Winning strategy of 3 gradual steps to get a job or a longer term contract at UN agencies
The easiest way to find a job in the UN is to come in through the back door. I give you three strategies that will get you in.
Taking into account the global economy and new standards imposed by member states, it is more and more difficult to find a contract, let alone a long term contract. So most people have to resolve to "temporary contracts on the long term". But with the current competition, even these are hard to get by these days... so I give a couple of options:
The UN agencies hire more and more consultants on a contract basis.
This may mean that they buy a consultancy engagement through procurement, but do not hire. Based on what I heard, while some consultants may also get short term contracts, others are only offered month to month assignments. There is a wide range of UN consultant contracts type. This itself deserves a dedicated article.
Just be aware that the non-staff status implies consultants have to provide a couple of things for themselves, like extra insurance. When the performance is considered satisfactory and the funding available, the non-staff can get a staff appointment.
Taking into account the global economy and new standards imposed by member states, it is more and more difficult to find a contract, let alone a long term contract. So most people have to resolve to "temporary contracts on the long term". But with the current competition, even these are hard to get by these days... so I give a couple of options:
Getting a UN experience by working for free - UNV (Online United Nations Volunteers)
Did you know it ? the UN agencies offer, on a regular basis, the possibility for people to telework on a specific project. Although this is unpaid work, teleworking allows you to set up your own working pace toward the deadline. Ideal for those who wish for a smooth transition from their previous job. This can then account for a first experience working for the UN as they like to require in almost all UN job ads. In these particular assignments, people with a specific skill can make a difference: I recently came across a volunteering job advertisement where UNV was looking for someome able to translate from English to Burmese !Start working as an Intern in the UN
I recently saw an interns demonstration in front of the Palais des Nations: they were requesting to be paid for their work. Well, be informed that the UN does not pay you for interning. Getting the great UN name on one's resume being the ultimate grail....Turn your internship into a job
Like in any job, interns should do their job well, but also try to exceed the job expectations, and identify future needs (in other teams that may be getting more funding if yours does not) and people able to grant them a contract in the future. Even if you can only afford to stay in Geneva for 3 months, you can still leverage that opportunity. Remember that first experience can land you a job eventually. I have seen several interns ending up getting consultant contracts.Getting experience in the field
As we all know, most United Nations actions are directed towards countries where action takes place and experience is needed and built in the field. In emergency situations, surge capacity is needed to bring an appropriate response to the crises. This is a period when, if you follow the news, you will multiply your chances of getting hired at the UN if you are not afraid of getting your hands dirty.
Turn your field experience into a UN Employment
By the way, many qualified officers from developing countries have gotten that hands-on experience as a stepping stone to be hired for longer term UN employment later in office senior positions.
From consultant contract to UN employee status
The UN agencies hire more and more consultants on a contract basis.
This may mean that they buy a consultancy engagement through procurement, but do not hire. Based on what I heard, while some consultants may also get short term contracts, others are only offered month to month assignments. There is a wide range of UN consultant contracts type. This itself deserves a dedicated article.
Just be aware that the non-staff status implies consultants have to provide a couple of things for themselves, like extra insurance. When the performance is considered satisfactory and the funding available, the non-staff can get a staff appointment.
0 comments:
Post a Comment