How can I get UN experience if I don’t already have it?
A thoughtful mid-career professional sits at a desk with a laptop, UN experience booklet, and notebook, with the United Nations flag in the background, representing how to gain UN experience without prior UN work history.
Starting a career with the United Nations can feel daunting—especially if you don’t have prior UN experience. Many mid-career professionals searching “how to get a UN job without UN experience” feel blocked by vacancy listings that demand UN or international organization experience or use ‘UN language’ that is difficult to understand.
We have spoken to UN experts that have applied, interviwed and secured senior UN roles and have summarized the following key advice:
1. Leverage transferable skills
Your professional background—whether in government, NGOs, corporate, or academia—likely includes skills the UN values: project management, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural communication.
2. Use UN volunteer programs or consultancies
UNV assignments, both online and on-site, are a fast-track method to gain practical UN exposure. Short-term consultancies and individual contractor roles allow you to build a UN track record.
3. Network strategically
Attend UN career fairs, webinars, and side events at major conferences. Use LinkedIn to connect with current UN staff and request informational interviews.
4. Target the right levels, grade and roles
For mid-career professionals, P-2 and P-3 roles or short-term consultancy contracts are realistic entry points. The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program can also be an option for eligible candidates.
Need help reframing your CV to match the United Nations competency framework and using targeted application strategies? Get in tough and see how our UN experts can successfully help you start a UN career without prior UN system experience.
At United Career Coalition, our team of native English-speaking UN experts specializes in revising and fine-tuning your motivation letters, CVs, and other application documents. We tailor every detail to align with the specific role you are applying for—whether it's a JPO, internship, consultancy, or P-level post.
Our personalized writing support ensures your application is not only professionally formatted but also compelling, role-specific, and fully aligned with the UN’s tone, values, and expectations.
📅 Schedule a 45-minute video consultation with a UN expert today and get one step closer to the international career you’re striving for.
👉 Learn more at the United Career Colaition https://unitedcareercoalition.org/