UN Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Global Roles currently lists 2,400+ open UN roles across 67 organizations, updated daily. Browse jobs by organization.
How do I apply for UN jobs?
UN jobs are posted on each organization’s official careers portal (for example UN Careers, UNDP Jobs or UNICEF Careers). On Global Roles you can search current openings across 60+ organizations in one place, then click through to apply on the employer’s official site. You usually create a profile or Personal History Profile (PHP) and submit your application before the listed deadline.
What do UN job grades (P, D, G, NO) mean?
The UN uses a standardized grading system. G (General Service) covers support and administrative staff; NO is for National Officers; P-1 to P-5 are international Professional roles, with higher numbers meaning more seniority and required experience; and D-1 and D-2 are Director-level positions. Consultancies and UN Volunteer (UNV) assignments sit outside this scale.
Are UN jobs remote or home-based?
Most UN roles are tied to a duty station, but a growing number are fully remote or home-based—especially consultancies and short-term assignments. On Global Roles you can filter specifically for remote roles, and each listing states whether the position is on-site, hybrid or home-based.
What is the difference between staff, consultant and UN Volunteer positions?
Staff positions are fixed-term or continuing employment with full UN benefits. Consultancies are time-bound contracts for specific deliverables, without staff benefits. UN Volunteer (UNV) assignments are service-based and come with a living allowance rather than a salary. Internships are short learning placements and are often unpaid.
Do I need a master’s degree to work for the UN?
Professional (P-level) roles usually require an advanced (master’s) degree, or a bachelor’s degree combined with additional years of relevant experience. General Service and many field roles require less formal education. Every listing on Global Roles shows the minimum education required for that specific role.
What languages are required for UN jobs?
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Fluency in English is required for most roles, and knowledge of another official UN language—Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish—is frequently an asset or requirement, depending on the duty station.
How long does UN recruitment take?
UN recruitment can take anywhere from several weeks to several months. The process typically includes application screening, written or technical assessments, and competency-based interviews. Always apply before the deadline shown on each listing, as late applications are not considered.
How does Global Roles aggregate UN jobs?
Global Roles continuously indexes openings from 60+ UN agencies and international organizations, normalizes them (grade, staff category, duty station and deadline), removes expired roles daily, and adds AI match scoring so you can see how your profile fits each role before you apply.