What external profiles does the United Nations system typically recruit? What are my chances as mid-career applicant?
What types of external mid career professional profiles are most often recruited with the UN?
Firstly, lets clarify the term ‘Mid-career professional’ in a UN career context.
Usually mid-career professional refers to “P” job openings requiring approximately 5-10 year’s professional work experience. “P” stands for professional and depending on the years of experience is divided into different categories/levels such as P3, P4, P5 level.
All those mid-career professionals who are NOT holding a contract with the UN system, are considered as external candidates.
So what are the most common profiles recruited externally for mid-career professionals who are looking for ways to land a UN job?
Research has shown that these finance, human resources, procurement and auditors. These profiles are often recruited from the private sector, governmental organizations, public organizations.
Other common external profiles are thematic experts from credible NGO’s, governmental organizations or public organizations. These profiles often have an in-depth knowledge of a specific subject matter.
In the last couple of years, the UN organizations digitally transform themselves and are leveraging digital tools as drivers of development incl. the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In light of the above, there are more and more digital job vacancies and UN organizations looking for and recruiting tech and digital savvy candidates who are experienced with AI, Big Data and cloud computing and agile working methodologies. Successful candidates will be experienced in supporting change management activities, process and tools and supporting the development and implementation of digital learning strategies. Furthermore, experience in a consulting role will become more and more valuable.
In short, the UN is looking for possible candidates to support not only the use of digital technologies to improve the quality, relevance and impact of the UN organizations work, but also to improve efficiency of operational systems and internal processes.
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