What skills are needed for getting a UN job?
The qualifications required to perform at the United Nations (UN) vary depending on the job you are interested in. The UN employs professionals from a wide range of fields including administration, finance, law, human rights, information technology, public information, and development, among others.
Check this: Guide for preparing to UN jobs interview Question and Answers
Here are some general guidelines:
- Education: Most positions at the UN require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Some positions may require a graduate degree or a professional degree such as a law degree or a medical degree.
- Experience: Depending on the position, the UN may require several years of relevant work experience in the field.
- Language skills: Fluency in English is essential for most positions at the UN. Additionally, knowledge of one or more official UN languages such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian may be required, depending on the position.
- Other skills: Other skills that may be required for certain positions include strong communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a team.
- Nationality: Generally, to work for the UN, you must be a citizen of a member state of the UN. However, some positions may be open to non-citizens with the appropriate work visas.
You may want to see: How to make a winning application for UN jobs
UN Desirable Skills
Teamwork
Most U.N. projects require teams of people working in different fields to create meaningful, global change. Individual agendas and ego-driven workers don’t perform well within the organization’s overall framework.
Creativity
The U.N. looks for employees who can generate new ideas and approaches to problems. These visionaries have the power to shift the status quo for the better. The U.N. encourages innovation and experimentation.
Technological Awareness
The U.N. works in all corners of the world, leveraging many different technologies. Employees may be required to work with anything from a computer in a modern, developed city to a water wheel in a remote, rural farmland.
Communication
When working in a complex organization with so many moving parts, communication is vital to keeping the flow of information moving in an orderly manner. Communication doesn’t just mean being vocal; it means speaking and writing with a professional tone and exercising listening skills.
Also read: What is the Application Process for UN jobs?
Integrity and Professionalism
U.N. workers need to conduct themselves ethically and treat their jobs seriously. They should be on time and dedicated to their work, staying organized and efficient, working within legal boundaries, and treating all co-workers and other contacts with respect.
Respect for Diversity
Working in different countries means encountering people with different belief systems and ways of life, which, without cultural awareness, can create conflict. U.N. workers must respect these differences and find ways to work appropriately with everyone.
Organization
Working for the U.N. means staying on top of a number of different initiatives, organizations, events, and political changes. Staying properly organized is key, as U.N. employees must be able to recall facts, figures, or documents in a number of important situations.
You can find UN jobs here.
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