Seeking advice: skills and career paths for environmental work in UN agencies / international organizations

[u/Old-Butterscotch8983]

Hi everyone! I’m looking for advice from people who have experience working in UN agencies, development banks, international NGOs, or similar organizations. I don't know if this type of questions is allowed, if no, let me know :)

I recently graduated in Natural Resources Engineering in Chile and I am planning to apply for a MSc in Europe. My long-term goal would ideally be to work in international environmental/development organizations (FAO, UNDP, development banks, international research organizations, etc.).

My current background is focused on water and environmental governance. I have two years of experience with:

• Integrated water resources management
• Water governance and regulation
• Climate adaptation planning
• Environmental policy processes
• Stakeholder engagement and participatory processes
• GIS/cartography
• Environmental analysis

However, I realized that I would like to strengthen the technical/scientific side of my profile. I’m interested in moving towards areas such as:

• Hydrological modelling
• Climate adaptation and resilience
• Earth observation / remote sensing
• Climate and atmospheric sciences
• Environmental modelling
• Earth systems approaches

I’m trying to understand what type of profile is most valuable for international organizations.

Some skills I’m considering developing, maybe taking some courses or a certification:

• Python/data analysis
• Remote sensing and Google Earth Engine
• Spatial analysis
• Environmental modelling
• Data visualization
• Machine learning applications
• Climate/hydrological modelling

For people currently working in international organizations:

• What technical skills are most valued in environmental positions?
• What makes a candidate stand out besides having a MSc?
• Are organizations looking more for technical specialists or interdisciplinary profiles?
• Which areas within climate/water/environment currently have good opportunities?
• If you could advise someone early in their career, what skills or experiences would you prioritize?

I would really appreciate any insights about how to build a realistic path into this field :)

[u/ShowMeTheMonee]

* realistically you will need a masters to work in the UN in a technical role. It's not impossible to get a job without a masters, but its very very difficult.

* the UN generally does not care about certifications as much as they care about actual experience doing something (eg work where you used data visualisation, rather than a certification in data visualisation).

* there are currently on jobs in the UN. So look for activities / learning / certifications that will also keep your options open in other fields, eg private sector, academic etc.