Since its founding in 1945, the United Nations (UN) has stood as the world’s most prominent multilateral organisation, uniting 193 member states in a shared mission to promote peace, foster international cooperation, and champion the dignity of every human being. Emerging from the ashes of World War II, the organisation was conceived as a platform where nations could dialogue, negotiate, and collaborate to prevent the horrors of global conflict from ever recurring.
The UN’s goals are far-reaching yet interconnected. At its core, the UN seeks to maintain international peace and security, promote sustainable development, uphold international law and human rights, deliver humanitarian aid in crises, and foster social and economic progress across nations.
Through specialised agencies such as UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, and UNHCR, the organisation’s footprint touches the lives of millions daily—whether through food assistance, disaster relief, education programs, or advocacy for gender equality and the rights of marginalised groups.
But beyond its work on the global stage, the UN is also a workplace—one that draws individuals passionate about contributing to a better world. Securing a role at the UN, however, is no ordinary job hunt. It demands not only stellar qualifications but also a strategic and insightful approach to stand out in a highly competitive pool of applicants.
Today, we bring you current vacancies at the United Nations (UN):
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Human Resources Management
Coordinates actions with respect to transactions related to the administration of the Office’s human resource activities, e.g., recruitment, placement, relocation, performance appraisal, job classification reviews, separation of staff members, training, etc., ensuring consistency in the application of UN rules and procedures.
Liaises with the relevant administrative and human resources offices as required.
Provides advice and answers queries on classification procedures and processes.
Provides information and advice to staff/consultants with respect to conditions of service, duties and responsibilities, privileges and entitlements under the Staff Rules and Regulations.
Monitors the office’s staffing tables for a variety of human resource activities, e.g., appointments, retirements, expiration of appointments, reassignments, transfers, and movement of staff.
Budget and Finance – Provides assistance and coordination in the preparation and development of the office’s work plan and budget.
Legal Intern
Qualifications:
Either (a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required.
Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. program or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. program. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
Responsibilities:
Assist the Head of the Unit in carrying out legal research and other legal related functions on assigned issues, using existing legal files and alternative sources;
Assist with docketing of incoming requests for legal support, and ensuring that all related correspondence and documentation are appropriately filled, registered and followed up
Assist in the maintenance of the Legal Unit Case Management System (CMS) for tracking and trend analysis; generate a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports;
Consultant – Expert on Visual Communication Design
Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Support the visibility and dissemination of products and initiatives of the Global Programme on Cybercrime, including generating communication products on the Internet (website) as well as through traditional media and social networks for the benefit of UNODC’s stakeholders.
Support the execution of the communication strategy of the Global Programme on Cybercrime.
Develop communication and visual products for the projects under implementation, including products for beneficiaries of the Global Programme on Cybercrime.
Contribute to the content edition, production, and postproduction of communication products generated to comply with the institutional graphic line and the communication guides of donors.
Development Coordination Officer, Economist
Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Plans, facilitates and consolidates evidence-based analysis of the status of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Advocates and supports RC’s and UNCT’s advocacy efforts for the creation of strong partnerships within the UN System, with national counterparts in government and other relevant partners
Coordinates the development by the UNCT of a new generation of an integrated SDG programming cycle
STAFF ASSISTANT
Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Provides direct administrative support to the Deputy Director in the performance
Maintains liaison with the DPPA-DPO Executive Office and other relevant units regarding ongoing programs and other administrative matters; monitors processes and schedules related to the team’s outputs, products, and tasks.
Ensures smooth and efficient information flow within and outside the team; maintains calendar/schedules; prepares and processes documents for submission; assists in the development of office administrative systems and procedures.
Senior Documents Management Assistant
Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree with information/document management workflow processes, either in the UN system or from international organisations, is an advantage.
Responsibilities:
Planning and quality assurance
Analyzes the annual Commission’s documentation and publications forecast with relevant Divisional focal points and team components, making clear reference to the approved annual budget, funding sources and plan production of the same while agreeing on achievable time frames.
Reviews and approves requests for documentation and publication services from ECA Division/SROs in accordance with the UN documentation rules, policies and regulations.
PUBLIC INFORMATION ASSISTANT
Qualifications:
A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in public communication, international broadcasting, or a related area is required.
The minimum number of years of relevant experience is reduced by two (2) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree.
Experience working in communications about environmental issues, especially biodiversity, is desirable.
Experience of working in a communications team in the United Nations system or an international organisation is desirable. Administrative experience in a communications team is desirable
Responsibilities:
Assist in the coordination of planning and implementing IPBES communications activities, and related administrative tasks
Handles administrative coordination, including through data processing in the Enterprise-Resource-Planning (ERP) system, in support of communications team work, recruitment, procurement, special training and other programmes
Provide specialized assistance in the production and delivery of information communications products and services.
Pro Tip:
What separates strong applicants is their ability to weave in the UN’s specific mandate in the country or thematic area where the job is based. For instance, if you’re applying for a role in the organisations’s office in Sudan, reference the UN’s humanitarian or development priorities there in your motivation letter. Show that you understand the context and the unique challenges the office is addressing—not just the generic global mission.
Note: The deadlines for these jobs vary. Apply Now.
Working for the United Nations is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to be part of a global movement toward peace, equality, and sustainable progress. Yes, the path to a career in this esteemed organisation, can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, insight, and perseverance, it’s entirely within your reach.
The above is not an exhaustive list of jobs available. Research current openings, tailor your application to reflect not just your skills but your alignment with the UN’s mission.
Check out the latest openings at UN’s official career page, careers.un.org or the specific agencies you’re passionate about—and start positioning yourself today!