The United Nations is a global body that was established in October 1945 to promote international cooperation and global issues ranging from peace to security, human rights, and development. The UN is coordinated and principled which explains why they have their corporation in place and figured out. However, this was made even more possible by the presence of the member states. Working with the UN requires so much intentionality because you will most likely be competing with several other people who would want the same opportunity.
What type of job opportunities does the United Nations offer?
The United Nations offer different job opportunities including volunteer programs, internships, temporary jobs, consultancy jobs, junior professional officer jobs, young professionals program, and staff categories. These opportunities spread across different sectors within the organization such as human rights, economic and social development, peace, and security. So, you need to evaluate the stage you currently are in your career to decide on what type of opportunity to apply for. If you just graduated from school, you can apply to be an intern or a volunteer, if you have some experience already, you can check other job networks within the organization which include the following:
- Information and communication technology
- Public Information and conference management
- Management and Administration
- Internal security and safety
- Science
- Economic and Social Development
- Political peace and humanitarian
- Legal
Who can work with the United Nations?
The United Nations is spread across different countries in the world which means that everyone, different people from all parts of the world can work with the United Nations. However, there are a few values the UN looks out for that can boost your chances of working with them. They include:
An online presence that shares a similar view with the organization
If you have taken your time to notice, there are certain people online who share content that aligns with the goals and values of the United Nations. And, the UN finds it easy to work with these individuals when it comes to promoting peace, human right, sustainable development, and other global priorities. So, if you already have an online presence like this or similar to it, you are on the right path.
Humanitarian Values
One thing about the UN is that they watch. So, while you are away and about, doing your thing, helping people, and showing them how to find their feet and voice, they are seeing all of these. If you are a fan of demonstrating commitment to humanitarian principles, being neutral, and big on listening to other people, go ahead to try your luck with the UN. There is most likely something about you and you can express yourself even better when you join the organization.
Read Also: See how you can get an internship opportunity with the United Nations
Volunteering
Some people have volunteered the most in the little time since their careers started. The UN believes that people who do not mind volunteering are passionate about issues and are eager to make a change from the outset. This is why you find out that the United Nations often collaborates with volunteers, interns, or young professionals who would be committed to the global mission.
Sustainable Development
Not everyone understands the concept of Sustainability and gets passionate about it. This is why people who do have a huge chance with the UN. The UN’s sustainable development goals address global challenges related to poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental sustainability. So, if you have a portfolio that reveals you in these conditions, practicing and preaching sustainability, that may be all the prospects you need. The other values the UN looks for include integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. But, these should also come with the following soft skills:
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Great communication
- Creativity
- Huge leadership skills
How to apply for a job at the United Nations
A lot of people want to know how best to apply for a job at the United Nations. It is important to know that the United Nations recruits accord board which means that you can apply to work for the body in other countries if you have the necessary documents. However, you need to be aware of all job openings on the UN job portal if you want to apply for a job; this helps you to see all available roles that will suit your skills. Also, the UN requires that you create a profile that will contain every bit of your information that the organization may need.
As time goes on, if need be, you can alter the information as you deem fit. It is after creating a profile that you can apply; the application gets evaluated by the UN after which you are invited to write an assessment test and competency-based interview.
How much salary does the UN pay its workers?
The UN pays attractive salaries based on the worker’s level. Entry-level workers at the UN get an annual net base salary of between $37,000 – $80,000 while mid-career professionals earn $67,000 – $106,000/year and the senior-level professionals go home with $95,000 – $123,000/year. These salaries also come with benefits such as:
- Rental Subsidy
- Dependency Allowance
- Travel and shipping expenses
- Hardship Allowance
- Travel and shipping expenses
- Hazard pay
- Holidays and leave allowances
- Retirement pension
- Health insurance and more.
Working with the United Nations is a big opportunity and you can catch up with other information when you visit their website and social media:
Instagram: @unitednations
Twitter: @UN
Facebook: United Nations