The United Nations (UN) is an international organisation founded in 1945 following the Second World War. Its main mission is to maintain international peace and security, foster cooperation between nations, and promote sustainable development, human rights and international law.
Working at the UN is one of the top career paths for International Relations graduates and a dream for many professionals who wish to make a difference in the world. But how do you go about it?
Below, we’ll guide you through the careers, skills and requirements needed to achieve your goal and become part of this important organisation. Find out what to study, how to prepare and what opportunities await you at the UN.
What does the UN do, and what sort of jobs are available?
The UN is a complex organisation with a wide range of functions and responsibilities. Its activities span various areas, from peacekeeping and security to humanitarian aid, economic and social development, and the protection of human rights.
Within the UN, there are different types of roles suited to a variety of professional profiles. The main positions, depending on the area of specialisation, are:
- Economic and social development.
- Information and communications technology.
- Security and internal protection.
- Legal.
- Logistics, transport and supply chain.
- Management and administration.
- Humanitarian policy and peace.
- Public information and conference management.
- Science.
What should you study to work at the UN?
The UN seeks professionals with a wide range of skills and knowledge. However, certain fields of study are particularly relevant for a career with the organisation.
University Degrees
If you are considering a career at the UN, some of the most highly recommended university degrees are:
- A degree in International Relations. This degree provides you with an in-depth understanding of international politics, diplomacy, international law and international organisations. It prepares you to analyse complex political situations, negotiate agreements and work on international cooperation.
- Law. A law degree , particularly with a specialisation in international law, gives you a solid foundation for working in areas such as human rights, humanitarian law and international criminal justice. You can also opt for a dual degree in Law and International Relations to complement your training and become a multidisciplinary professional.
- Degree in Business Administration or Economics. If you are interested in economic and social development, a degree in economics provides you with the tools to analyse economic trends, design development policies and assess the impact of UN programmes. Another option is a double degree in Business Administration and International Relations , which allows you to combine economic knowledge with a specialisation in international politics and diplomacy.
- Political Science. This degree programme offers an understanding of political systems, ideologies and decision-making processes, preparing you to work in areas such as political analysis, public administration and the promotion of democracy.
- Communication. If you are passionate about communication and journalism, a degree in communication will equip you with the skills to disseminate information, engage with the media and the public, and promote understanding of and support for the UN.
In addition to these degree programmes, other relevant fields of study include sociology, anthropology, geography, history, public health and engineering.
Master’s degrees and postgraduate courses
To increase your chances of working at the UN, it is advisable to obtain a master’s degree or postgraduate qualification in a field related to your interests. Some of the most popular master’s programmes amongst UN professionals are:
- Master’s in International Relations. This master’s is particularly recommended if you did not study International Relations at undergraduate level, as it allows you to deepen your knowledge in areas such as international politics, security, development and human rights.
- Master’s in Law . If your interest lies in the legal field within the UN, this master’s degree will equip you with the skills needed to practise as a lawyer and work in areas such as international law and human rights.
- Master’s in International Law. These postgraduate programmes offer specialisation in international law, with an emphasis on areas such as humanitarian law, treaty law and the law of international organisations – key areas for any legal professional at the UN.
- Master’s in International Development. This programme provides the tools to design, implement and evaluate development programmes in areas such as poverty reduction, health, education and the environment.
- Master’s in Human Rights. This provides an in-depth understanding of human rights, with an emphasis on areas such as the protection of human rights, transitional justice and the fight against discrimination.
- MBA (Master of Business Administration). Although it may seem less directly relevant, an MBA can be valuable if you are aiming for management and administrative roles within the UN, particularly in areas related to project management, finance and logistics. A dual degree in Business Administration and International Relations could provide an excellent foundation for subsequently specialising with an MBA.
Complementary training
In addition to academic qualifications, it is important to acquire complementary skills and knowledge that will make you a more attractive candidate for a role at the UN. Some recommended complementary training courses include:
- Project management courses. Project management is a key skill for working at the UN, particularly in areas such as development and humanitarian aid.
- Courses in intercultural communication. Intercultural communication is essential for working in a multicultural environment such as the UN.
- Negotiation and conflict resolution courses. Negotiation and conflict resolution are important skills for working in areas such as diplomacy and peacekeeping.
Required profile for joining the UN
In addition to academic qualifications and technical skills, the UN seeks professionals with a specific profile that aligns with the organisation’s values and principles.
Soft skills and competencies
Some of the soft skills most highly valued by the UN are:
- Analytical and problem-solving skills. The UN faces complex challenges that require professionals capable of analysing situations, identifying problems and proposing innovative solutions.
- Communication skills. Communication is essential for working at the UN, both for interacting with colleagues from different cultures and for communicating with the public and the media.
- Negotiation, public speaking and persuasion skills. Negotiation and persuasion are important skills for working in areas such as diplomacy and conflict resolution.
- Ability to work in a team. The UN is a multicultural organisation that requires professionals capable of working in a team and collaborating with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
- Adaptability and flexibility. The United Nations operates in complex and changing environments that require professionals capable of adapting to new situations and being flexible in their approach.
Languages
Proficiency in several languages is essential for working at the UN.
English and French are the organisation’s working languages, so an advanced level in both is essential.
Furthermore, it is advisable to learn other languages such as Arabic, Chinese or Russian, as the UN operates worldwide and needs professionals who can communicate with people from different cultures.
However, as a potential candidate, you should be aware of the importance of translation in international relations . Many professionals work day in, day out on translating speeches so that all members can work together.
How to get a job at the UN? Requirements and selection process
Now that you know what to study and what skills you need, it’s time to find out about the requirements and the selection process for working at the UN.
The general requirements for working at the UN are:
- Nationality. You must be a national of one of the UN Member States.
- Age. You must be at least 18 years old.
- Academic qualifications. You must hold a university degree or equivalent.
- Work experience. You must have relevant work experience in your area of specialisation.
- Languages. Advanced proficiency in English or French, and preferably in other languages.
The selection process for working at the UN usually involves the following stages:
- Online application. You must submit your application online via the UN careers portal. You can filter by location or experience to find all the posts that interest you.
- Application assessment. The organisation will assess your application based on the job requirements and your professional profile.
- Written tests. If your application is shortlisted, you may be required to sit written tests to assess your knowledge and skills.
- Interview. Once you have passed the written tests, you will be invited to an interview with a panel of UN experts.
- Reference checks. The UN will check your employment references to confirm your experience and performance.
Getting a job at the UN requires perseverance and preparation. It is important to research the different opportunities offered by the UN, tailor your CV and cover letter to each role, and prepare for the tests and interviews.
‘What should I study to work at the UN?’ is a key question, but remember that experience and skills are equally important. Look for opportunities to volunteer, undertake work placements or take on roles within international organisations to gain experience and develop your skills.
Getting a job at the UN is an ambitious but achievable goal. It requires a combination of academic qualifications, professional experience, interpersonal skills and a deep commitment to the organisation’s values.
By choosing the right degree course, acquiring the necessary skills and preparing for the selection process, you can significantly increase your chances of realising your dream of working at the UN and contributing to a better world.
UAX can be an excellent starting point for your career at the UN!
