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Introduction

The United Nations resembles the infamous club Berghain as people would say. Here, everyone wants to get in, but hardly anyone knows how it goes. But, one thing is for sure, it’s not about how you dress, or your home country. There are at least three common factors that hinder young professionals from getting a good job in the UN.

Meanwhile, the biggest problem remains that many young professionals have great respect for the name and underestimate their likelihood of getting hired. On the flip side, the UN does not target students or young professionals on campus or through the recruiting events like other organizations.

Hence, many young graduates don’t get in touch with the representatives of the United Nation system. And thus, don’t get exposure to the full breadth of opportunities that are out there. Last but not least, the UN information policy definitely has room for improvement, especially in terms of clarity, and homogeneity. So, don’t expect one exhaustive central portal, but several for different programs in UN.

Have you been surfing the internet to get the right information about UN jobs? Or you probably would love to secure a position in the UN but don’t know the process? Look no further as you’ve landed on the right platform. To find all the jobs related to United Nations, you’ll have to read more to know how it works.

However, in this article, we will walk you through the countries that have the best opportunity for expats. Not only is that, but we have also compiled the pros and cons of working in the United Nations and every other thing you need to know. Would you love to explore what we’ve unleashed? Read further!

Interesting Facts about Working in United Nations

In case you need to know more, the UN is an international organization that was founded in 1945. At the end of the Second World War, many countries came together to focus on global peace, climate change, humanitarian emergencies, and country development.

However, the organization has become a forum for countries to negotiate and solve problems together in a regulated environment. In this section, we will walk you through the interesting facts you need to know about the United Nations. Without further ado, check these cool facts below.

·         U.N Has Almost 200 Member States

Just as we’ve disclosed on our previous post, there are currently 196 member states in the United Nations. These individual states are all known by the UN as members of the international organization. Besides, there are only four countries that are non-members of the United Nations. The countries include; Kosovo, Palestine, Taiwan, and Vatican City, and more. Besides, these countries have received invitations to join the U.N. but are yet to accept.

·         U.N Was Proposed in 1942

As history revealed, the United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt coined the term United Nations on January 1, 1942. Representatives of 26 nations came together at that time in order to fight the Axis Powers during World War II. However, the United Nations did not officially create a charter until 1945.

·         U.N Prioritizes Specific Global Issues

Conflict resolution and peace-making are the efforts of the United Nations, but the organizations have many other branches of foreign assistance. Through its specialize program, the United  Nations, addresses global issues such as climate change, ending world poverty, children’s right and international laws, and many others to mention a few.

·         Hosts International Court Hearings

The main body of the United Nations judicial system is the international court of justice as of today.  This international court comprise of 15 judges who each serve nine-year terms and are elected by the U.N. general assembly and Security Council.

This court provides legal advising and settles disputes between member states. Aside from this that, they regulates global commons, such as environmental conservation, international waters, outer space and global trade.

·         U.N Has the First Definition of Human Rights

According to our research, the United nations General Assembly drafted the first Universal Definition of Human Rights. This was drafted by representatives from different legal and cultural backgrounds to make the organization more comprehensive. Also, it sets out fundamental human right that could be protected; condemning slavery, torture, imprisonment without trial and prejudice.

Why It’s Hard to Get a Job at the UN?

If you’re planning to apply for a United Nations job or position, don’t expect it to be easy. In fact, working at the United Nations can be a fantastic career, but it required a long processing time. Jobs at this place means working for one of the most prestigious organizations in the world whilst tackling some of most urgent global issue.

Although all of the factors such as; specific needs for skills, years of experience, and others can make getting a job within the United Nations tough, but don’t get discovered. We’ve broken down some of the areas that can make getting a UN job hard and show ways you can mitigate and work towards landing your dream job here.

1.       You Often Need to Speak Two Languages

One of the first things you need to put into consideration when applying for any United Nations Job is the language requirements. The UN has six official languages, and they are; Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.

In this case, any job roles in the United Nations often require English, and at least one other UN language. This, however, makes the UN jobs difficult to get as candidates need to have high professional levels of speaking.

2.       United Nations Jobs are Highly Competitive

Always have it in mind that getting a UN job is highly competitive, and this can make it hard to get. And because they’re well respected and highly paid, as well as allowing for international trade, it’s an exciting career that people would love to secure. But the high level of competition could hinder the process. However, it is important to remember that the United Nation is a huge organization.

3.       The United Nation for Diversity

According to research and recommendation, the United Nation is made up of 193 countries, all of which send staff to work in its agencies. This can be great for someone looking to work in other countries. However, it can also mean that it is difficult to get a United Nations job because the UN actively recruits for a diverse workforce and some countries, especially richer western ones, can be oversubscribed for jobs.

4.       You Will Need to Acquire Relevant Skills

Another thing to consider whenever you want to apply for United Nation jobs is the relevant skills. Depending on the kind of job you want to apply for, your positions will need a specific skills targeted or related to your role. This can make things get complicated because it can take several years of work, as well as formal education to develop many of the skills needed for jobs at the United Nations.

5.       Strong Professional Experience is needed

Aside from the relevant skills, the strong professional experience is also essential when you’re applying for the United Nations Job. In fact, even entry-level professional positions within the UN require a minimum of 2 years relevant work experience. This way, the level of experience UN jobs require can make things complicated and seems hard to get.

6.       Good Education Requirement is Essential

A reason job at the United Nations can be hard to get is that the UN requires a high-level of education for their employees. More so, nearly all UN jobs require a master’s degree in a relevant subject. So, application to the United Nations job positions need to complete their studies at a top universities which can also add to the difficulty in securing a job within the United Nations.

7.       United Nations Job Can Be Complex

The United Nations is notorious for having a complex recruitment stage and difficult application process. In fact, the UN structure and HR set-up can make understanding UN positions difficult. That’s why we can tell you that the UN can be bureaucratic and slow, also making it hard to secure jobs within the UN.

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.