How to improve your chances of getting hired at the UN and its Agencies
How to boost your chances of landing a UN job: Expert tips for success
Imagine standing in a bustling UN field office, surrounded by colleagues from every corner of the globe. You’re contributing to projects that support refugees, tackle climate change, or build sustainable communities. For many professionals, that’s the ultimate dream: making a difference while working at one of the world’s most prestigious organizations. But with thousands of applicants vying for every position, how can you improve your chances of getting hired at the United Nations and its specialized agencies?
The key lies in preparation, persistence, and a strategic approach that goes beyond simply ticking the right boxes.
First, let’s talk about education. A bachelor’s degree is the bare minimum for most UN roles, but the reality is that many successful candidates hold a master’s degree — especially for mid-level positions. Yet it’s not just about the diploma itself. Recruiters look closely at the relevance of your degree to the role. Degrees in international relations, political science, law, economics, or public health align well with the UN’s diverse mandates, but technical fields like engineering, data science, and environmental studies are also increasingly in demand.
Languages play a pivotal role in your application. While English and French are the UN’s official working languages, proficiency in a second UN language—such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish—can give you a competitive edge, particularly for field assignments or specialized posts. It’s not uncommon for a well-qualified candidate to lose out simply because they lacked the right language skills for a specific duty station.
Equally important is practical experience. The UN values applicants who can hit the ground running, especially in challenging or multicultural environments. Volunteering, internships, or work with NGOs, development banks, or government agencies can provide the kind of hands-on experience that sets you apart. Many successful UN staff members began their careers in the field — sometimes as interns or volunteers — where they gained an intimate understanding of community dynamics, humanitarian needs, and project implementation.
Networking is another often-overlooked factor. Think of every conference, workshop, or online forum as a chance to connect with professionals who can offer insights, recommendations, or even job leads. LinkedIn is a powerful tool, but so is simply reaching out to staff in your target agency to ask thoughtful questions about their work and career paths.
And let’s not forget the application process itself. UN recruitment is notoriously rigorous, with competency-based interviews that assess not just your technical knowledge but your ability to navigate complex, multicultural teams. Learning to craft a strong, tailored application that highlights both your qualifications and your passion for the UN’s mission is essential. Avoid generic applications — show that you understand the specific agency’s goals and how you can contribute to them.
Finally, resilience might be your most important asset. It’s not uncommon to face multiple rejections before securing your first UN role. Use each setback as a learning experience. Refine your application, expand your skills, and deepen your experience. Every position you apply for is a step closer to that dream job — and every rejection is a chance to grow.
So, how can you improve your chances of getting hired at the UN and its agencies? By combining the right education, language skills, practical experience, networking, and unwavering determination, you’ll stand out in a sea of applicants. And with each step, you’re not just building a career — you’re preparing yourself to make a real difference on the global stage.