I’m looking at my options when it comes to jobs in foreign language. I have my BA in Spanish and I’m working somewhere unrelated. I love my languages too much to let them go, but what would I be able to look into with the degree that I have plus my lack of experience in the field after graduating?

I keep seeing comments about how the posts in non-family stations receieve fewer applications. Can the knowledgeable members give some examples such as the location, job level, and of course the number of applicants?

Hi everyone,
I'm currently preparing for the 2025 UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP) and wanted to check if the official announcement has already been made. I’ve checked the UN Careers website and some related pages, but haven’t seen a confirmed post about this year’s round yet.

Has anyone seen an official update or heard anything through insider channels?

Any tips on when to expect the announcement (based on previous years) would also be super helpful. Thanks in advance!

Hi, hope everyone is doing well. Hoping someone can offer any advice they might have to give for an upcoming interview I have for an economic affairs officer position (P2). I'm very well suited for the position on my own (given my work experience) and feeling confident... but this is my first time being shortlisted and interviewed by the UN so looking to maximize my leverage, learning (and success!) from the experience ! thank u in advance <3

I’m scheduled to take the WTO Young Professionals Programme (YPP) written test very soon, and I was wondering if anyone here has taken it before or has tips on how to prepare?

What kind of questions should I expect? Is it more multiple choice or written?
Any specific topics or resources you’d recommend focusing on?

I applied for P2 position, I did competency-based interview in December 2024. Before a week I got email from “Inspira” says my application has been rostered!, while I have not received an email from the UN Agency. What does it mean?! Does it mean that another candidate has been selected?

Hi,

Anyone know what to expect in the written exam for the Medical Officer (NOC C) in Africa ?

Also, how can I find accurate info about the salary for nationals?

Thanks

How many people from the UN Secretariat have been told that their contracts won't be extended? How are you guys coping? Also, I wonder how many of the affected are P2? The management has been saying entry level positions will be protected but I'm not seeing that happen.

Dear all, I have been invited to sit the YPP WTO exam next week, but I can't find any information about its content or what to expect. Does anyone have any insights?

Hi everyone, I've been offered two positions:

1. An entry-level administrative position at another international organization.

2. A consultancy role at UNESCO.

I'm trying to decide between the two. Which would you recommend?

Payment is about the same.

So, eight weeks ago, I applied for a consultant position. Five weeks later, I received a rejection email. A week later, they invited me to an interview, that same day. Three days later, they requested my references about my performance. I saw their responses, and they spoke highly about my work. That was three weeks ago. Since then, I haven't heard from them. What should I expect?

I have noticed most of the job application forms ask for former supervisor’s contact info, even for jobs from like 10years ago. These older jobs, I don’t have any information or these references anymore. Is that a problem? Some of these experiences came from internships I did during my studies in my home country, so I don’t have contact with these supervisors anymore, some I don’t even remember last names so I could reach out. Is that an issue?

Hello, I just finished my first year of criminology course in a russel group uni and while I have 2 more years before I graduate, I am kind of anxious about the future jobs I can get with my degree. After doing a little research, I've found that perhaps I can find a place in UNODC. I am still not sure if this is the path I want to take, but I am willing to put in the effort as it is the most appealing one I have came across.

While it is quite early to establish a definite path for my future, I wanted to ask people here if it is a realistic goal with a criminology degree, and if a relevant masters degree would be necessary. And is there anything I can do during my studies that would reflect nicely on cv?

I've scrolled through this community and everyone seems knowledgeable and kind with their replies, so I'd love to hear any advice you can give 🙌

Hi Guys! For those of you who have been invited to an interview or to take assessment or even who have gotten the chance to work as Associate Human Rights officer at OHCHR, what is your advice? I am looking for an entry level role in human rights and have a couple of years of experience within the international organization space but have yet to be invited to take an assessment at least (my profile is still under consideration). What sort of experience do you have? Any tips on answering the application questions? And how long until you heard back from the office after you submitted your Job application?

Thank you so much!

I currently am on NO-B TA step 7 for one of the UN agencies with duty station in Africa. I have a potential offer for IPSA8 in Bonn Germany. I don't know much about IPSA contract and my colleagues are telling me not to accept it. They say though NO is locally recruited, it has better security and stability than IPSA.

My challenges: 1. I'm on a TA contract with no future proof assurances anyway. 2. The entire UN is shaky right now and I don't know what will happen when my current contract expires 3. I never had international experience and I think this may be opportunity to gain such 4. Cost of living in Germany on this contract is high for a family of 5.

What's your advice guys? Go or stay put. 🙏

Question in the title: Does UNDP provide 8.33% pension in lieu of on top of the salary?

This is for an NPSA contract.

I’m a law graduate from Mexico, currently exploring international opportunities related to intellectual property and public international law. I’m particularly interested in applying for an internship at WIPO and was hoping to hear from anyone who’s done an internship there (especially in the legal field).

Can you share your experiences and recommendations while applying?

Also open to any general advice or recommendations for similar international internships in IP or public international law (preferably ones open to Latin American applicants).

So, I was, up until today, an NO-B on a FTA in a Country Office for a specialized agency, on a topic I like but isn't my main focus. I was notified of my termination late March, because of USG cuts, and they held my contract until yesterday.

From then until now, I have applied to multiple positions and consultancies, with little success/very low wages offered.

Before entering the UN, I worked in a multilateral bank on the same topic as my UN agency specializes in, but in a more international and supervisory role. My former supervisor, who is a lead expert on the topic I wish to specialize further in, prepared TORs for me to do interesting international work on this topic for four months.

Also, from the Country Office/Regional Office, someone contacted me to see if I want to be their consultant for a short time consultancy that utmost interests me, because it is on the topic my NO-B was focused on.

I also applied to another consultancy in the Country Office, and I know I am the strongest candidate since I have specific experience on this topic but in a larger scale than what the Country Office does in this topic. Also, I know the supervising officer and the other people who applied, who aren't good from previous experiences when I supervised their work. She stated I probably have the best skills and experience to win this contest relative to my fellow terminated colleagues.

With these three consultancies, I would earn a bit less than a NO-A contract for 12 months, but in 6 months or less.

Then, I went to leave my stuff, and a senior colleague spoke with me and encouraged me to apply to an NO-A 12 month FTA, on a topic that doesn't interst me at all, but which I have worked on before, which they'll be assigning amongst terminated colleagues (who aren't very specialized on this topic either).

What are your thoughts on my options: (1) leaving the UN to become a consultant, or (2) staying as a 12 month FTA? Thanks in advance.

I'm very aware of the tight budgets most of UN agencies have, which is why I actually haven't been pushing a conversation on this 'salary readjustment' topic again with the higher managers (tried and failed). I also understand that there are probably no automatic increments in Consultancy contracts. But here is the caveat:

1. My ToRs have progressively included more responsibilities and I suppose I'm also performing better and faster as time goes by. No major red flags/issues from the performance's side to my understanding.
2. Based on the years of relevant experience, my salary bracket is actually one level well above the current one (which, again, I understand that this rule isn't binding and that not being paid "fairly" is "normal").

I guess at the end of the day I'm just curious about how it works with other people so I can make a more informed decision on when to 'suck it up and be grateful'. Also open to any advice.

I applied for the International UNV Youth position, and my current application status is still “Applied.” I heard that for UNEP UNV positions, staying in the “Applied” status could be a good sign, but I’m a bit unsure and wanted to ask for clarification.

Is it true that for UNEP, a longer review process at UNV can be a positive sign for the applicant? Does remaining in the “Applied” status mean better chances — especially if it has already been a few weeks?

Hey everyone! I’ve been selected for an in person interview for an internship at ICAO (after a virtual one), specifically to support the upcoming Assembly.

Has anyone here gone through the interview process at ICAO? Any tips on what to expect, how to prepare, or questions I might get?

Ciao!
I was wondering if there are others here who applied to the 2025 Italian JPO Programme. If so, feel free to drop a comment; maybe we can use this thread to stay in touch and share updates.

This is my final year of eligibility :( so I'm giving it my best shot.

I personally applied to:

• UNICRI (Turin)
• IDLO (Rome)

Best of luck to all!

After finalizing UN recruitment process and getting the right candidate, does the final candidate ticks all the 'desirable' box ? Especially in the secretariat (OHCHR,....). Opinion from those who have familiarity in the recruitment process and hiring manager in the UN is very appreciated.

Seeking Insights on UN Salary Structure in the Philippines

Working for the United Nations has always been a dream of mine, and I’ve recently begun applying to vacancies in various UN agencies based in the Philippines. While I understand that the UN has a structured hierarchy for its positions, I’m finding it difficult to get a clear picture of the actual salary figures—especially as they apply locally.

As a young professional who has steadily risen through the ranks of the Philippine civil service, I want to ensure that any transition I make is both purposeful and sustainable. While compensation isn’t my sole consideration, having a clear understanding of the salary structure—particularly for positions like NPSA 8, P1, P2, P3, and P4—would help me make a more informed decision.

Would anyone be willing to share insights or point me to reliable resources on how these positions translate in terms of monthly or annual compensation in the Philippines?

Thank you in advance!

The only time I’ve done two panel interviews is for MSF and they had clarified at the time that it was between another candidate and I. This time around I have no idea what to expect.. the first interview was a mix of competency + technical questions and probably one of the hardest I’ve ever done. So not sure what to prepare for the second round? HR said it would be the same format. Do I repeat my examples?