assessment performance
12. How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a UN Job
Strategic Tips
- Apply consistently (10–30 applications is normal)
- Start with consultancies, UNV, or internships
- Gain field or NGO experience
- Learn UN-relevant skills (M&E, data, policy, coordination)
- Tailor every application
Persistence is key. Many UN staff applied dozens of times before succeeding.
13. Myths About UN Jobs (Not True)
❌ “You need connections”
❌ “Only elites get UN jobs”
❌ “You must already work at the UN”
✅ The UN uses merit-based recruitment. Strong, well-prepared candidates do get selected.
Final Advice
Applying to UN vacancies is a process, not a one-time attempt. The system rewards:
- Accuracy
- Relevance
- Persistence
- Professional presentation
If you treat each application seriously and follow the rules carefully, your chances improve with every submission.
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