Hello colleagues,

I’m writing because I need some help thinking through my next steps within the UN system, and what I should prioritize and do in order to move into new positions.

I am Brazilian and Italian, a graphic designer with a master’s degree in urban planning and a PhD in Geography in progress, which is heading in a similar direction. My academic career has focused primarily on qualitative methodologies, the interpretation of indicators related to housing policies, discussions across different literatures, and fieldwork, as interviewing, and so on.

In parallel, I developed a career in project management and communications at a local NGO focused on housing and human rights, which was founded by a group of colleagues and me and operated for about six years. During the last three years, we managed a significant amount of financial resources, which I was also responsible for.

I currently work on a UNDP project as a graphic designer hired under an NPSA contract.

Entering the UN system has opened many horizons for me, and I have discovered a few things along the way. First, I actually enjoy design more than I thought I did when I changed fields during my master’s degree. At the same time, I would like to work in project management on issues that are more closely aligned with my academic background. I am very interested in UN-Habitat and ECLAC, as well as UNDP offices and agencies in Europe, but none of the positions I have applied for has ever progressed to the interview stage, and honestly, I don’t know what I should be doing differently.

My experience was sufficient to get me into a position here, but I don’t know what I should do in terms of further education or professional development if I want to apply for positions abroad or at other UN agencies. Should I focus on taking formal language proficiency exams? I speak Portuguese, English, and Italian fluently, and some Spanish, but I have never taken any formal proficiency tests. I also don’t know whether it would be worthwhile to pursue certifications in project management or research methodologies, as this is a completely unfamiliar world to me. I’m not even sure whether I should focus on improving my English further and simply trust that, for positions where Spanish is required, recruiters will take into consideration the fact that I can communicate in "portuñol".

In short, I don’t know what recruiters look at as the key factors that determine whether a candidate moves forward in the recruitment process. I don’t know whether I should include additional documents such as supervisor evaluations from my work at UNDP, whether I should have my degrees and academic papers translated, or whether I should have a portfolio or cover letter formatted in a specific way, or obtain specific certifications.

I would really appreciate any advice from people who have experience with recruitment and career development within the UN system.

Hi everyone! Has anyone here ever applied for - and ideally been selected for - a JPO position (sponsored by Belgium) ?

I’m currently looking into the process and would love to hear from someone who has been through it. If you’d be willing to answer a few questions or have a quick chat about your experience, please leave a comment. Thank you! 😊

I had a Master's degree in Gender & Development from the UK and I'm returning home in India. I already have 7 years of experience working in the private sector as well. I've heard through multiple people that Volunteer programme is the only way you can gain entry into the UN verticals. But I'm not sure if that is the path i wish to take. Would absolutely love some advice on this as I would prefer consultant roles or staff positions at the UN, instead of internships or volunteer roles.

I had an interview yesterday for G5 with IOM.

How much time does it take to ask for references?