The Non-Negotiables! Tackling Long UN Job Application Questions: Required and Desired Qualifications! (Part 1)

The Non-Negotiables! Tackling Long UN Job Application Questions: Required and Desired Qualifications!

The United Nations (UN) is one of the largest international organizations in the world, offering a vast array of opportunities for individuals passionate about global development, peace, human rights, and sustainability. However, navigating the UN job application process can be quite challenging particularly when it comes to answering those long, detailed questions that seem to pop up in the online application forms. To give yourself the best chance of success, it’s important to understand what qualifications are required and desired for most positions at the UN, and how to strategically approach these application questions. Read the article below . Part 2 of the article Illustrates with specific examples for P3 positions. You don’t want to miss on the practicality of the theory indicated in part 1

1. Required Qualifications for UN Jobs

Every UN job posting clearly lists certain required qualifications, which are non-negotiable and must be met for your application to be considered. These include educational requirements, work experience, and language skills. Here’s a breakdown:

a) Education

Most UN positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. However, many roles, especially those at the higher levels, may require a master’s degree or equivalent in specialized fields such as international relations, political science, public health, law, economics, or environmental studies.

It’s crucial to carefully read the job description to ensure that your academic background aligns with the position’s requirements. If the role calls for a specific degree, you’ll need to highlight your educational qualifications in your application to meet this essential criterion.

b) Work Experience

For many UN jobs, the required work experience is usually broken down by the level of the position. Entry-level roles may require anywhere from one to two years of relevant professional experience, while more senior positions may require five to ten years or more. The type of experience required will also vary depending on the job.

• Entry-level jobs (P-1, P-2): Typically require relevant academic qualifications plus a few years of work experience in areas such as administration, project management, or communication.
• Mid-level jobs (P-3, P-4): Candidates for these roles will need specialized experience in the job’s focus area, like humanitarian assistance or policy analysis, often in an international context.
• Senior-level jobs (D-1, D-2, or higher): These roles typically require extensive leadership experience in strategic planning, policy formulation, and complex international projects.

c) Language Proficiency

The UN is a multilingual organization, and many roles require proficiency in one or more of its official languages, namely English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and Chinese. While English and French are the most commonly used, proficiency in additional languages can be an advantage.

Be sure to specify your language skills in your application and ensure they meet the requirements for the position. For higher-level positions, the expectation for language proficiency increases, especially in official communications and documentation.

2. Desired Qualifications for UN Jobs

While meeting the required qualifications is essential, there are also a set of desired qualifications that can set you apart from other applicants. These qualifications are not mandatory, but possessing them may improve your chances of being shortlisted.

a) Specialized Skills and Certifications

For many UN roles, particularly those in technical areas (such as health, finance, or technology), having specialized certifications or training can significantly enhance your application. Examples include:

• Project management certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2)
• Knowledge of UN-specific tools or software
• Training in areas such as gender equality, human rights, or environmental sustainability
• Familiarity with UN resolutions, conventions, or specific operational frameworks

If you possess any of these specialized skills or certifications, be sure to emphasize them in your application and demonstrate how they align with the job’s responsibilities.

b) International Experience

While international experience may not be a strict requirement for many roles, it is highly valued. Previous work in multinational environments, international NGOs, or other UN agencies can give you an edge over other applicants.

Experience working in diverse cultural settings or on cross-border projects indicates that you can adapt quickly to the UN’s global work environment and understand the complexities of working with international teams.

c) Strong Analytical and Communication Skills

A good UN candidate should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively across cultures and organizational levels. Whether you’re working on policy recommendations, preparing reports, or collaborating with stakeholders, the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely is a valuable asset.

In addition, your application should emphasize your written and oral communication skills, particularly in a professional or international context. If you’ve published articles, research papers, or presented at conferences, be sure to highlight these experiences.

d) Commitment to the UN’s Values

The UN places a strong emphasis on candidates who demonstrate a commitment to its core values, including integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. If you have experience working in line with these values, whether in a volunteer or professional capacity, be sure to provide examples that showcase your alignment with the UN’s mission.

3. How to Approach the Long UN Application Questions

Now that you understand the qualifications needed for UN jobs, let’s talk about how to effectively tackle those long, multi-part application questions.

a) Be Concise but Comprehensive

UN application questions often require you to provide detailed responses to a series of queries. While it’s important to be thorough, you must also be concise. Use bullet points where possible, especially for listing your qualifications, skills, or specific accomplishments.

b) Tailor Your Responses

Each UN job posting will have specific criteria and responsibilities. It’s crucial to tailor your responses to reflect the specific qualifications, experience, and skills required by the job. This is where you can use your desired qualifications to stand out. Link your professional experiences to the competencies the UN is seeking in the job description.

c) Use the STAR Method for Behavioral Questions

Many application forms ask about your experiences and how you’ve handled challenges or achieved outcomes in the past. For these types of questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) to structure your responses. This ensures you present clear, concrete examples of your qualifications in action.

Part 2 of the article Illustrates with specific examples for P3 positions. You don’t want to miss on the practicality of the theory indicated in part 1 . Go to part 2