How does the UN system work?
How does the UN work?
Understanding the United Nations System is key when applying for the UN or its agencies.
The United Career Coalition (UCC) has listed some key information that might be useful for your application preparation:
The United Nations (UN):
· was founded in 1954;
· is an international organization established in the aftermath of the Second World War;
· central purpose is maintaining international peace and security;
· has six major bodies established under the UN Charter: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat;
· is not a government and has no right to make binding laws.
The United Nations family however is much larger! The UN system encompassing 15 agencies and several programmes and bodies that address various themes such as:
· Human rights
· Humanitarian aid
· International Law
· Global security
· Health & Education (Human development)
· Environment and climate change (Sustainable Development)
· Children protection
The “UN” is not one big employer; there are various intergovernmental organisations, regional banks and specialised agencies to the UN, funds and programmes such as UNAIDS, OECD, WFP, IAEA, UNODC, CTBTO, OPCW, UNICEF, UNDP, UNEP, IMF, the World Bank Group or FAO etc.
How to join those UN system organisations means understating their values, culture, strategies and goals of each individual agency.
Finding the ‘right’ UN system organisation that matches your profile, skills and competencies, can lead to a fulfilling career where you get the chance to leave an important impact on the world. It means working with people from all over the world, getting to know different cultures and strengthening your multicultural team working skills while working on a good cause for human mankind and our planet.
Looking for ways to kickstart your international career? We share the best cover letter tips and structure for 2021! Learn how to craft a cover letter that stands out with UCCs 20 page Illustrated guide of cover letter tips
The United Career Coalition aims to share knowledge, insights, tips & advice from those that have applied, interviewed and secured United Nations system roles!
Want to learn more on how to spot relevant skills and competencies in a UN system vacancy or the best method to convey your skills in a cover letter? Get in touch with one of our UN insiders or download UCC’s 45min cover letter webinar with tips and advice from UN insiders!
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