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Different pathways to the UN
system
Kofi A
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Who we are With over 100,000 personnel in 16 peacekeeping and 12
political missions
deployed across five continents, our work touches lives in every
corner of the
globe, is complex and multifaceted and extends directly and
indirectly to our
193 Member States. We are international civ il servants.
Starting points to join the UN Secretariat
Internationally-Recruited: Professional and Field Serv ice jobs,
(LCE), Young Professional Programme (YPP), Junior Professional
Officer (JPO) and Associate
Expert Programme (AE)
Locally-Recruited: National Professional Officer (NPO), General
Serv ice (GS)
Temporary: Temporary Professional and General Serv ice staff
and
Indiv idual/Institutional Consultants/Contractors
Other: Internship Programme and United Nations Volunteers
(UNV)
Internship Programme
With over 4000 per biennium interns world-wide, take the
opportunity to gain
exposure to the work of the United Nations: attend high-profile
conferences,
participate in meetings and contribute to analytical work as
well as
organizational policy of the United Nations.
Requirements:
✓ University student or within one year after graduation
✓ Excellent command of English or French
Duration: minimum 2 months, up to 6 months
Cost: Unpaid and full-time
Location: any duty station of choice
For more information:
http://careers.un.org (Click on the link Internship programme
under the section What are my career options? at the bottom of the
homepage)
http://careers.un.org/
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Young Professional Programme (YPP)
The programme is held annually based on a country’s
representation among
staff. Entry level (P-1/P-2): filled through competitive
examinations.
YPP applicants must be:
✓ National of participating countries
✓ No more than 32 years old as of 31 December of exam year
✓ Hold at least a first-level university degree relevant to the
exam subject
✓ Fluent in either English or French
For more information: http://careers.un.org
(Click on the link Young Professional Programme (YPP) under the
section What are my career
options? at the bottom of the homepage)
Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme
The JPO Programme offers young professionals an opportunity to
get
professional experience in multilateral international
cooperation at the United
Nations and to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development.
The Programme recruits JPOs for the UN Secretariat and the
UN
entities administered by it. Main disciplines considered:
political science, social science, law, human rights, programme
management, public
administration, economic affairs, environmental affairs, gender
affairs.
The following countries are currently participating in the UN
JPO
Programme: Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Egypt,
Finland,
France, Germany, Hungary, I srael, I taly, Japan, Kuwait,
Luxembourg, Mongolia,
Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia,
Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom,
United States.
For more information: http://careers.un.org
(Click on the link Junior Professional Officer Programme (JPO)
under the section What are my
career options? at the bottom of the homepage)
http://careers.un.org/http://careers.un.org/
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Language examinations
Language staff hired from the roster at the entry level (P-2)
[average number
of candidates placed on the roster in last 10 years: 100]. All
language staff must
pass the applicable examination.
The six official UN languages are Arabic, Chinese, English,
French, Russian and
Spanish.
Eligibility and requirements:
✓ Hold at least a first-level university degree [For the
Interpreters: First
University degree plus 200 days of experience in language field
or
degree in interpretation]
✓ Interpret or translate from two official languages into main
language
✓ No more than 55 years old as of 31 December of exam year
For more information: http://careers.un.org
(Click on the link Competitive examinations for language
professionals under the section
What are my career options? at the bottom of the homepage)
Application Process for all job opportunities
www.un.org http://careers.un.org .com/UN.Careers
“To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you
are and what you
stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get
there”.
http://careers.un.org/http://www.un.org/http://careers.un.org/
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ENTRY POINTS FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS INTO THE UNITED NATIONS
Description Age Requirements Selection Process
Young
Professionals Programme
The Young Professionals
Programme (YPP) is a recruitment initiative for young talent. It
consists of an entrance examination and professional development
programmes once successful candidates start their career with the
UN.
32 Years or
younger
Bachelor’s Degree
Must speak English/French
-Application is open 1
time per year. -Certain nationalities are invited to apply -Must
complete written and oral exam (if shortlsted)
NETI (New & Emerging Talent Initiative)
A recruitment & Outreach programme targeting young
professionals The New and Emerging Talent Initiative is a two-year
programme for candidates who have successfully passed the NETI
recruitment process and have been selected for a fixed-term P-3
position
35 and under Advanced Degree with 5 years of work experience
Must speak English/French
-Application is offered 1 per year
JPO (Junior Professional Programme)
The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme is a great
opportunity for young professionals worldwide to get a foothold in
the UN system. The programme provides young professionals pursuing
a career in development with the opportunity to gain hands-on
experience in multilateral technical cooperation and international
development. Since JPOs are sponsored by their respective
governments, not all nationalities are eligible to apply to the JPO
Programme.
Usually 32 and under
Masters degree (or equivalent) and 2 years of relevant paid work
experience Language skil ls: Typically, written and spoken
proficiency in at least two of the three working languages used by
UNDP: English, French and Spanish. Fluency in Arabic, Russian or
Portuguese is an asset.
Since JPOs are sponsored by their respective governments, not
all nationalities are eligible to apply to the JPO Programme.
Application procedures vary depending on the sponsoring government,
visit www.jposc.undp.org for details.
UN Volunteer UN Volunteers promote peace and development in
communities around the globe and in their home country, while
upholding the ideals and aspirations of the United Nations.
International UN Volunteers 25 years and older National UN
Volunteers 22 years and older
International UN Volunteers university degree or higher
technical diploma; at least two years of relevant work experience
in a professional background; good working knowledge of English,
Spanish or French. National UN Volunteers Education background and
experience required varies by assignment
International UN Volunteers Register in the global talent pool
on the UNV website Sourcing and selection, contact candidates,
screenings, shortlisting, interviews, final selection National UN
Volunteers Application, screenings, shortlisting, interviews, final
selection
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UN Youth Volunteer
UN Youth Volunteers are a separate category of UN Volunteers
created in response to the United Nations Secretary-General’s call
for greater engagement in volunteerism of history’s largest
generation of people under 30. These UN Youth Volunteers are
assigned to host United Nations agencies to work on the frontlines
of political, development and humanitarian field operations.
18 - 29 years 0 - 2 years of experience Education background and
experience required varies by assignment
Application on UNV website, selection, screenings, shortlisting,
interviewing, final selection
University UN Youth Volunteer
University students 18-29 years 0 - 2 years of experience
Currently enrolled in a university programme Education background
and experience required varies by assignment
Application on UNV website, selection, screenings, shortlisting,
interviewing, final selection
Consultant Consultancies are short-term assignments for specific
advisory, consultative and/or technical support or management of
projects and programmes.
N/A Requirements vary based on assignment; a Master’s degree (or
equivalent) is typically required.
Usually through the respective job sites; some consultancies are
also posted as procurement announcements.
Intern The objective of the internship is to give you a
first-hand impression of the day-to-day working environment of the
United Nations. You will be given a real chance to work with our
people. As part of our team, working directly with outstanding and
inspiring career professionals and senior management, you will be
exposed to high-profile conferences, participate in meetings, and
contribute to analytical work as well as organizational policy of
the United Nations. Initially you will take on the amount of
responsibility you can shoulder; the potential for growth, however,
is yours to develop.
18 years or older
Must be enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. programme, or in the
final year of a Bachelor’s programme; or within one year after
graduation from a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. programme.
Excellent command of English or French.
Application, screenings, shortlisting, interviewing, final
selection.
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What we look for
What we offer
Who we are
Does making a difference motivate you? Are you selfless and
driven to be a part of a bigger purpose in the service of humanity?
Are you willing to travel and work anywhere at a moment’s
notice?
If so, working for the United Nations Secretariat could be an
exciting career path for you. Our work touches lives in every
corner of the globe and we are looking for people who want to
contribute their talent to serve humanity.
The world looks to the United Nations for solutions to complex
problems everywhere. Our 40,000 staff work for our 193 Member
States around the clock to maintain international peace and
security; develop friendly relations among nations; promote social
progress, better living standards and human rights. Among our
ranks, you will find staff members who monitor elections, disarm
child soldiers, coordinate relief in humanitarian crises and
provide administrative support to carry out complex mandates.
The UN works on the ground around the globe in: • Headquarters
locations • Regional Economic
and/or Social Commissions
• International Criminal Tribunals
• Field Operations
Where we work
The UN offers an exciting diverse and inclusive workplace in
which diversity of cultures, gender, sexual orientation, beliefs
and other attributes are welcome and valued. Staff benefit from an
attractive remuneration package and family-friendly work policies
including flexible working arrangements, maternity and paternity
leave.
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careers.un.org
Opportunities to work with the United Nations:
• Professional and higher categories • General Service and
related categories • National Professional Officers • Language
posts • Young Professionals Programme (YPP) • Temporary Job
Openings • Consultants and Individual Contractors • Internships •
United Nations Volunteers(UNV) unv.org • Associate Expert
Programme/Junior
Professional Officer (JPO)
Sign up for job alerts at inspira.un.org
@UN.Careers @UN_Careers UNCareers
Version 1 November 2016
We are looking for: • Nationals from un- and under
represented countries • More applications from
women to senior positions • Qualified candidates for jobs
in field operations
What is in demand?
What to consider
How to make your application a success? The UN often receives a
large pool of applications. Here are some tips to make yours a
success: Before you apply • Find out what types of jobs match your
education and experience • Create a job alert to automatically
receive all relevant new jobs • Take time to create your profile in
our recruitment system
Your application • Make sure you meet all minimum requirements
of the job • Let your application tell the story of how you fit the
job • Be concise in your cover letter and avoid clichés
http://www.unv.org/
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[email protected]
Over time, the United Nations has
increased its presence in locations all over the
world. There are over 130 field offices, which
include peacekeeping and political missions
and humanitarian field operations, and they
play an essential role in identifying, highlighting,
and responding to emerging challenges. While
the work may vary greatly, the one unifying fac-
tor is the opportunity to make a difference, both
in the world and in your own life. Together with
its partners, the UN is tasked with a variety of
responsibilities, such as providing and coordinat-
ing humanitarian assistance; promoting and
protecting human rights; promoting the wise
stewardship of the global environment; assisting
countries to combat the supply of illicit drugs,
crime and corruption and; providing information
on the Organization and its activities in the vari-
ous locations in which it operates.
Global Workforce
What are
you doing
for peace?
United Nations
Departments
of Peacekeeping
Operations, Field
Support & the Office
of Human Resources
Management
Missions Directed by the Department of
Peacekeeping Operations*
Working in the Field
United Nations peacekeeping and
political missions have evolved over
time to respond to different conflicts
and changing political landscapes. Civilian
peacekeepers work as administrators and engi-
neers, police officers and legal experts, econo-
mists and electoral observers, specialists in civil
affairs and gender, as well as experts in logistics
and human rights among other specialized
functions. International positions have two cat-
egories, Professional and Higher and Field Ser-
vice, which are distinguished by levels of re-
sponsibility as well as education and work ex-
perience requirements.
_____________________ * Source: Map No. 4259 Rev. 20(E),
Cartographic Section, Department of Field Support, UNITED NATIONS,
April 2014 ** political mission
The United Nations fosters gender
equality and encourages applica-
tions from suitably qualified and
experienced women across the full range of
career opportunities particularly in the more
"non-traditional" field careers such as Avia-
tion, Logistics or Engineering.
Gender
Before browsing through current job opportu-
nities, you are strongly encouraged to read
widely about each current UN operation.
Please also refer to the Peace Operations
website Point (see Helpful Links section). You
should apply for the positions that best match
your expertise, qualifications, experience and
aspirations. The necessary education back-
ground/training, experience and skills to per-
form a specific job are included in each Job
Opening posted on the UN Careers Portal.
UN Field Careers
Helpful Links
careers.un.org
hr.un.org
inspira.un.org
point.un.org
24 Occupational Groups
Administration
Aviation
Civil Affairs
Economic Affairs
Electoral Affairs
Engineering
Finance
Human Resources
Human Rights
Humanitarian Affairs
Information Management
Information Systems and
Technology
Legal Affairs
Logistics
Management &
Programme Analysis
Medical
Political Affairs
Procurement
Programme Management
Public Information
Rule of Law
Security
Social Affairs
Transport
http://careers.un.orghttp://point.un.org
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You are encouraged to apply for the positions that best match
your expertise, qualifications, experience and aspirations. The
necessary education background/training, experience and skills to
perform a specific job are explained in the qualification section
of each vacancy announcement. P-2 - minimum 2 years of work
experience P-3 - minimum 5 years of work experience P-4 - minimum
of 7 years of work experience P-5 - minimum of 10 years of work
experience D-1 - minimum of 15 years of work experience D-2 - more
than 15 years of work experience What’s next? Step 1 – Review
career advice on careers.un.org Step 2 – Create your profile Step 3
– Apply! Step 4 – Sign up for job alerts All job openings and
career information is available online at: careers.un.org
What we offer
Calling women to the UN!
The UN offers an exciting diverse and inclusive workplace in
which diversity of cultures, gender, sexual orientation, beliefs
and other attributes are welcome and valued. The UN is an
attractive and family-friendly workplace. Apart from an attractive
compensation and benefits package we offer:
• Flexible work arrangements • Maternity and paternity leave •
Learning programmes • Mentoring opportunities
The world looks to the United Nations for solutions to complex
problems everywhere. Our 40,000 staff work to maintain
international peace and security; develop friendly relations among
nations; promote social progress, better living standards and human
rights. We cannot be effective in solving the world’s problems
unless we have both, women and men, equally contribute to these
solutions. Today, we have too few women in many policy and
decision-making positions and certain job categories. Help us to
change this and apply today to work with us to make a difference
for the work!
The UN is committed to gender equality and parity at all grade
levels and encourages applications from suitably qualified and
experienced women especially to senior level positions and the more
"non-traditional" career tracks.
Gender Parity
Follow us!
How to apply
What you can do
We recruit to 9 job networks: • Management and Administration •
Economic, Social and Development • Political, Peace and
Humanitarian • Information and Telecommunication
Technology • Legal • Public Information and Conference
Management • Internal Safety and Security • Logistics,
Transportation and Supply Chain • Science
Current representation of women by level
Current gender distribution by job network
UNCareers
@UN_Careers
@UN.Careers
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Related Organizations
CTBTO Preparatory Commission Preparatory Commission for the
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
IAEA1, 3 International Atomic Energy Agency
ICC International Criminal Court
IOM1 International Organization for Migration
ISA International Seabed Authority
ITLOS International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
OPCW 3 Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
WTO1, 4 World Trade Organization
Research and Training
UNIDIR United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research
UNITAR United Nations Institute for Training and Research
UNSSC United Nations System Staff College
UNU United Nations University
Other Entities
ITC International Trade Centre (UN/WTO)
UNCTAD1,8 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
UNHCR1 Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees
UNOPS1 United Nations Office for Project Services
UNRWA1 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
Refugees in the Near East
UN-Women1 United Nations Entity for Gender quality and the
Empowerment of Women
Funds and Programmes1
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
• UNCDF United Nations Capital Development Fund
• UNV United Nations Volunteers
UNEP8 United Nations Environment Programme
UNFPA United Nations Population Fund
UN-Habitat8 United Nations Human Settlements Programme
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
WFP World Food Programme (UN/FAO)
Subsidiary Organs
• Main Committees
• Disarmament Commission
• Human Rights Council
• International Law Commission
• Joint Inspection Unit (JIU)
• Standing committees and ad hoc bodies
Peacebuilding Commission
HLPF High-level political forum on sustainable development
Notes:
1 Members of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board
for Coordination (CEB).
2 UN Office for Partnerships (UNOP) is the UN’s focal point
vis-a-vis the United Nations Foundation, Inc.
3 IAEA and OPCW report to the Security Council and the General
Assembly (GA). 4 WTO has no reporting obligation to the GA, but
contributes on an ad hoc
basis to GA and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) work on,
inter alia, finance and development issues.
5 Specialized agencies are autonomous organizations whose work
is coor-dinated through ECOSOC (intergovernmental level) and CEB
(inter- secretariat level).
6 The Trusteeship Council suspended operation on 1 November
1994, as on 1 October 1994 Palau, the last United Nations Trust
Territory, became independent.
7 International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
(ICSID) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) are not
specialized agencies in accordance with Articles 57 and 63 of the
Charter, but are part of the World Bank Group.
8 The secretariats of these organs are part of the UN
Secretariat. 9 The Secretariat also includes the following offices:
The Ethics Office, United
Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services, Office of
Administration of Justice and the Office on Sport for Development
and Peace
This Chart is a reflection of the functional organization of the
United Nations System and for informational purposes only. It does
not include all offices or entities of the United Nations
System.
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development
ILO International Labour Organization
IMF International Monetary Fund
IMO International Maritime Organization
ITU International Telecommunication Union
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization
UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization
UNWTO World Tourism Organization
UPU Universal Postal Union
WHO World Health Organization
WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization
WMO World Meteorological Organization
WORLD BANK GROUP7
• IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
• IDA International Development Association
• IFC International Finance Corporation
Specialized Agencies 1, 5
Regional Commissions8
ECA Economic Commission for Africa
ECE Economic Commission for Europe
ECLAC Economic Commission for Latin America and the
Caribbean
ESCAP Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific
ESCWA Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
Other Bodies
• Committee for Development Policy
• Committee of Experts on Public Administration
• Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations
• Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
UNAIDS Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
UNGEGN United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names
Research and Training
UNICRI United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research
Institute
UNRISD United Nations Research Institute for Social
Development
Functional Commissions
• Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
• Narcotic Drugs
• Population and Development
• Science and Technology for Development
• Social Development
• Statistics
• Status of Women
• United Nations Forum on Forests
UNODC1 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
UNOG United Nations Office at Geneva
UN-OHRLLS Office of the High Representative for the Least
Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small
Island Developing States
UNON United Nations Office at Nairobi
UNOP2 United Nations Office for Partnerships
UNOV United Nations Office at Vienna
EOSG Executive Office of the Secretary-General
DESA Department of Economic and Social Affairs
DFS Department of Field Support
DGACM Department for General Assembly and Conference
Management
DM Department of Management
DPA Department of Political Affairs
DPI Department of Public Information
DPKO Department of Peacekeeping Operations
DSS Department of Safety and Security
OCHA Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
ODA Office for Disarmament Affairs
OHCHR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights
OIOS Office of Internal Oversight Services
OLA Office of Legal Affairs
OSAA Office of the Special Adviser on Africa
PBSO Peacebuilding Support Office
SRSG/CAAC Office of the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict
SRSG/SVC Office of the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict
SRSG/VAC Office of the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General on Violence Against Children
UNISDR United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
Departments and Offices9
Published by the United Nations Department of Public Information
DPI/2470 rev.5 —17-00023—March 2017© 2017 United Nations. All
rights reserved worldwide
• International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals
• Military Staff Committee
• Peacekeeping operations and political missions
• Sanctions committees (ad hoc)
• Standing committees and ad hoc bodies
Subsidiary Organs
• Counter-Terrorism Committee
• International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)
UN PRINCIPAL ORGANS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SECURITY COUNCIL
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL
SECRETARIAT
TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL6
INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
The United Nations System
