How can I get UN experience if I don’t already have it?
Ready to make a career change to the UN? Discover how mid-career professionals can gain valuable UN experience, even without a UN background. Learn insider tips on consulting, volunteering, and transferable skills that open doors in the UN system.
Emma was a seasoned project manager in the private sector, leading multinational teams and delivering results for years. But deep down, she longed for something different — a career that would let her contribute to global challenges like poverty, education, and climate change. Whenever she browsed the UN Careers Portal, though, she felt stuck. Every position seemed to ask for “relevant UN experience” — and she didn’t have it.
Emma’s story is one I’ve heard many times as a UN professional. Transitioning into the UN system from another sector is absolutely possible — but it requires strategy, persistence, and a bit of creative thinking.
First, let’s tackle the myth that only people with a UN background can work at the UN. The truth is, the UN needs people from diverse backgrounds, especially at the mid-career level where leadership and management skills are highly valued. If you’ve managed projects, built teams, or implemented programs in the private sector or government, you’re already developing many of the skills the UN is looking for.
Still, bridging the gap between your current role and a UN career often starts with relevant field experience. While some positions are based at headquarters, many UN jobs involve working in developing countries, conflict zones, or post-crisis areas. If you’ve never worked in these contexts, consider looking for opportunities to volunteer or consult with international NGOs or development projects. Many UN staff began by collaborating with partner organizations on the ground.
Another proven route is through short-term assignments or consultancies. UN agencies regularly hire consultants to provide technical expertise, manage short-term projects, or train local staff. These assignments are often less rigid about direct UN experience, focusing instead on your technical skills and adaptability.
Emma also discovered the value of language skills. She was fluent in English, but she’d never considered that French or Spanish might open doors to field positions in West Africa or Latin America. Investing time in developing proficiency in a second UN language can be a game-changer, especially for roles that involve field deployments.
Networking played a key role in Emma’s journey too. She attended international conferences, joined LinkedIn groups, and reached out to UN staff for informational interviews. What she found was a community of professionals eager to share their advice. These connections helped her understand the competencies the UN values — teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and leadership — and how to frame her private sector experience to align with those expectations.
Finally, Emma learned to tailor her applications. A generic résumé rarely makes it past the UN’s initial screening. Instead, she crafted each application to highlight her experience managing multicultural teams, her success delivering complex projects, and her commitment to global development.
Transitioning to the UN from another sector isn’t easy, but it’s far from impossible. The key is to reframe your experience, build relevant field knowledge, and embrace opportunities to gain exposure through volunteering, consulting, or short-term assignments. Emma’s persistence paid off — she landed a consultancy with UNDP that let her apply her skills to climate resilience projects. From there, she built the experience and network she needed to secure a long-term contract.
So if you’re wondering how to get UN experience without already having it, start by looking at the skills you already have. Seek ways to apply them in international development contexts — even if it means starting as a consultant or volunteer. Every experience you gain brings you one step closer to making a difference at the UN.