What makes a good cover letter in 2025? Key elements and tips for crafting an effective UN cover letter.
UN Cover Letter Best Practices — What you need to know for JPO, P/G-Level, and internship applications
When applying to the United Nations, your motivation letter (often called a cover letter) plays a critical role. It is your chance to demonstrate alignment with the UN’s mandate, showcase relevant experience, and reflect the values expected of international civil servants. However, the expectations for formatting and tone differ subtly across internship, JPO, and professional (P/G-level) roles.
Here’s everything you need to know to stand out with a UN-aligned cover letter!
How long should a UN motivation letter be?
Internship ½ to 1 page (approx. 3,000–4,000 characters incl. spaces)
Shows conciseness and eagerness, especially for early-career candidates.
JPO (Junior Professional Officer) 1–1.5 pages (max ~5,000 characters incl. spaces)
Requires more detailed experience and UN-aligned competencies.
P/G-Level Roles 1 page max (~4,000–4,500 characters)
Must be focused, strategic, and results-driven. Hiring managers scan quickly.
UN cover letter formatting: font, spacing & structure
- Font: Arial Calibri or Times New Roman
- Font Size: 11 or 12 pt
- Line Spacing: 1.15 or 1.5
- Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) all around
- File Format: Save and submit as PDF only
- Length: Keep within 1 page for staff roles and internships; up to 1.5 for JPOs
Should I sign my motivation letter?
No, a handwritten or digital signature is not required—unless specifically requested. Instead:
- Type your name at the bottom.
- Format cleanly.
- Save as PDF using a professional filename like Firstname_Lastname_UN_CoverLetter.pdf.
Understanding UN Tone, UN action key words, UN wording, and UN phrasing
The UN prefers a professional, values-based tone. Avoid corporate jargon or overly casual/self-promotional writing.
Tone: Diplomatic, clear, impact-focused, evidence based
Wording: “Strengthened multilateral coordination,” “Supported SDG-aligned outreach”
Phrasing: Action-result-oriented statements aligned with UN competencies
Final Tip: Align With UN core values & use STAR method
Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity without naming them explicitly.
Example: “Supported coordination across diverse stakeholders under tight deadlines, while maintaining inclusive engagement and respectful dialogue.”
Length 1 page (or 1.5 for JPO); P/G-Level Roles: 1 page max (~4,000–4,500 characters) focused, strategic, and results-driven. Hiring managers scan quickly.
Font Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman
Font Size 11 or 12 pt
Spacing 1.15–1.5
Margins 1 inch
Format Save as PDF (no signature); save PDF using a professional filename like Firstname_Lastname_UN_CoverLetter.pdf.
Tone Diplomatic, professional, impact-focused, evidence-based, STAR method
Values Embed UN core values and competencies (integrity, diversity, professionalism) through examples
Want to make sure your cover letter is tailored to UN standards?
💼 Need support drafting your UN application?
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/