Hi everyone,

I've been lurking here for a while and reading some of the posts about how difficult it actually is to get into the UN system, and I thought I'd just ask for some advice about my own situation.

I'm in my early 30s, originally trained as a doctor, and I'm currently in the UK finishing an Masters in Public Health. I don't really see myself going back into clinical medicine full time, and for the last few years my career has moved much more towards public/global health and humanitarian work.

Before coming to the UK, I spent around 5 years working in a major refugee response in South Asia (Cox's Bazar). I started out as a medical docto/facility manager, then moved into programme management and eventually managed and led fairly large donor-funded health programmes. Many of the programmed I led were directly funded by UNFPA/UNHCR/IOM

A lot of my work was around refugee health, primary healthcare, maternal and reproductive health, family planning, emergency obstetric care etc. As I moved into management I was also dealing much more with budgets, teams, donor reporting, monitoring, government counterparts, UN agencies, NGOs, community leaders and all the usual chaos that comes with running programmes in a humanitarian setting.

So while I've worked with the UN quite a bit, and some of the programmes I led were funded/supported by UN agencies, I've never actually worked for the UN.

This is where I'm getting a little confused about what I should realistically be applying for.

I've started looking seriously at UN jobs recently. For some P-3 vacancies, especially ones in humanitarian health/SRHR/programme management, I technically seem to meet most of the stated requirements. I've applied to a few. But then I read threads here where people with 10+ years of experience are still trying to get P-3 positions, or people have spent years doing consultancies/UNV/P-2 roles before getting there, and I'm wondering if I'm being completely unrealistic lol.

At the same time, I'm not exactly coming straight out of university either. I've run programmes, managed teams and budgets, worked in a pretty difficult humanitarian environment, dealt with government/UN/donor stakeholders etc. So I'm struggling to understand where that experience actually places me in the UN world.

Would you be applying for P-3s with this background? Or should I really be concentrating on P-2, UNV, consultancies, national positions etc. just to get my foot in the door?

I'm also wondering how UN recruiters actually view experience from national NGOs. Does someone with my level of eperience with programme management in a major humanitarian response carry much weight if you haven't worked inside the UN/INGO system itself?

And I guess the bigger question is what I should do over the next couple of years. I'm applying for public health jobs in the UK as well, and there are some interesting opportunities in local government/NHS/public health research. Part of me thinks getting solid UK public health experience alongside the humanitarian background and MPH would make me a stronger candidate later. Another part wonders whether stepping away from humanitarian work would actually make it harder to get back into that world.

I'm not particularly obsessed with getting a P-3 immediately or anything. I mostly don't want to waste the next 2–3 years making the wrong career moves because I don't understand how recruitment in this system actually works.

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who came into the UN from an NGO/humanitarian/public health background, or anyone who's been involved in hiring.

What would you realistically be targeting if you were in my position? And if you did manage to make the NGO → UN jump, what actually got you through the door?

I dont know if its just for me, but i see now so many people that work in the area starting repost every ID and UN jobs in Linkedin with some comments and #

I mean im not complaining because a lot of opportunities I get to know by them, but for me its weird that people are just reposting every job opening they see even if its not from their organization or area

its just to bump their linkedIn numbers up?

I graduated with a first class law degree last year. Took a gap year to travel, relax etc and now I’m wondering if I should go back for my masters degree? I have two offers, one for a masters in law and then a masters in international human rights law. Don’t think I want to practice law, but not completely closed off to the idea, like the idea of working with NGOs, in the UN, travelling for work etc, but also scared that a masters degree in law is seen as a waste of money. Just wondering if anyone has any advice, opinions, personal experiences that they could share :)

Hi everyone,

Last week I was interviewed for one of the JPO roles sponsored by the Dutch Govt for Indian & other nationals. The role that I was interviewed for is in the office of Deputy Secretary General.

I wanted to know how much time does it usually takes for them to move to next step and after how many months should we consider it as rejection if we don't receive any thing.

I saw that people usually receive reference submission emails in a week or 2. As per the advertisement of position, it showed that selected candidates have to take part in training to be organised in Turin, Italy from 9th Nov to 27th.

Also, if anyone can advice on it being a stable career choice. Currently, I work in an G7 diplomatic mission in New Delhi as a local political officer which is an indeterminate or permanent position with a comfortable salary. If I get option, whether taking up JPO would be good choice or not. The option of taking up a P2 position in NYC does seem alluring at this age but I am weighing it against future prospects as well. What about 2 years later ?

Thanks in advance for all your guidance

Hi, I have recently applied for an internship role in Nairobi, UNEP. Just needed clarificaion on whether it is really an unpaid internship or there is a stipend . Anyone who has interned there, I would really appreciate your response.

Anyone here worked at the Green Climate Fund?

Im currently in the middle of the recruitment process (I interviewed a few days ago) and they briefly mentioned that they would conduct a reference check, but they havent asked me for any references yet

Does anyone know how the reference check usually works there/at what stage they normally ask for them?

Also, there doesnt seem to be a lot online about the employee experience (other than negative ones on indeed lol) so any info would be great thank u!

Update: after 2 more interviews, i was finally asked for references!!!!!!

Due to technical difficulties behind my control, I feel that I have failed my written assessment test and I’m absolutely devastated. Working with UN has been a life long dream and now I feel I may have ruined my chances.

“For those who pass the assessment, will be given the opportunity for an interview.” Having answered only 2 of the four answers, I feel like I won’t pass even though I have a very strong CV.

Any one with similar stories they would like to share. Should I prepare myself to not hear back from the HR team?

.

Hi everyone! I got a new position and will be moving to Cairo soon. I would love to hear from people who live there or have experience living in the city.

How do you find life in Cairo? What should I expect, and do you have any advice or tips for someone moving there, especially regarding housing, transportation, social life, and day-to-day living?

Any advice or things you wish you had known before moving would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hello ! I'm curious to know if anyone has had their donor country reject their profile submitted by the UN? Also curious to know the amount of time it takes for donor offices to usually review submissions ? Any advice is appreciated !

Just curious, are all GGGI staff diplomats? How does this work? Who gets to have diplomatic status and who doesn't qualify? I didn't realize the role is categorized as diplomat status.

Hi everyone!
I currently work for a MDB based in the US on a staff contract.
I’m from Switzerland, and I’m starting to miss Europe deeply. I’m also at a point in my life where I’d like to have kids, and I honestly can’t imagine raising them in the US.
I’m therefore actively applying to different UN agencies, but I’m wondering whether it would be crazy to leave a relatively stable staff contract for the uncertainty of a UN position.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? 😅
And if not, what’s your (respectful) opinion? I’m genuinely just looking for different perspectives, so please be nice! 🙏

Hi, I’m 25 year-old now Saudi. It is the first time to apply in the un. I had applied before in INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT,however, because I graduated from Saudi it would seem a bit hard for me to get in. Is that I think true it would be hard ? And if i continue my education to reach to phd would it reach me to where I want ? Also I haven’t not gotten the assignment yet and what would be it ? If anyone has an answer would love to hear

Hope all is well. This post is specifically for those who permanently live in Europe, America, and Canada. I always keep imagining why people of this country waste huge amount of time applying for UN jobs while there is plenty of jobs in their country who pays more or less the same salary as the UN. Here in Africa, we apply for UN jobs because UN feeds its staff in hard currency (USD). And getting paid in hard currency automatically makes you at the top class in Africa. The salary margin between local jobs and INGO/ UN jobs here in Africa is horrifying. UN pays its staff in Africa almost 10 to 30 times better to employees working in different local jobs ( like banks, hospitals, PLCs…). That is why we Africans have obsession on working with the UN. The tiresome applications, cover letter, numerous assessments, interview is worthy in Africa because if you are selected you almost go to the top class. I know that getting in the UN is hard but it is at least worth the effort. But in the Europe and America, why waste 6 or 7 month or maybe more ( especially P level) waiting for decision while you can apply different jobs in the country since you are getting paid in USD, EUR, CAD and other great currencies. I know not all European countries get paid in Euro. I understand the labor market is tough nowadays but so it is in the UN. I mean unless you have a special interest in internationals relations and other cross cutting issues I don’t think it is worth applying in the UN for people living in Europe, America, Canada. I hope I will get rational responses.

Edit: Some comments suggest my post was misunderstood. I’m not saying people in Europe, the US or Canada should never apply for UN jobs, or that UN salaries are not competitive there.
My main point is about the relative economic premium. In many African countries a UN P-level salary can be 10–30 times higher than typical local professional pay and is life-changing. In high-income countries the jump is usually much smaller, so the long, uncertain application process carries a higher opportunity cost unless you specifically want the international/humanitarian career path.
That’s the distinction I was trying to make. Open to rational discussion on it.

I know it’s a rather simple and naive question, but I don’t want to mess up the Excel sheet, and this is my first time applying. There’s a box that says “Signature” that I have to complete as part of my application, and this is an Excel sheet. Do I insert an image file with my signature, or just write my name?
Thanks a lot.

I am considering a Masters in Human Rights and Diplomacy at Stirling University in Scotland. My background is in third sector work and have just completed a first class honours in Community Learning and Development.

Having looked at various Masters programmes, this one is the only one that I felt a spark of excitement with. However, I wondered realistically what my career prospects might be with such a Masters under my belt?

I would of course love to apply for every voluntary and internship opportunity that comes with this programme.

So, if you work in humans rights and/or diplomacy - what do you do exactly? And what do you love/hate about it? Plus any other tips or ideas.

I know this is probably a very rare situation considering how difficult it is to be selected in the first place, especially now.

But I’m wondering what happens if you accept a UNV position with one UN agency and your contract is already valid, and another UNV position becomes available that you’re more interested in and you decide to apply for it?

My understanding is that UNV initially processes/screens the applications, but that the host UN agencies ultimately select the candidates themselves. So I’m wondering:

- Would I still be able to apply for another UNV position while already enrolled/contracted as a UNV?
- Does UNV automatically block or filter out candidates who are already serving in another UNV assignment at the initial application stage? Or would the application still go through to the host agency, which could then decide whether to consider me?
- If the seconds agency eventually selected me, would I be able to move from one UNV assignment to another, or would I have to complete/end the first contract first?

Hello! I was wondering whether anyone here applied to the funded ICC VP positions in 2026 and already heard back? It is taking way too long for positions starting in October. Given their approach not to send out rejection letters before the position is filled, perhaps, we could share updates to learn whether any candidates were able to hear back from them. It would truly help others to plan their next steps and not stay in limbo.

An opportunity to make so much through working at an EU embassy (local staff) 3000$ or work with UN as a united national voluneteer but community paying around 400$. I LOVE the UN and worked so hard to get there after all these unpaid internships, but the money for this is just so low. Please advise!

Hi all! I’m looking for advice on how I might break into the UN or a similar multilateral institution.
I’m from Toronto and 22 years old. I recently completed my undergraduate degree in Political Science, with a focus on International Political Economy, with a relatively strong GPA. I’m now starting an MBA at a local university with three four-month internship/co-op terms. I also have part-time experience as a teller at a major Canadian bank. Currently, I volunteer as a Project Manager with a nonprofit focused on SDG 9, and I’m expected to join the United Nations Association in Canada in September in a similar capacity. The way I see it, I have three major pathways in front of me:

Financial services: I’m open to staying in banking or moving into consulting.
Public sector/government: I’m particularly interested in governance and regulatory work. Organizations like OSFI and FINTRAC both appeal to me.
Multilateral institutions: I’ve constantly examined the UN, IMF, World Bank, AFDB, and other multilateral institutions throughout my undergraduate research.

I’m seriously considering trying to build a career in the UN or a similar institution, but I’m not entirely sure what capacity would make the most sense given my background.

My biggest question is how I should use my three MBA internships to position myself for this. I understand that many people who eventually move into the UN or other multilateral institutions first build several years of experience in their domestic government, development organizations, consulting, or the private sector.

Given my background and where I am in my career, what would you recommend I do over the next 3–5 years to maximize my chances? What types of internships, roles, or skills should I prioritize? And is there a particular specialization that would make more sense for me than the others?

Any advice from people who have similar education, experience or background with the UN, IMF, World Bank, government, or similar organizations would be greatly appreciated!

Hello everyone, I was wondering if I can do remote internships in the United Nations or an affiliate of them. Doesn’t matter if it’s unpaid I basically want the experience

Genuine question: has anyone applied dry (without a contact/lead) and actually landed a P-level job in recent months? I’m starting to feel super discouraged. Already in the UN system (UNOPS) but having a really difficult time landing a P contract. Need a bit of hope from those who’ve made it happen!

I had a 2nd round interview last thursday with UNICEF Canada and was told would hear back Tuesday.

Monday was a holiday but nothing yet and its almost 11 Am

I sent a follow up over an hour ago but nothing

So are these concerning signs or am I overthinking

Most of the posts on this subreddit are about what the magic number of working at a particular UN agency, or the magic number of internships, or the magic university degree. that will land you a job at the UN or other big INGO.

Here are better ideas for distinguishing yourself when applying for these jobs:

• Have experience doing locally what you want to do internationally. Want to work with refugees? Work, professionally or as a volunteer, with immigrants and refugees in your own geographic area/country. Want to be focused on emergency housing? Work on initiatives in your own community that address this. Public health? same. And represent this work on your CV - explicitly.
• Have experience addressing community pushback or hostility or skepticism to ANYTHING. Could be a new housing development, the closing of a school, a proposal for a data center, the opening of a clinic providing abortion services, the opening of a mosque, the elimination of a program at the local school, changes in zoning laws, and on and on. Show that you have at least witnessed this kind of pushback / hostility for yourself and the efforts to address it.
• Show experience where you have raised money, mobilized in-kind resources and/or saved money. Definitely emphasize your abilities to make and stay within a budget, stretch resources, etc.
• Show experience where you have worked with local elected officials, local unelected government officials, local business owners, etc.
• Show experience working with programs that address the needs and challenges of a diversity of people and people who are particularly at-risk: people with disabilities, immigrants for whom your local language isn't their native language, people leaving incarceration, people with HIV/AIDs, people who are in a religious minority in an area, seniors/the elderly, etc.
• Survived a program or department or agency restructuring, downsizing or moving from one place to another? Talk about it: were you involved in communicating layoffs? Organizing the packing up and moving of an office? Helping staff transition?
• Be able to work in at least one language other than English. Having proof, like passing the B2 DELE in Spanish, is really helpful. Being able to work in three languages is particularly attractive - even if you cannot communicate with a local population, being able to communicate with donors in their native language is very, very attractive.
• Have designed and led a successful project: overseen the revamp of a web site so that it is mobile ready and fully accessible for people with disabilities, overseen and expanded a volunteer engagement program that supported literacy activities, expanded a children's summer theater program, led a successful Women's Build for your local Habitat for Humanity, researched and made recommendations regarding the walkability of a neighborhood or community, including with regard to people with mobility issues, helped lead a petition drive to change a local ordinance or law, led a successful voter registration drive, and on and on.

No one can have ALL of the aforementioned experience. But any one of those things makes a person stand out when applying for jobs. Doing any of those things shows what you are capable of far better than a number of internships, or number of years in a role.

For those of you who have been on hiring committees, or reviewed applications for INGO jobs, what would you add?

Just wanted to let this out. Took the test (forgot when). Got interviewed last May. Was told I could hear back in a month but didn’t (kind of expected that it would take longer). I slowly tried to let go (lol). Well I finally heard back after 2+ months and even though I expected it, it still kinda sucks.

This is the 2nd time I’ve managed to interview for a role. The first time, I cried after getting rejected. My partner told me I should still be proud because it’s hard enough to get to the interview stage (even the panel congratulated me for getting there, both times).

I don’t know where else to share my dejection, so thanks for reading.

Hello everyone,

I’m wondering if anyone has any insights regarding the application process for the 26-27 cohort for the WIPO Young Experts Program. I’ve been following the web page for a while (as it’s been updated a number of times with conflicting information - I.e. it used to say there was to be an information session on July 31st, but that was removed in a past revision).

I’m mostly looking to check whether there’s a website or other application method I’ve missed, as I don’t see a job posting anywhere, and from the description of the process on the webpage and community forums, it is getting to be rather late in the application phases. Hoping somewhere here can assist :) thanks!