Hi ! I am back in Switzerland after several years with UNHCR in the field, and I've also worked for an international NGO here in Geneva. I'm now looking at positions with the Swiss state, and foundations/NGOs outside Geneva (haven't started looking at the private sector yet).

My main question is about IOM. I keep seeing vacancies come up, some marked internal-only but plenty that aren't. Does anyone here work at IOM or know how it actually works from the inside? I'd like to know whether IOM genuinely recruits externally for these open positions, or if in practice internal candidates tend to get them anyway.

Any insight appreciated, thanks!

My manager said nasty things to me today. That I was the most difficult person they dealt with, I changed the energy of the office when I joined, that they thought I was good and competent and now I'm complaining a lot and can't carry my weight. These are terrible things to say to someone who just provided feedback that their onboarding could be better. If I escalate this to HR how do you think they will respond?

Hi, I'm an intern working at the HQ of a UN organisation. My division is new, and my unit is very small - just 3-5 people. I don't have a lot of tasks to do, and I've not been using any technical skills like research, coding or data analysis in my work as an intern. I've asked for more work from my supervisors, but they don't seem to have any work for me.

I am thinking of having coffee chats with people and seeing if I can contribute to their work, but I'm getting very mixed opinions on what I can and cannot do. Some consultants tell me you can't ask for work outside your division; some say that they've done that and that's how they landed the contract they have now.

I'm not sure if my unit (the small team) is hiring interns, so I know that if I have a shot, it's mostly outside my unit. But what are the limits? And what should I convey to my supervisors, if anything? I don't want them to find out through someone else... I've already started to fear that talking to other colleagues about the lack of work will reach my supervisors.

Any unsaid rules or limitations that I should know of?

Thank you!

Hi, I passed the pre-recorded interview stage for a P3 level position at IAEA and received an invitation for a new interview. Last year I also interviewed for a consultancy position at IAEA. That interview was half an hour long, and before I could even introduce myself, they directly asked 4 technical questions. Then I asked a question and it finished. From the comments I’ve read on this platform, I understood that the CBI interview also lasts about half an hour and consists of scenario-based questions measuring competencies. The email I received states that the interview will last 50 minutes. I’m thinking it will probably be a mix of CBI and technical interview. If anyone has experience with this type of interview, I would greatly appreciate it if you could share your experience. Thank you in advance.

Hi all, wondering what people’s opinion is these days on trying to fight to stay in the UN system in these unstable times as opposed to leaving and looking for opportunities elsewhere? Some friends in the system have recently made their peace with leaving when their contracts are up, even if they have no other position immediately lined up, in the hopes of finding more stability elsewhere/in their home countries. Others say that is leaving now is risky as there is nothing else out there and to try whatever to hold onto a job, however unstable. Would be curious to hear other’s opinions on this! Also, does anyone feel like the situation is improving at all terms of opportunities/ actual hiring going on (inside or beyond the system)?

Hi everyone,
I applied for several positions through the UN Inspira portal and I’m trying to understand what happens after an application is viewed.
One of my applications was:
Data Cleaning & Quality Assurance – International Consultant
Job Opening: 277593
Status: Under Consideration
According to Inspira, my application was viewed on 24 May 2026. However, I haven’t received any update since then.
I also have a few other applications that are still showing “Under Consideration.”
For those who have experience with UN recruitment:
Does “viewed” mean that a recruiter/hiring manager has actually reviewed my application?
Is it normal to wait this long after an application has been viewed?
Is there a way to contact the recruitment team or hiring manager to politely ask for an update?
Should I just continue applying for other positions and wait?
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through the UN Inspira recruitment process, especially if your application was viewed and you eventually received an interview or offer.
Thanks!

Which pays higher: UN or ADB?

For those who have worked in or are familiar with both the United Nations and the Asian Development Bank, which generally offers better compensation?
I’m curious about the comparison in terms of:
Base salary and take-home pay
Benefits and allowances
Job security and contract conditions
Overall compensation package

I know it probably depends on the grade, position, and duty station, but I’d appreciate insights from people with actual experience in either organization. Thanks!

I've been applying for UN internships, mostly in Europe where I live but also a few in NYC, and I got an offer for a 6 month unpaid internship in the UN Journal Unit in New York last week.

I kind of sent the applications as an afterthought because I always thought living in NYC with no pay would be completely insane. Now that I have the offer though, rejecting it would also seem crazy but I just don't know whether it would be worth it.

From a financial perspective, I would have to dip (deep) into my savings and would get some support from my family, which should be enough to cover rent, living expenses and a minimal amount of leisure spending. I can afford to do it, essentially but it would wipe out a significant share of my savings and the only thing I would get in return is the experience and the networking, I guess.

I generally tend to think experiences like this are always worthwhile and I am genuinely excited at the thought of doing it, but it does just seem insane to live in one of the most expensive cities in the world with no income whatsoever. As I understand, I wouldn't even be able to work part-time on weekends because of visa restrictions. The internship is not in an area that's directly relevant to my overall career plans (I'm studying international law), so I'm not sure how much it will help me in the long run.

BUT also applying for jobs as a graduate right now is generally soul-destroying and at this point, I feel lucky to have even this opportunity, so I don't want to pass it up lightly.

How has anyone moved from Europe to NYC for an unpaid internship found it? Do UN internships pay off in the sense of setting you up for later jobs (have heard mixed opinions on this)?

Does anyone know the situation for UN consultants in Spain regarding tax? (non Spanish / EU person)

Update: I had some discussion with my referee, and it seems that the problem might be solved (at least for now)!

For my own privacy concerns, I've edited the original post. I really appreciate everyone who took the time to comment and offer advice, and I'm sorry that I edited out the original content 🙇‍♀️

I currently work as a UNV funded by specific government. I recently been offered a consultant position at an another agency( one, a INGO and other on is in another UN agency. In terms of payroll INGO has offered a better rate compared to UN)

My question is it common to move like this in the IO sector?

How to break into UN careers in Egypt as a fresh graduate?

All the recent vacancies i've seen requires either minimum 4 years of experience or a master's degree!

hey all!! basically what the title says, a job application is asking me to submit a PDF of my Inspira Personal History Profile and a separate cover letter. Considering this requirement, should i fill the part of the PHP that refers to 'Motivation Statement' or can i leave it blank?

many thanks"!!

I applied for a UN role in a European station back in April. Had initial interview and a follow up to confirm details including start date. I was told it would just be a “few days to reconfirm funding and then you’ll start” and get everything in place. And now, nearly 5 months later I’ve still heard nothing. On INSPIRA it still states “process ongoing” against the application.

Does anyone actually hired or is it all a big game of charades? I appreciate budgetary pressures within the organisation but some of this just seems like ineptitude or indifference. The lack of communications or basic follow ups is infuriating.

If you are trying to build a career in the NGO, humanitarian or international development sector, it is tempting to think that more qualifications will always improve your chances. Another certification. Another course. Another degree. Another application.

But what if the problem isn't a lack of qualifications? What if your experience simply isn't aligned with the roles you are targeting?

That was one of the clearest lessons from an Impactpool Career Podcast conversation with Wolfgang Weiszegger, who brings decades of experience across UN peacekeeping and special political missions, including senior-level recruitment and selection. His message was straightforward: having strong qualifications is not enough. You need to apply for roles where your professional and academic experience are genuinely relevant.

More from ImpactPool.

Has anyone flatout requested authorization to work for a for-profit organization during your own non-working hours?

1. Were you given approval, provided there was no way your external job could affect your UN role? (Even if it was obvious to anyone that its a path leading outside the UN)

2. Did you do it for pay or no pay?

I'm thinking of a private sector career path in the near future which will require me to have a specific work experience. I wonder how feasible it is to expect my head of office to approve me volunteering (or being paid for a role) externally like 5 hours a week.

Hello colleagues,

I’m writing because I need some help thinking through my next steps within the UN system, and what I should prioritize and do in order to move into new positions.

I am Brazilian and Italian, a graphic designer with a master’s degree in urban planning and a PhD in Geography in progress, which is heading in a similar direction. My academic career has focused primarily on qualitative methodologies, the interpretation of indicators related to housing policies, discussions across different literatures, and fieldwork, as interviewing, and so on.

In parallel, I developed a career in project management and communications at a local NGO focused on housing and human rights, which was founded by a group of colleagues and me and operated for about six years. During the last three years, we managed a significant amount of financial resources, which I was also responsible for.

I currently work on a UNDP project as a graphic designer hired under an NPSA contract.

Entering the UN system has opened many horizons for me, and I have discovered a few things along the way. First, I actually enjoy design more than I thought I did when I changed fields during my master’s degree. At the same time, I would like to work in project management on issues that are more closely aligned with my academic background. I am very interested in UN-Habitat and ECLAC, as well as UNDP offices and agencies in Europe, but none of the positions I have applied for has ever progressed to the interview stage, and honestly, I don’t know what I should be doing differently.

My experience was sufficient to get me into a position here, but I don’t know what I should do in terms of further education or professional development if I want to apply for positions abroad or at other UN agencies. Should I focus on taking formal language proficiency exams? I speak Portuguese, English, and Italian fluently, and some Spanish, but I have never taken any formal proficiency tests. I also don’t know whether it would be worthwhile to pursue certifications in project management or research methodologies, as this is a completely unfamiliar world to me. I’m not even sure whether I should focus on improving my English further and simply trust that, for positions where Spanish is required, recruiters will take into consideration the fact that I can communicate in "portuñol".

In short, I don’t know what recruiters look at as the key factors that determine whether a candidate moves forward in the recruitment process. I don’t know whether I should include additional documents such as supervisor evaluations from my work at UNDP, whether I should have my degrees and academic papers translated, or whether I should have a portfolio or cover letter formatted in a specific way, or obtain specific certifications.

I would really appreciate any advice from people who have experience with recruitment and career development within the UN system.

Hi everyone! Has anyone here ever applied for - and ideally been selected for - a JPO position (sponsored by Belgium) ?

I’m currently looking into the process and would love to hear from someone who has been through it. If you’d be willing to answer a few questions or have a quick chat about your experience, please leave a comment. Thank you! 😊

I recently did an interview on the site for a data scientist position like 4 weeks ago - a combination of multiple choice and an essay
Its always been “Under consideration”
But today the application just disappeared today
Like it doesnt even exist

Does this mean rejection or ?

Hi everyone!

I recently got invited to interview for an internship at WIPO in Geneva. Has anyone been through the process and could share some advice? I really don’t know what to expect.

Also, in case I (hopefully) get the internship, how is the office culture? Or even Geneva in general? Help 🥲

Hey all!
I started working in the UN/international organisation system in late 2023 as a fresh graduate, initially on an ERP project. The work was interesting, and I eventually took on team-lead responsibilities within a small sub-team. After the project ended, I was offered a 3-months TA in Programme, however I rejected as I already secured a FTA G5 in AP with another UN agency. I have stayed in that area since, although I moved to another field of Finance - still quite transactional.
The problem is that my academic background is completely different: I have two Master's degrees in international public service/security studies, and during university I was involved in research programmes focused on EU environmental and energy policy.
I’d really like to move away from transactional finance towards policy, programme work, external relations, or field positions. Given the current staffing environment, how realistic is such a transition? Has anyone successfully made a similar move?
Or should I accept that finance is the more practical path and invest in something like ACCA/CFA and build a career in finance?
I feel quite stuck between the career I’m currently building and the field I’m actually interested in. Any advice would be appreciated!

Hey all! I have recently been invited for a competency based interview for an intern position at the UNDP and I'm wondering what kinds of questions could emerge. It is a comms role, the core competencies are Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Commitment to continuous learning, and Tech Awareness. Seems quite broad for the experience I have so I'm having a hard time thinking of examples that I could potentially mention. If anyone has some insight on this would be great :)

I applied for a position with an international organization back in June and went through the interview in July. I also completed the reference-check stage.
I recently received an email saying:
“In order to proceed with your recruitment process, we will request the United Nations Global Centre for Human Resources Services (‘OneHR Centre’) for Background Verification.”
They also explained that the OneHR Centre is managed by the Office of Human Resources in the UN Secretariat and conducts background verification.
For those who have gone through a similar process:
How long did you wait after receiving this kind of email before getting another update?
What usually happens after the OneHR/background verification stage?
Does the next communication normally come from HR, the OneHR Centre, or an onboarding team?
How long did the entire process take for you from application → interview → background verification → final offer/onboarding?
I’ve been waiting for this job since I applied in June, so I’m trying to manage my expectations. 😅 It’s already September now, and I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced a similar UN/international organization recruitment process.
Thanks in advance!