Pros and Cons of Working for the United Nations in 2021

Many expats would love to work for the United Nations. And this is because; it’s one of the top international organizations globally. They work on projects around the world from civil aviation to refugee aid, from climate change to sustainable tourism.

Moreover, jobs at the UN give you the opportunity to support projects addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the world today. However, like all organizations, there are good and bad sides of working for the UN. Without further ado, below are the pros and cons of working for the UN today.

Pros

a)      One of the Most Prestigious Place to Work

One of the benefits of working for the United Nations is because it is highly a prestigious place to work. And as the leading international organization addressing world issues, the United Nations is a highly respected institution to be a part of. Therefore, having a job at the UN can be great because it’s known around the world.

b)      Opportunity to World around the World

Another pro of working in the UN today is because of the opportunity it brings. Since the UN has many offices across its sites, the benefits of working here cannot be overemphasized. Besides, it can also constitute to a great experience as you can move between offices and build valuable experience working in other countries. Also, if you travel to areas of crises and working to assist people affected is your thing, this is definitely a pro of working for the United Nation.

c)       United Nations Jobs Can Be Well Paid

A definite good thing about working for the United Nations is that it can be well paid. Not only is that, but they have wide range of jobs with a degree of variation in salaries. That being said, the UN workers also often get added benefits which further increases their salaries. UN staff usually work abroad where their wages can go further. But, we can tell you that the salaries are a great part of working for the UN.

d)      Opportunity to Work on Global Issues

As said in our previous post, you can work in the UN and be opportune to deliberate on global issues. And this is because; the United Nation’s focus on crises and development means taking a job that allow you to work on many different projects helping people in need. Again, a great part of working for the UN is using your skills and experience to help solve major global problems.

e)      Opportunity to Work with Highly Motivated People

While working as a staff in the United Nations, you’ll be opportune to meet with highly intelligent people around the globe. Besides, people who work for the UN are also highly motivated to solve some of the major issues facing the world. In this case, they’ll prefer a solution by finding great problem-solvers around the world. And this is one of the great things about working for the UN as an expats.

Cons

UN Jobs is Not Always a Stable Career

Working at the United Nations can be worrisome because it’s not a stable career. Unless, you’re very lucky and land a permanent UN job, most of the ones available jump between short-term to contracts jobs. And this could make building a career within the UN a challenge and also make gaining traction in your career difficult. Moreover, the instability of working a UN is a real down-side to joining the organization.

United Nations Is Very Bureaucratic

This also constitutes another problem of working for the United Nations. In addition to this fact, the UN is an enormous organization spanning almost every country in the world. And we can tell you that you should expect a varying state of bureaucracy.

Furthermore, the organizations have a reputation for being overly reliant on complex systems and processes and not focused enough on delivering results. And having to navigate the crazy UN bureaucracy is for sure a negative side of working in this organization.

Bribery and Corruption

Another downside of working for the United Nations is bribery and corruption. While the UN is known for being difficult to navigate and hard to understand, the structure, as well as its system and processes are not always clear.

At first, this can make joining the organization and building a career within the United Nation frustrating and can be a definite bad part about working there. And combine with an overly complex structure and it makes the UN a hard place to work. An often complained about aspect of the UN complexity is the bribery and corruption.

You Can’t Always Choose Where to Work

Another problem to put into consideration while trying to work for the UN is the placement issues.  Many UN staff has complained in recent times that it’s always difficult for them to choose the country they love to work.

Also, short UN contracts can also mean you regularly need to find new positions within the organization. Although many UN staff joins because they want to be able to travel and work abroad, over a long career but this factor can be a downside. Also, the continuous movements required by some UN jobs can be seen a con of working for the organization.

UN Countries Suitable for Expats

With the problems mentioned above, it’s quite essential to know the best countries that’d be good for you. The ranking is carried out by experts from the United Nations Development Programme. To measure the country’s progress, the UN calculates the Human Development index every year. Without further ado, below are the top five UN countries for expat to relocate in terms of seeking jobs.

·         Norway

As a founding member of the United Nations, Norway has held several historic and important positions in the UN. Also, the first Secretary-General of the United Nations was Norway’s former Minister for foreign affairs, Trygve Lie. Besides, the Norwegian lifestyle is strongly connected to the life you want. Moreover, the country has repeatedly been ranked as the best country to live in recent years.

·         Ireland

Ireland is the second on our list, as research made it known that they joined the United Nations in 1995. If you’re looking for the best jobs that’d give you time to take care of your family and friends, this is the best country. They provide a great quality of life, and there are few cities, especially popular among expats.

·         Iceland

Iceland is a member of most of the specialized agencies and other autonomous bodies of the United Nations. Permanent representatives of Iceland maintain a presence at the UN headquarters in New York, and the UN offices in Geneva and Vienna. However, living and working in this country as an expat cannot be overemphasized.

Frequently Asked Questions about UN Expat Jobs

Is it hard to get jobs in UN?

As said earlier, it is generally hard to get a job at the United Nations. Meanwhile, the main reasons UN jobs are difficult to get include language requirements, specific needs for skills, high competition, high level of education, and the often-complex UN recruitment process and that the United Nations wants to recruits a diversely as possible.

Does working for the United Nations Pays Well?

Of course, working for the United Nations is a great opportunity and they pay well. For entry-level professionals, known as P1, the annual net base salary for example can range from USD 37,000 – 80,000. Having said that, salaries, grants, and allowances paid by the United Nations are normally exempt from income tax, and that’s why many people would love to work here.

What is the best UN agency to work for?

The United Nations Job usually carries on many programs, where young specialists can receive a necessary experience to get a position in the organization after completion. However, we can tell you that humanitarian department, science, administration, and many others are the agency or department you should consider if you’re planning to work for the United Nations.

What are the International Relations Jobs that are available?

There are many international relations job available in the United Nations. However, we can explore five of them so you can understand the process better. They include; diplomat, intelligence analyst, policy analyst, lobbyist, communications specialist, and many others to mention a few.

How do I prepare for UN exams?

To prepare for the UN exams, it is recommended to read global newspaper, journals, and magazines.  Aside from this side, it is advised to go back to your university literature and refresh yourself on important and basic theories within the job family you have applied for.

How long does UN hiring process takes?

In most cases, applicants will only get contacted and are handled in a more individual manner if they pass the first stage of shortlisting. Meanwhile, the end to end process of applying to securing a job can take up to four month but the first stage notification for an interview can be fairly quick.

How many UN are there in the world?

As said earlier, there are about 195 countries in the world today. However, this total comprises 193 countries that are member states of the United Nations and 2 countries that are non-member observer states: the Holy See and the State of Palestine.

Which countries aren’t in the UN?

The two countries that are not UN members are Vatican City (Holy See) and Palestine. Both are considered non-member states of the United Nations, allow them to participate as permanent observes of the General Assembly, and are provided access to UN document.

Is WTO part of UN?

Although the WTO is not a UN specialized agency, but it has maintained strong relations with the UN and its agencies since its establishment. More so, the WTO Director General participates to the Chief Executive Board which is the organ of coordination within the UN system.

Conclusion

Foreigners and expatriates will definitely enjoy working for the United Nations. If you truly want to join this organization, you should understand the process it takes to recruit new staff. Nonetheless, refer to this guide for more information about UN expats jobs and the countries that have the best opportunity for expats.

Different Countries to Work for the UN

As of the time of writing this article, there are 193 member states in the United Nations. Each of this member state is a member of the United Nations General Assembly. While the UN has evolved over the years to keep pace with a rapid changing world, it is among the best international job to consider today.

In fact, we can tell you that one thing has stayed the same in the United Nations. And this is due to the fact that it remains the one place on Earth where all the world’s nations can gather together, discuss common problems, and find shared solutions that benefit all of humanity. Without further ado, below are some of the countries.

Afghanistan

As one of the UN countries, the sustainable development goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate. Also, they ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. Some of the goals while the UN work in this country is to reduce poverty rate, bring good health and well-being, provide quality education, affordable and clean energy and many others.

Albania

As research disclosed, the people’s socialist republic of Albania joined the United Nations on the 14^th of December, 1995, and they have participated in several UN peacekeeping operations. Besides, Albania and the UN renew commitment to join work on sustainable development to make sure there’s peace and unity in the country. Not only is that, but the UN work to provide quality education, good health, and others.

Algeria

As history disclosed, this country joined the United Nations (UN) on October 8, 1962. Since then, the United Nations have been present in Algeria and have been providing support and expertise to help the Algerian Government implement national policies as part of a strategic partnership framework for sustainable economic and social development.

Andorra

Andorra is a landlocked European country, nestled in the Pyrenees Mountain between Spain and France. Andorra has an approximate population of 85,000, and an area of 468 square kilometres. Besides, the intervention of the UN strives towards providing solutions to real problems of the people. Not only is that, but they want to participate in an active way in promoting and achieving the sustainable development goals.

Angola

In Angola, the United Nation was eventually entrusted with the task of overseeing an intra-state peace agreement; regardless of how exactly the country deals with the problem. However, the country commits to the empowerment of women and gender equality, the dignity of families and the advancement of women.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is one of the seven independent states covered by the United Nation Multi-Country office for Barbados. And the Eastern Caribbean has fully committed to embracing the 2030 Agenda and achieving the 17 sustainable development goals of the country. In addition, the country’s main income is tourism, which flourishes on the coastal areas, where extraordinary beaches attract visitors from all over the world.

Argentina

The Argentina republic is known to be a founding member of the United Nations and has since played an active role in the defense and promotion of International peace and security of the country. Not only is that, but they help with human right, and sustainable development. Meanwhile, the goal here is to improve quality healthcare services, promote education, and make room for better opportunities.

Armenia

Armenia joined the United Nation on the 2^nd of March 1992, and in December 1992, the UN established an office. They work with the government ensuring that attention to gender equality becomes a regular feature on work on standard setting. Not only is that, but they also empower smallholders and family farm series.

Australia

Australia is also considered as a founding member of the United Nations. This country has been an active participant in UN institutions for 70 years and is currently the 12^th largest contributor to the United Nation regular budget. The country has been a member of the UN since its formation in 1945.

Frequently Asked Questions about Working for the UN

Does UN Internship get paid?

Well, as of the time of compiling this article, we can tell you that the internship job in the United Nations is not paid. In fact, all costs related to travel, insurance, accommodation, and living expenses must be borne by either the interns or their sponsoring institutions, if this is applicable.

Is it hard to get jobs in United Nations?

Since the job position in the United Nations is competitive, we can tell you that employment is generally hard to get a job at the UN. Besides, the main reasons UN jobs are difficult to get include language requirements, high competition, specific needs for skills and experience, high-level education, the often-complex UN recruitment process, and that the UN wants to recruit a diversely as possible.

Are UN salaries taxes free?

Salaries, grants and allowances paid by the United Nations are normally exempt from income tax. In fact, the base salary is supplementary by a post adjustment which varies according to the cost of living in the duty station and the exchange rate of the United States dollar. That’s why many people would love to work in the United Nations as of today.

How long is the UN recruitment process?

The full selection process in the United Nation agencies takes from 2 weeks to 4 months. Also, there’s a joke, if you would like to find a good job at the United Nations, you need half a year or even more. In that case, the first step or reviewing of candidates is long-listing in the recruitment process of the United Nations.

How do I pass the UN interview?

There are many ways to pass the United Nations interview. The first thing to do is prepare a wide range of brief real life stories about your accomplishments. Aside from this fact, be ready to discuss your strengths and your ability to learn from past experience. Thereafter, you can review the competencies mentioned in the job opening, and many others to mention a few.

Does the United Nations hire doctors?

United Nations Examining Physicians are appointed mostly to perform pre-placement, periodic medical examinations (when indicated by relevant ST/AI or administrative guidelines of the respective UN Agencies, Funds, and Programs), as well as to advise the Administration on medical conditions. So, be rest assured that the United Nations also hires doctors.

What are the six UN values?

If you want to apply for any UN job posting, the UN values should be taken into consideration. Some of the UN competencies include; communication, teamwork, planning and organization, accountability, client orientation, creativity, commitment to continuous learning, technological awareness, and many others to mention a few.

How do I get hired by the United Nations?

Normally, it is required that you have an advanced university degree before you apply for a career with the United Nations. Aside from this fact, excellent command of either English or French language is a plus, since they are the common working languages.

Conclusion

An impressive number of people want to work for the United Nations but it’s quite competitive. In this case, it’s always better to have a degree or possess all the necessary things before applying as an expat. Explore, read carefully about the types of jobs available, and understand the process to get it. This is when you can successfully be employed as a Staff of the UN.

Jobs Available for Expats Looking to Work for United Nations

There are few clearly marked career paths in the United Nations, as of today. Notwithstanding, the diversity of occupations and multidisciplinary mandates means that you won’t only change functions or your department but change the environment your work by meeting new set of professionals.

Geographical mobility is another factor. While you’ll enjoy relocating or redeploying to different UN subdivisions, chances are that you might be fortunate to move your career progression to the senior levels. In this section, we will walk you through the jobs or positions available for UN job seekers. Check it out below.

1.       Management and Administration Role

The legal framework governing administration and management in the United Nations consist of the Charter, Staff rules, Secretary-General, and many others to mention a few. Meanwhile, the main functions of the person in this job category is to examine the progress on the implementation of the approved programme of work and corresponding regular and operational budgets together with the decision of the General Conference.

Aside from this fact, they provide information and support on management and maintenance of physical facilities, transportation, equipment, as well as communication. The management roles extend beyond that as they also maintain payroll operations by following policies and procedures, and approve payroll payment in enterprise resource planning system.

2.       Information and Telecommunication Technology

As ICT is a fast-moving sector in today’s digital world, it is also important to ensure that your skills should be kept up-to-date.  In United Nations, the Chief Telecommunication and Information Technology Officer Working in peace operations manages the information technology and the systems that support a mission’s mandate. Technology is a critical tool in driving a number of significant reforms that takes place in the UN today.

In that case, the ICT job in the United Nation is to deploy technological solutions to address the protection of civilians, bridging the gap in tactical communications between various forces by establishing connectivity support between stable hubs and partnering with the United Nations country team.

3.       Political Peace and Humanitarian Jobs

The political peace and humanitarian jobs in the United Nations reports to OCHA Chief of Staff. However, they monitor, analyses, and reports on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situations in assigned countries or area.

Aside from this fact, they organize and prepare studies on humanitarian developments, emergency relief, and related issues while them follow-up works include the interagency technical review meetings to support policy development works. Not only is that, but they also establishes and maintain contacts with government officails.

4.       Internal Security and Safety

As an internal security and safety officer in the United Nation, there are many secondary jobs to support the office. Here, you can work in a variety of field including weapon armorer, cashier, control centre officer, and the squad desk officer. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to work with other security officers from many other countries.

In addition, you can therefore share your experience from those countries, and provide new methods for maximizing security at the headquarters. Meanwhile, the main thing is to love what you do in order to really appreciate working at the United Nations as an internal security and safety officer.

5.       Public Information/ Conference Management

With assigned authority, the public information and conference management officer will be responsible for monitoring the utilisation of conference resources that are used efficiently and within established entitlements.

Not only is that, but they also monitors the utilisation of conference resources, act as certifying officer for CMS accounts, and advice CMS management on procedures and possible cost-saving measures. You must also supervise the work staff in the office of the Chief, as required and undertake research and analysis on any issue of relevance to the Chief. Besides, you may also perform other work-related duties as required.

6.       Legal Jobs

The legal officer or the senior legal office (whichever way) is another job you can look out for while looking to get a job. Besides, have it in mind that they oversee the administrative law requirements of the organization; ensuring code and conduct cases are appropriately managed. Aside from that, you can act as the key liaison officer for investigations managed by office of internal oversight services.

Nonetheless, you’ll be opportune to provide authoritative legal advice on diverse range of highly complex or novel substantive and procedural questions of law, which include those related to staff relations and management, administration, procurements and contracts engagement, and many others to mention a few.

7.       Logistics, Transportation and Supply Chain

The department of operational support was established to provide operational support and advisory services to entities across the Secretariat, including other departments. However, the supply chain managements includes the office of assistance secretary-general for supply chain management, global service centre, procurement division, logistic division, and many other things to mention a few.

Notwithstanding, the logistics officer is responsible to provides effective, and timely planning, oversight, management and coordination of diverse supply chain management, and logistic support projects. Moreover, they integrate and monitor the implementations of the performance management frame work across the supply chain network and operations.

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Introduction

Have you ever thought of working for the United Nations but you keep getting disapproved? Of course, it might require a daunting process! But if you’ve ever thought it’s impossible, that may sound wrong. Linda Starodub, who retired from 30 plus years in the UN system, disclosed this fact, with possibilities.

According to her, there are two basic strata of jobs in the United Nation. The first one is the GS, known as the General Service. And the second one is P, known as professional. Besides, each UN organization has its own practices regarding recruitment into these two categories. So, are you ready to work for the UN?

If that sounds like a yes, you’ve come to the right platform to understand how it works.  As a matter of fact, there are many reasons why people would love to work for the UN. From our insight and analysis, we discovered that a considerable 58% of all expats move abroad because of career aspects. And this is more specifically the reasons why the UN accepts people from different part of the world.

However, once you’ve gained a working experience abroad, or have the required skills, it will open you many doors. Working for the UN will develop different skills like foreign languages, communication skills, social, as well as independence and discipline. Meanwhile, prospective employers will value the experience.

Today, we have compiled this article to walk you through the jobs available for expats in the UN. Not only is that, but you’ll understand the countries and the type of jobs expats can apply to while still working for the United Nations. Friends, let’s quickly explain the best options and the job process in UN.

Requirements to Get the United Nations Jobs

Before we proceed to explaining the type of jobs available for expats, it would be better to give you an edge to the requirements it takes to get a UN jobs today.  Though rarely communicated in a clear way, there are many opportunities available for expats looking to start their United Nations Career.

Moreover, the UN Internship Programme and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme are some of the ways to start a UN career. On the flip side, the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme and the Young Professionals Programme are specific programmes that are suited for UN Job seekers. Without further ado, below are the requirements to get a UN job as an expat.

• You must have an advanced university degree for a career with the UN
• Expats must have an excellent command of either English or French, since they are the common working languages in the job role
• You must have a basic knowledge of an additional language (not requested for most jobs)
• As a UN job seeker, always know that previous experience with track record is essential
• You can apply for different job category according to your work experience level in UN

Some of the specific programs geared towards young professionals looking for a job include the following.

• The United Nations Internship Programme
• The United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV)
• The Junior Professional Officer Programme (JPO)
• The Young Professionals Programme (YPP)

The United Nations Internship Programme

Out of the entire UN programme offered for job seekers, this happens to be the option that demands the lowest entry requirements for aspiring job seekers or candidates. With over 4,000 interns in the New York headquarters alone, the number of UN interns has skyrocketed in the past few years.

On the other hand, one of the biggest drawbacks is remuneration. And this is because; there’s none and not even travel expenses are covered. Fortunately, there’s a large number of interns that want to change their role and upgrade to Pay Your Interns initiative in Geneva. Moreover, there are certain national internship programs of the United Nations that’s backed by National governments.

The United Nations Volunteers Programme

The United Nations Volunteers Programme is the second entry opportunity for expats. This program is currently active in 86 countries, and more than 7,700 UN Volunteers are mobilized every year, both nationally, and internationally to work in development assistance projects, and in humanitarian operations. Meanwhile, the idea behind this program is the transfer of your knowledge to gain more.

In addition, common assignments given to expats job seekers could last twelve months or longer, while the short-term assignments normally cover a period of three months or less. However, volunteers have to be older than 25 to receive support through a settling-in-grant, a monthly volunteer living allowance.

The Junior Professional Officer Programme (JPO)

The Junior Professional Officer programme (JPO) is another opportunity for expatriate to enter the United Nations system. However, it is far more competitive compared to the Volunteer programme. Here, the programme is sponsored by individual’s respective national government. This means you can only apply if your government currently offers a certain JPO position for the United Nations.

Furthermore, it may be younger than 32, and the requirements normally stipulate a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a development-related discipline. Sometimes, you might even be required to have paid working experience in a relevant field, preferably in a developing country, written and spoken proficiency in at least two languages, and other criteria.

The Young Professional Programme

The last programme of getting into the United Nations job is the Young Professional Programme. This is simply a recruitment initiative for young professionals to start a career as an international civil servant with the United Nations Secretariat. In fact, the normal procedure to this requires an entrance examination that is held once years, as well as the professional development programs once the successful candidates start their careers with the United Nations.

Similar to the programme mentioned above (JPO), applicants or job seekers here have to be fewer than 32. Not only is that, but they must hold at least a first-level university degree relevant to one of the exam areas, and must be fluent in either English or French language.