📣 Do you dream to work at the United Nations? 🇺🇳
In this thread, I will explain everything about the recruitment process and share my tips and advice! 🧵👇
In this thread, I will explain everything about the recruitment process and share my tips and advice! 🧵👇
2/30. The recruitment process at the @UN is unique. In this thread I will describe:
✔️Specificities of the @UN (3-11)
✔️Where can you find vacancies? (12-13)
✔️ How can you apply? (14-20)
✔️How to prepare the written exam? (21-22)
✔️How to prepare the interview? (23-29).
✔️Specificities of the @UN (3-11)
✔️Where can you find vacancies? (12-13)
✔️ How can you apply? (14-20)
✔️How to prepare the written exam? (21-22)
✔️How to prepare the interview? (23-29).
3/30. Unlike other public services, there are hardly any permanent jobs at the @UN. This means that you will need to apply regularly during your career.
This creates a level of insecurity. In addition, field missions are sometimes difficult to deal with for your personal life.
This creates a level of insecurity. In addition, field missions are sometimes difficult to deal with for your personal life.
4/30. This said, jobs at the UN are often exciting and rewarding, both professionally and personally!
Working conditions (Interest of the work, salaries and benefits including health insurance and pension fund) are excellent.
More information here 👇:
careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?…
Working conditions (Interest of the work, salaries and benefits including health insurance and pension fund) are excellent.
More information here 👇:
careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?…
5/30. @UN positions have ≠ letters and numbers reflecting increasing levels of responsibilities and requirements
ie P1 & P2 are entry-level positions. With time and prof. experience, you’ll get positions with higher levels of responsibility (P4; P5; D1)
careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?…
ie P1 & P2 are entry-level positions. With time and prof. experience, you’ll get positions with higher levels of responsibility (P4; P5; D1)
careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?…
6/30. There are several ways to enter the @UN. The Young Professional Programme (YPP) is one of them.
It guarantees an entry-level position and prof. development if you pass the exam. BUT it’s difficult and does not necessarily guarantee your dream job
careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?…
It guarantees an entry-level position and prof. development if you pass the exam. BUT it’s difficult and does not necessarily guarantee your dream job
careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?…
7/30. In this thread I’ll mainly focus on how to apply for specific vacancies at the @UN.
The best way to get into the Organization is, IMO, to get a P2 position early in your career and to progress in the organization. This is what I, and most of my colleagues, have done.
The best way to get into the Organization is, IMO, to get a P2 position early in your career and to progress in the organization. This is what I, and most of my colleagues, have done.
8/30. Another way to enter the @UN is to find an internship which will give you first-hand experience and useful contacts for the rest of your career.
To find an #internship in an international organization, I refer you to my previous thread on this topic 👇
To find an #internship in an international organization, I refer you to my previous thread on this topic 👇
https://twitter.com/jsoufi/status/1404717128423460867
9/30. #UNV. UN Volunteers positions offer you early career paid jobs in @UN field missions.
If you are above 25 years old, do not hesitate to register and to apply! 👇
unv.org
If you are above 25 years old, do not hesitate to register and to apply! 👇
unv.org
10/30. #JPO. Every year, some countries finance Junior Professional Officers positions. There are entry-level positions (P2) at the @UN, reserved for citizens of the nationals of donor countries. Do not hesitate to check with your MFA. It is a good way to get a 1st job in the UN
11/30. The @UN frequently draws up reserve lists of candidates whose skills have already been pre-checked and who are ready to be recruited without further assessment. Even if you are not offered a job after passing the selection process, you can be placed on one of these rosters
12/30. WHERE TO SEARCH? 🕵️♀️
The main website for looking for vacancies at the UN is UN Careers. 👇
careers.un.org/lbw/Home.aspx
You can search job openings by job network, position level or duty station.
For example: Legal Affairs + P2.
The main website for looking for vacancies at the UN is UN Careers. 👇
careers.un.org/lbw/Home.aspx
You can search job openings by job network, position level or duty station.
For example: Legal Affairs + P2.
13/30. There are many other websites recording vacancies in the United Nations besides UN Careers! 💻
I refer you to my thread on this subject "How to find a job in an International Organization?". 😊👇
I refer you to my thread on this subject "How to find a job in an International Organization?". 😊👇
https://twitter.com/jsoufi/status/1404416717669945352
14/30. HOW TO APPLY?
Once you have found a vacancy you are interested in and confirm that you match the requirements click on “Apply”.
You will be redirected to the United Nations human resources portal "INSPIRA". inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/?cm…
Ready?
Yallah!
Once you have found a vacancy you are interested in and confirm that you match the requirements click on “Apply”.
You will be redirected to the United Nations human resources portal "INSPIRA". inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/?cm…
Ready?
Yallah!
15/30. Create an Inspira account and a Profile. You’ll see, it takes A LOT of time, but you’ll use it for all your applications in the future.
This PHP (Personal History Profile) will be the equivalent to your CV for all your UN applications. Of course you can always change it.
This PHP (Personal History Profile) will be the equivalent to your CV for all your UN applications. Of course you can always change it.
16/30. Spend some time to create a good PHP! In describing your professional experiences, do not hesitate to give as much detail as you can (in bullet points).
Check the language used in relevant UN jobs vacancies and copy it.
Some other tips here 👇
careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?…
Check the language used in relevant UN jobs vacancies and copy it.
Some other tips here 👇
careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?…
17/30. COVER LETTER. I refer you to my previous thread on this topic. 👇
Basically, underline, in 3 or 4 paragraphs, the specific skills that you can bring to THIS job!
Basically, underline, in 3 or 4 paragraphs, the specific skills that you can bring to THIS job!
https://twitter.com/jsoufi/status/1404416829951557638
18/30. NOW…WAIT…. ⌛️
The shortlist process can take months (if not an entire year #truestory).
You’ll have to be very, very patient.
Most of the time, you will actually never receive an answer… 🤷🏻♂️
The shortlist process can take months (if not an entire year #truestory).
You’ll have to be very, very patient.
Most of the time, you will actually never receive an answer… 🤷🏻♂️
19/30. Keep in mind that, all over the world, other brilliant candidates have also applied.
It doesn't mean you won’t make it. You will get there!!
But that means it will take some time because the process is very competitive.
It doesn't mean you won’t make it. You will get there!!
But that means it will take some time because the process is very competitive.
20/30. My advice? Send as many applications as possible!
Sometimes it takes a dozen applications to be shortlisted and a hundred to finally get a job. You will spend a lot of time and energy but… It is worth it!
Sometimes it takes a dozen applications to be shortlisted and a hundred to finally get a job. You will spend a lot of time and energy but… It is worth it!
https://twitter.com/jsoufi/status/1404416742454087684
21/30. THE WRITTEN EXAM.
Have you been shortlisted? WELL DONE! The hard part is coming..
Very often you will have to pass a written exam. Often this will involve writing a Memo.
Prepare as much as possible. Try to find templates, examples and practice, practice, practice!
Have you been shortlisted? WELL DONE! The hard part is coming..
Very often you will have to pass a written exam. Often this will involve writing a Memo.
Prepare as much as possible. Try to find templates, examples and practice, practice, practice!
22/30. The main challenge for United Nations written exams is TIME! ⏲⏰
They are not always difficult per se but you will have 2 hours to draft a document which would normally require 3 or 4.
That is why preparation is key! 😊
They are not always difficult per se but you will have 2 hours to draft a document which would normally require 3 or 4.
That is why preparation is key! 😊
23/30. If you are invited to an interview without written examination, this means that your substantive/technical skills will be assessed during the interview.
Whether it is a written or an oral examination, be ready and revise!
Whether it is a written or an oral examination, be ready and revise!
24/30. THE INTERVIEW.
You have been selected for the interview. Well done !
This means that you are probably in the last 5 or 10 candidates in the race.
Interviews at the @UN always are"Competency Based Interviews". 👇
careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?…
You have been selected for the interview. Well done !
This means that you are probably in the last 5 or 10 candidates in the race.
Interviews at the @UN always are"Competency Based Interviews". 👇
careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?…
25/30. COMPETENCY BASED INTERVIEWS.
The idea of this type of interview is that past behaviour and experience is the best indicator of future performance.
Thus, the panel will ask you questions about your past experiences.
The idea of this type of interview is that past behaviour and experience is the best indicator of future performance.
Thus, the panel will ask you questions about your past experiences.
26/30. For example you will be asked “Tell us about a situation when you went above and beyond your manager's expectations” or “Give us an example of when you had to explain something difficult to someone who did not have your background”.
27/30. Competencies which will be tested will vary from one position to another, but are always included in the job vacancy.
Professionalism, communication; management ..
You will find many examples of questions on the site below. 👇
umid.info
Prepare them all!
Professionalism, communication; management ..
You will find many examples of questions on the site below. 👇
umid.info
Prepare them all!
28/30. Your answer should be structured as follow:
1. Description of the context.
2. The challenge you faced.
3. What was your personal action? 4. What was the result?
5. What lesson did you learn from it?
1. Description of the context.
2. The challenge you faced.
3. What was your personal action? 4. What was the result?
5. What lesson did you learn from it?
29/30. Interviews are usually in English (or French if it is in a French Peacekeeping mission). 🇫🇷
If the vacancy requires for the candidate to be fluent in a particular language you will be asked questions in this language in addition to English.
If the vacancy requires for the candidate to be fluent in a particular language you will be asked questions in this language in addition to English.
30/30. Last advice. Trust yourself!
I often repeat this but I was really not brilliant in high school. I come from Paris’ banlieues and didn't go to an Ivy league college.
Anyone can do it! 🍀
Good luck and see you soon at the @UN! 😊🇺🇳🤞
I often repeat this but I was really not brilliant in high school. I come from Paris’ banlieues and didn't go to an Ivy league college.
Anyone can do it! 🍀
Good luck and see you soon at the @UN! 😊🇺🇳🤞
https://twitter.com/ONU_France/status/1399322434894020618
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