UN job categories: A primer

Those seeking a career within the United Nations system should pay close attention. The competition for open positions is stiff, and the fine print and array of job classifications may seem daunting. But, to determine whether a U.N. vacancy is right for you, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the multilateral’s job classification system. Full-time positions are distinguished using a letter and, at times, a number. Full-time positions across the U.N. system fall into six categories: D stands for director-level positions, P for professional staff, FS for field service, NO for national professional officers and G, TC, S, PIA and LT for general service. The sixth category, senior appointments, include the highest positions in the U.N. system which are not usually advertised. The number — from 1 to 5 for professional services, 1 or 2 for directors, for instance — signifies a position’s rank. Qualifications for identical grades may differ: For instance, P2 non-peacekeeping positions require a first-level university degree while P2s working on peace operations must hold a graduate degree. U.N. salaries of professional staff are set by reference to the highest-paying national civil service positions in any of its member states — currently, the United States. Salary levels for the field service’s seven grades are established similarly. General service staff are paid on a local basis reflecting the best payment found locally for similar work. National professionals are paid similarly. Devex Jobs lists an array of vacancies — everything from translators at U.N. headquarters in New York to technical experts working in the field with the U.N. Development Program or UNICEF. Here’s a more detailed look at some of the U.N.’s main job classifications. Peace operations Those who dream of joining the “blue helmets” are in the wrong place. Troops are provided only by the military of member states. However, there are numerous ways to support field missions and peacekeeping work, in positions that focus on monitoring human rights or managing human or material resources, for instance. Peacekeeping is not for everyone, and candidates will be asked to complete a questionnaire online to determine their suitability for this line of work. All applicants must also be in good health, available on short notice and prepared to work under difficult and dangerous conditions. Professional service candidates must have a proven track record in their field as well as an advanced university degree or its equivalent in a relevant discipline. Language skills and experience in developing countries are a significant plus. P2 staff involved in peace operations must have advanced university degrees or its equivalent. Field service applicants are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent combined with at least six years professional experience; some positions may require a technical or vocational certificate. Candidates recruited to serve on peacekeeping missions will receive a short-term appointment. These appointments will typically be for an initial period of up to six months and may be renewed thereafter, subject to performance and requirements of the mission. Non-peacekeeping jobs Entry-level positions Entry-level or junior professionals are categorized as either P1 or P2. P1 listings are extremely rare. In order to qualify, a candidate must possess a first-level university degree and be 32 years of age or younger. If you have recently graduated and have limited experience, you may qualify for the young professionals programme, which requires an exam. Many of these positions are posted online, but in-person applications are accepted Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and noon at U.N. headquarters, located on First Avenue and E 44th Street in New York City. Preference may be given to nationals from underrepresented nations with skills in text processing, administration, languages, accounting, typing, statistics and information technology. Fluency in English or French is required, and applicants will need to pass an entry exam. Examinations are also held on a yearly basis in countries that are selected on the basis of their representation in the United Nations. The purpose of these examinations is to establish rosters of candidates to fill positions at the P2, or junior professional, level. The U.N. has established a website with more information concerning country deadlines and exam procedures. Mid- and high-level posts Mid- and high-level positions are categorized as P4 and higher. In filling these vacancies - which may be at headquarters or any other established office throughout the world - the U.N. pays special attention to maintaining a balance among member states. For P3 positions, candidates must possess an advanced university degree and at least five years of professional experience. They will also need to pass an entry exam. Applicants for P4 and higher positions are not required to take an exam. To be considered for these posts, candidates must possess an advanced university degree in addition to relevant professional experience. Normally, seven years of professional experience is required at a minimum. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after a vacancy has been posted, and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement. General service These positions address a range of administrative duties, including clerical work, text processing and accounting. Entry-level positions in the general service are usually advertised locally, with the exception of some language-related skillsets. Applicants for secretarial and clerical positions require a minimum typing speed of 50 to 55 words per minute, with preference given to applicants who are bilingual (English plus French or Spanish). A special need exists for high-speed text processors in the six official U.N. languages: English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and Arabic. The work entails typing from direct dictation or transcribing from sound-recording machines. Text processors are also required to work night shifts as well as overtime, for which they are entitled to additional compensation. Applicants for these positions must be experienced word processors with a typing speed of more than 55 words per minute. For accounting and statistical clerk positions, exams are held periodically to establish a shortlist that will be used once vacancies occur. All applicants must have completed secondary education. Accounting and statistical clerks normally should have a relevant undergraduate degree. To be considered for a general service position at U.N. headquarters, candidates must have successfully passed the required general aptitude test and/or typing tests before they can be considered for recruitment. Tests are held in New York. Success in any of the tests will not guarantee employment; it only ensures consideration as vacancies arise. Language positions The U.N. has a tremendous need for staff with language skills, including translators, editors, verbatim reporters, interpreters and proofreaders. Examinations are held to establish a roster of qualified candidates. The U.N. has language services for all six official languages. There may be needs for other languages on a project basis; the U.N. Secretariat posts these on its examinations board. Examinations are announced at least six weeks before the deadline for applications, and the frequency of the examinations varies according to need. Candidates for translator positions are required to translate from at least two of the six official languages. Those for interpreter positions are required to interpret simultaneously into one of the six official languages and must have full auditory comprehension of at least two other official languages. Tour guides Tour guides are also known as public information assistants. In-person applications are accepted; recruitment at U.N. headquarters begins every February. Guides must have completed two years of university studies and speak English and at least one other language. Interns Many U.N. specialized programs and agencies offer internships. At U.N. headquarters, internships are reserved for those enrolled in a graduate degree program. It is a full-time assignment without pay or reimbursement. Short-term posts Positions in New York City are available from September to December when the General Assembly is in session and there is a need for temporary messengers, office assistants and printing clerks. Recruitment begins in June. Volunteers Each year, more than 7,500 experienced professionals from nearly 160 nations serve in developing countries as U.N. Volunteers. Volunteers serving in the field must be at least 25 years old, hold a university degree or higher technical diploma, and have at least five years of professional experience in a broad range of fields such as administration, agriculture, communication, community development, commerce, education, engineering, environment, health, human settlements, information communication technology, logistics, media and social sciences. The U.N. also offers online volunteer opportunities to skilled individuals who can assist in areas such as translations and IT. 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