It is not easy to find a job at the UN. Here are some general tips that have helped me and others successfully land a job at the UN. Be careful not to treat this as a prescription. There is no manual for finding a job at the UN. The main thing is to have the right qualifications, excel at your job and be lucky. Being in the right place at the right time can go a long way. However, there are other things you can do to increase your chances:
1 Consider focusing on a particular skill or topic.
Although the UN works in many sectors, there are still specific areas and skills that are more in demand or underrepresented. I focus on education technology and this field of work is so in demand now that I usually have a better chance of success in my application because there are fewer applicants. If you can create a specific niche in your CV and hone a specific skill, this can give you an advantage. Any topic related to modern technology is usually a good bet, but other emerging topics and trends are also a good choice.
#2 Gain Field Experience.
Before entering the world of human rights, I worked as a literature and language teacher in Egypt. This period coincided with the Egyptian revolution, where I learned a lot about human kindness, justice and injustice, human rights, and myself. If you have the opportunity to travel and gain relevant field experience, this will increase your chances of landing a job at the UN. Not necessarily because it is part of the job description, but because it changes your perspective and provides learning opportunities. If you are hired directly for an office job, it becomes much more difficult to gain work experience later because you are used to the comforts that come with it and organize your life accordingly.
3 Learn Languages.
It’s no secret that language skills are important at the UN. You’ll be working in multilingual teams on multilingual projects. So, if you can, learn more than one of the UN’s official languages. While languages are important, don’t assume you’ll never get a job at the UN without sufficient language skills. I speak fluent German and English and a little Spanish. It’s not very impressive, but I was still recruited. However, in some UN positions, language skills can make a difference, especially if you speak a less common language combination or a language of a local community where the UN is active.
4 Be present and network.
Networking is about building meaningful relationships with other people in your field. Let others know who you are, what you’re passionate about, what your goals are, and what you’re looking for. If they have a good relationship with you, they’ll think of you and reach out to you when an opportunity presents itself. While networking today happens a lot in the digital space, don’t underestimate the power of being physically present when you attend, say, a human rights film night, a networking event, or a poetry slam.
5 Don’t waste your time.
Taking a position at the UN often comes with its fair share of rejections. Instead of focusing solely on your ideal roles, be open and receptive to different possibilities. Remember that many paths to the UN are winding and non-linear. Not finding a job at age 32 does not close all doors, but rather the doors to the future. You will have many opportunities to join the UN later in your career. Starting a small NGO can be very rewarding. By engaging closely with beneficiaries and taking on important responsibilities early on, you can gain excellent insight into the direct impact of your contributions. Such experiences, often more intimate than being in a very safe office, can ignite a passion that will fuel your professional journey for years to come.
6 Follow your passion.
In today’s workplace, following your passion is not a luxury, it’s essential to staying competitive. If you’re interested in a problem, you’ll learn faster and be more creative. Note that there are many ways to cultivate and pursue your passion. Even if you specifically dream of a career at the UN, there may be other ways to achieve a similar level of satisfaction in another job. We should not forget other major international organizations and NGOs that do fantastic work in favor of human rights. Their influence is equally important.
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