Your guide to a successful UN application

About the report

Landing a job at the United Nations is an aspiration for many development professionals. However, the process of securing a fixed-term position is long and highly competitive. Most U.N. agencies require applicants to apply through the U.N.’s Inspira platform. Those who stand out would then undergo a technical assessment and, if successful, are invited to a competency-based interview.

If you’re looking to gain an edge in the recruitment process, what better way than to hear from those who make or have made the hiring decisions? 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide, packed with recruiter tips from U.N. organizations, including UNICEF, U.N. Environment Programme, U.N. Migration, UNHCR, World Health Organization, and UN Women, with everything from the different pathways of entry to standing out during the competency-based interviews.

What you'll learn:

  • The four routes to breaking into the U.N.
  • How to prepare for competency-based interviews.
  • Tips for using the “STAR” method during interviews
  • What to do — and what to avoid — during your interview process.