7 Steps to get a job in the United Nations

How to get the first job in United Nations, UNDP, UNICEF and UN missions?

UN Volunteers is the easiest way to get a job in the UN system. A lot of people are applying to the United Nations in vain for years. The HR contest for United Nations is extremely competitive. It is like in a joke - to get a job in the United Nations you should have work experience in the United Nations, but how you can get this experience if you have never been selected. The United Nations uses Inspira system, which selects candidates automatically, following internal computer algorithms. This algorithm flags candidates who already have UN work experience. Therefore, if you do not have such experience you should get it. In contrast, in UN Volunteers, your internships and voluntary work may be considered as work experience too! Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

UN Volunteers is a UN agency that uses a simplified approach to hiring people. In some cases, there will be only one interview without a written test. Why so? Firstly, because it is volunteering. UN needs volunteers around the world; it is not that you need a job. It is the UN that needs you. Secondly, is more bureaucratic - volunteers receive much less than UN international staff but do not be sad. These amounts are quite good for beginners and middle management positions. How about 5000 USD per month for international experts? Or 4000 USD per month for international specialists? In addition, a good health insurance from Cigna for 200 000 USD+, training/learning possibilities, and so on. Also, it is important that UN Volunteers hires you as a volunteer for a host agency. It can be UNICEF, UNDP, OHCHR, IOM, and other UN missions. It gives you a wonderful opportunity to get experience at the UNICEF or UNDP, which is extremely good for your future career in these organizations.

In our guide, we cover all these topics and benefits that you and your family members may get and all new upgrades that will be implemented in the UN Volunteers system from May 2021.

UN Volunteers program will give you experience that is needed to make career within the UN system. We know from experience that a lot of people, who are working in UN HQ in New York, started their career with UN Volunteers and after continuing it in the United Nations or UNDP with P-3, P-4 positions.

This guide covers all stages from registration in UN Volunteers Talent Pool to receiving a job offer and benefits for your family members.

Last but not the least - the United Nations Volunteers program gives people like you the chance to contribute to peace and development worldwide.

Your UN journey starts here!

See our recruitment guide to United Nations Volunteers