If you’re someone who follows global affairs, humanitarian issues, or international policy, then exploring UN jobs might be your next move. These roles span dozens of sectors and locations, including New York, New Jersey, and other key mission hubs. The United Nations isn’t just about diplomacy. It’s a system that manages peacekeeping operations, sustainable development projects, global health programs, and international law enforcement across continents. So whether you’re interested in remote roles, on-the-ground fieldwork, or policy advisory work, there’s something here for every career stage.
Entry-level UN jobs are especially appealing to those looking to start meaningful work right after graduation. With an emphasis on diversity and impact, roles are open across communications, legal affairs, environmental planning, IT, and administration. Thanks to platforms like Inspira, which handle the UN’s digital recruitment, it’s now easier than ever to find and apply for UN jobs online. This includes remote roles and country-specific positions like those near NYC or New Jersey. It’s a career path that lets both freshers and experts stay grounded locally while making a difference globally.
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UN Jobs | Peace, Justice, and Human Rights Careers
About the United Nations (UN)
The United Nations is a global organization made up of 193 member states, established in 1945 to promote international peace, security, cooperation, and development. Its headquarters are located in New York City, but its influence spans nearly every region in the world through specialized agencies, programs, and peacekeeping missions. It was created in the aftermath of World War II to replace the League of Nations and has since become the primary platform for dialogue on international issues.
The UN works through major institutions such as the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. It operates global initiatives in public health, climate change, refugee resettlement, disaster relief, and education. Agencies like WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, and UNHCR operate under the UN umbrella and have a significant impact on shaping global responses to both crises and long-term challenges. The UN also supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote equity, access, and global cooperation by 2030.
Types of UN Jobs
Whether you’re passionate about public health, education, refugee assistance, or international development, there are UN jobs for nearly every career path. Here’s a quick breakdown of major agencies offering regular opportunities:
- UN Secretariat
Handles core administrative and political functions of the UN, with jobs in legal affairs, security, HR, and policy research at HQ and abroad. - UNICEF
Focuses on child welfare and education; roles include program officers, field coordinators, communications staff, and policy advisors. - UNDP
Specializes in sustainable development and poverty reduction; positions range from economic analysts to environmental planners and project managers. - UNESCO
Promotes education, science, and culture globally; offers jobs for teachers, researchers, translators, and curriculum specialists. - WHO
Leads international public health efforts; hires experts in epidemiology, data science, medicine, global health policy, and field health operations. - UNHCR
Protects refugees and stateless people; positions often include legal advisors, protection officers, resettlement specialists, and emergency responders. - ILO
Deals with labor standards and social protection; jobs include policy officers, economists, labor inspectors, and employment specialists.
Salary and Benefits
UN jobs are known for competitive pay, global mobility, and extensive employee support. Whether entry level or senior, you can expect a well-rounded package.
Benefits Include:
- Health insurance coverage for you and eligible dependents
- Annual leave of 18–30 days, depending on contract
- Pension contributions under UNJSPF (United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund)
- Paid sick leave and parental leave options
- Relocation and repatriation assistance
- Hazard pay and hardship allowances (in designated duty stations)
- Tax-free salary in most countries (for international staff)
A salary depends on position, location, and grade level. Below are average monthly ranges (in USD):
- Entry-Level (P1–P2): $3,700 – $6,000/month
- Mid-Level (P3–P4): $6,500 – $11,000/month
- Senior-Level (P5+): $10,000 – $15,000+/month
- Local General Service Roles: $1,500 – $4,500/month (varies by location)
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for UN jobs depends on the agency and position level, but most roles follow standard UN recruitment policies. Here’s what candidates generally need:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., law, public health, economics, etc.)
- Fluency in English or French (UN’s working languages); knowledge of Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, or Russian is a bonus
- Relevant work experience: Entry-level (P1/P2) may require 0–3 years; mid to senior levels need 5–10+ years
Strong skills in intercultural communication, analysis, and policy writing - Nationality from a UN member state
- For some positions, a willingness to relocate to field missions or hardship areas
How to Apply for UN Jobs?
To apply for UN jobs, candidates must follow the structured online process through the UN’s official portals like Inspira. Here’s how you can get started:
- Go to the official UN Careers website.
- Once there, search for opportunities by LOCATION or EXPERTISE.
- Then, filter by agency, location (e.g., NYC, New Jersey), job level, or job family.
- Create an account and complete your candidate profile.
- Upload your CV/resume, cover letter, and supporting documents (e.g., degrees, certificates).
- Review the job-specific requirements and deadlines listed in each posting.
- Submit your application through the portal and track its progress on your account dashboard.
- Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for tests or interviews via email.
Summary
UN Jobs offer a rewarding path for individuals seeking to work on global challenges through diplomacy, health, education, and peacekeeping. With diverse agencies like UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, and more, there’s a role for nearly every background. From entry-level to professional posts, these jobs offer competitive pay, full benefits, and a chance to create an impact across borders. Follow the official application steps to get started today.