application letter for un jobs

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Application Tips

Before starting the application, please examine the sample copy of the application document. This will give you the opportunity to collect and prepare all the information that you need before starting the online application process.

It is a good idea to plan ahead and type out some of your answers in a separate document. You can then cut and paste them into the system to minimize the chances of errors or time-outs while filling out the application.

The Personal History Form (P11)

Here are some guiding tips to help you complete a  Personal History Form (P11)  correctly:

• For all entries, clearly indicate whether the work was full-time or part-time by using percentage estimates. i.e. full-time is 100%, whereas part-time is typically around 50%.
• For consultancies, please indicate a lump sum annual amount or the daily rate.
• For non-UN positions, please enter the annual income.
• For UN positions, please indicate type of contract and salary level, i.e. P1, P2, etc.
• Clearly specify unpaid volunteer positions and internships as such.
• Kindly avoid overlapping employment periods unless followed by explanatory text.
• It is important to include a detailed description of the main responsibilities and tasks you carried out during each period of employment.

Cover letter

The "Cover letter" section in the online application offers you the opportunity to explain what has motivated you to apply for the specific position (or positions). It is also an opportunity for you to highlight what you think are your most relevant qualifications for the particular position(s) you are interested in.

Please note that you are expected to write a separate and relevant cover letter for each position for which you are applying.

For your cover letter(s), please use the language indicated beside the respective vacancy notice, which is the language of the duty station and in which a high level of competency is required. Limited language training for the selected candidate may be available, however, for some positions.

Useful Links for a succesful application

Resume (CV)

Interview Preparation

Competency-Based Interviews

UN career tips: How to write a job application for the UN or for an International organization?

by Henrik Rydén COO and Co-founder of Impactpool

To start an article with this sentence sounds like a vague click-bite, but the truth is that the Impactpool team has received several questions about how to write a good UN job application.

For many years, I have worked as a recruiter at the UN and I know what gets UN recruiters going. In a previous article,  my Impactpool colleagues wrote about common mistakes while applying , these recommendations were at a higher level. Now in this article, I will focus on your actual application and introduce you to CARI and CARL. Two widely used methods within the UN system and international organizations.

When applying to an international organization you should utilize an achievement-based CV structure . If you are seriously applying for the job, you should tailor each and every application for each specific job.

Do not use a one-CV-template-fits-all approach. For most recruiters, re-using a generic CV template is an indication that an applicant:

• is not completely convincing in her/his/their interest in the job and/or might not be understanding what the position is about;
• is not showing that s/he/they is/are prepared to walk the extra miles required; and 
• is applying for several different jobs at the same time.

When tailoring an application it helps if you understand;

• Recruitment - what is a recruiter looking for?
• The difference between Skills and Competencies.

In this article, I will teach you best practices on how you structure and write applications for jobs in the UN or in other international organizations.

In the first part, I will guide you through how UN recruiters screen your applications. But the article focuses on tips to strengthen your application and get familiarized with the CARI and CARL methods.

For more application writing tips, please download our Application writing Handbook , with tips useful for UN applications as well as applications to IFIs and NGOs. Also, read our career Coach Veronika Ambertson Q&A on Fitting experiences into a CV . I have also written an article about the T-table method that is adding an additional edge to your application.

To read this article, become a fellow now, for just $4.99/mo.

Already an impactpool fellow sign in, did you know that by becoming an impactpool fellow you get access to:, and much more.

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Online Magazine

What should i include in my un jobs cover letter.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Do you know what a cover letter is? Have you ever had to make one but didn’t know how ? Well, usually, candidates are required to submit a cover letter as part of their application to jobs within the UN System.

The main goal of the UN Jobs cover letter is to give candidates a chance to introduce themselves and explain their motivation in applying to the desired job opportunity.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of writing and structuring a UN Jobs cover letter, as it is a very important part of your application. It’s just a small sample of all the information covered by our eBook “ Landing your dream job at the United Nations “. Get a copy today !

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has  developed a comprehensive eBook, as well as support and guidance services, with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in these competitive selection processes.  These services include revising your UN Jobs application documents (Curriculum vitae/Resume, Cover Letter) and a mock interview, as per the original UN Jobs model.

We have already helped dozens of candidates become UN Professionals and we can also assist you in passing this competitive selection process!

For more info, access:

UN System Jobs: Products & Services

What is a cover letter?

As the name suggests, a cover letter serves as a “cover” for the documents you submit for a job or internship application. It should provide a summary of a candidate’s skills, professional experience, and qualifications that meet the needs of a job opening, emphasizing why the candidate should be selected.

Cover letters function as a personal marketing tool!

Typically, they are meant to “sell” the candidate by showing recruiters the qualities and skills that s/he possesses that are in line with the prospective position. This way, evaluators are able to gain a better perspective on the candidate’s attributes and their main motivation for applying.

The text should represent the candidate positively and objectively. It should be short, yet contain enough information to keep the reader interested in reading the rest of the application.

When well written, such a document immediately demonstrates the participant’s abilities in written communication and the organization of ideas, as well as their argumentative capacity.

Crafting your UN Jobs Cover Letter

In selection processes for jobs with the United Nations, the cover letter should contextualize your resume or CV and all its information in an objective fashion, highlighting the elements that are in line with your area of interest .

Its main objective is to reinforce the candidate’s positive qualities in order to arouse the evaluator’s interest and desire to know more about the individual.

Generally, in the first phase of the UN Jobs selection processes, you must fill out an online application form and upload documents (Curriculum Vitae/Resume, Cover Letter, etc.). However, some opportunities may require that candidates submit these documents by e-mail. In both cases, these documents are decisive for your success in these competitive selection processes. Therefore, it is of fundamental importance that your documents are carefully reviewed! This is exactly what our award-winning team will do for you.

At OpenIGO, we have analyzed documents from dozens of UN candidates.  This service is confidential and your files will be deleted from our systems when the service has been completed.

Would you like to know more about our application review service? Access:

UN Jobs Application Review

So, in order to write a strong UN Jobs cover letter, it is important to know what the recruiters will be looking for. Here are some of the aspects the recruiting team seeks to evaluate:

• Competencies: Competencies may be understood as the candidate’s set of knowledge, abilities, attitudes and values. It is important for the candidate to show that they have the main competencies the organization is seeking, such as Professionalism, Teamwork, and Planning & Organizing. Since the United Nations is indisputably a value-driven organization, your personal values and the manner in which they are linked to the organization’s should also be highlighted.
• Knowledge about the organization: It is expected that the candidate demonstrates knowledge about the UN fund, program or agency s/he is applying for, such as its mission, its operational approach, activities, and main objectives (knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals, for example).
• Cultural fit: Showing sound knowledge of the organization is not enough. The candidate should highlight that there is compatibility between their values, principles, objectives, and understanding of reality with those of the organization.
• Communicative capacity: The cover letter enables the recruiter to evaluate the candidate’s writing skills and their ability to structure ideas and coherently defend arguments.

When writing your cover letter, take all of the aforementioned aspects into consideration and make them evident throughout the document when expressing three main things:

• your interest in working for the organization;
• the reason you are interested in the vacancy (or in a specific field area);
• and why you are a strong candidate for the position.

Summarizing what a good UN Jobs Cover Letter is

To summarize our tips, here’s the overall content that a good UN Jobs cover letter should have:

• Introduce the candidate;
• Talk about the candidate’s motivation for applying;
• Contextualize the candidate’s Resume/CV (linking the information provided and prior experience with the working area of interest);
• Demonstrate the applicant’s knowledge of the United Nations, – mainly of the UN agency, fund or program s/he is applying to – its values, and the competencies required for the specific vacancy;
• Show the candidate’s enthusiasm, but in a professional manner;
• “Sell” the candidate;
• Be written in a formal style with no grammar mistakes.

By having access to this information and much more from our eBook, you will certainly have a head start over other candidates!

With that in mind, check out our eBook, “ Landing your dream job at the United Nations ”, which will help you land your dream job at the United Nations System. It will introduce you to the complex world of the United Nations and it will guide you through all the stages of the selection process. Access:

eBook – Landing your dream job at the United Nations

10 Steps to Navigating the United Nations Recruitment Process

Unlocking the World: A Journey to a UN Career

Mastering the Global Stage: Your Comprehensive Guide to International Careers

Elevate Your Career: The Insider's Guide to Thriving in International Organizations

Unlocking the Door to International Careers: Your Path to Success in International Organizations

Nourishing Change: Embarking on a Career with FAO

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UN Internship Cover Letter Guide With Examples

Attach your internship at UN application with a UN Internship Cover Letter to increase your chances of getting the role. Find key tips and suggestions.

Pansy Thakuria

Read more posts by this author.

Embarking on a journey with the United Nations is an opportunity to make a global impact. A UN internship can be the ideal launching pad for those aspiring to work in international relations, diplomacy, and public service. The competition, however, is intense. Crafting a well-articulated cover letter is vital to make a strong impression.

In this guide, we'll offer tailored templates, tips, and advice for drafting your UN Internship cover letter, irrespective of your experience level.

UN Internship Cover Letter Sample (With Experience)

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Today's Date]

[Recipient's Name] [Title] [United Nations Department/Agency Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Specific Internship Position] at [Specific UN Department/Agency]. With my degree in [Relevant Major/Field of Study] and my experience at [Previous Relevant Experience/Institution], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to the work of the United Nations.

While at [Previous Experience/Institution], I:

• Contributed to [specific project or task], directly impacting [specific outcome or achievement].
• Engaged in [activity], deepening my understanding of [specific global issue].
• Collaborated with diverse teams, honing my cross-cultural communication skills.

I have always been passionate about [specific global issue or UN Sustainable Development Goal]. I believe interning with [Specific UN Department/Agency] will enable me to make meaningful contributions while refining my skills and knowledge.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my background aligns with your team's objectives.

Warm regards, [Your Name]

UN Internship Cover Letter Sample (Entry-Level)

I am genuinely interested in the [Specific Internship Position] at [Specific UN Department/Agency]. As a recent graduate from [University Name] with a degree in [Relevant Major/Field of Study], I am enthusiastic about applying my academic foundation to address global challenges.

Although my professional experience is nascent, my academic pursuits have equipped me with a robust understanding of [specific global issue or UN Sustainable Development Goal]. My involvement in [university club or project] enabled me to [specific achievement or skill acquired].

I am particularly impressed with [Specific UN Department/Agency]'s work in [specific initiative or project] and am eager to contribute my skills and passion to your esteemed team.

Thank you for reviewing my application. I look forward to discussing my potential contributions to your mission.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Crafting Your UN Internship Cover Letter: Key Tips

1. Be Specific: Highlight the specific UN department or agency you are applying to and align your skills and interests with their initiatives.

2. Have a Global Perspective: Emphasize any international experiences, language proficiencies, or cross-cultural encounters you've had.

3. Be Passionate for Global Issues: Relate your passion for certain global issues, especially those pertinent to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

4. Be Concise and Clear: The UN receives numerous applications; ensure your cover letter is concise and immediately emphasizes your suitability.

5. Have a Tailored Application: Avoid generic statements. Tailor your application to the unique attributes and functions of the specific UN department or agency.

What to Include in Your UN Internship Cover Letter?

• Understanding or experience with global issues or challenges.
• Relevant academic pursuits or research.
• Any international or cross-cultural experiences.
• Language skills or proficiencies.
• How your personal values align with the UN's mission.

Bottom Line

A UN internship is a chance to engage with global challenges on an unparalleled platform. Your cover letter should reflect your knowledge of the UN's work, your passion for international issues, and your readiness to contribute.

Personalize each application, ensuring alignment with the specific UN agency or department. Using this guide, aspiring UN interns can present themselves compellingly, aligning their skills and passion with the mission of the United Nations.

This article has been written by Pansy Thakuria . She works as a Content Marketing Specialist at Vantage Lens . Her areas of interest include marketing, mental well-being, travel, and digital tech. When she’s not writing, she’s usually planning trips to remote locations and stalking animals on social media.

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Creating your Job Application / Profile

Learn how to prepare your profile and cover letter (LMS-1249).

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After you have  searched for jobs  and completed your self-assessment, you’re ready to apply! Once you begin, you can save the progress of your online application and return to it later. Please be mindful of the deadline for submitting your application and of any time zone differences. You’ll receive a confirmation email when your application is submitted. 

Creating and managing your application

For most job applications at UNICEF, you should complete and submit the following:  

• An online recruitment profile 
• A CV/resume 
• A cover letter  

Tips for your online profile

• While your online profile and profile should be comprehensive, this does not mean it should be as long as possible. Try to make it clear, succinct and targeted. 
• Group your duties into categories or areas of responsibility, rather than just a long bullet point list, which makes it reader-friendly. Review the job description and see if you can use some of the areas listed there.
• Achievements show the impact and results of your work, and what you are proud of. Please share them with us! 

Tips for your CV or resume

• Your CV is shorter than your online profile – it is a summary of your professional expertise and experience.
• Begin your CV with your key expertise in 3-4 lines. This is your opportunity to grab the hiring manager’s attention. 
• Add your relevant professional experience next, followed by your education and professional qualifications including any special training.
• Add your languages, any special IT or technical skills, and volunteer work. 
• You can also add any special experiences or interests. This can be helpful if you are starting out in your career.

Tips for your cover letter

Your cover letter is your opportunity to speak directly to the hiring manager. Personalize your cover letter but try to maintain a professional tone. You may also want to consider the following:  

• Your cover letter should be succinct and should normally not exceed 1 page. 
• Give a 2-3 paragraph overview of why you are suitable for the position based on your previous experience and demonstrate what you could contribute. 
• Include your academic qualifications, length of professional experience and knowledge of any relevant UN languages (and, if relevant, a local language).
• Finish with a strong expression of your enthusiasm and motivation for applying.
• Check for typos and grammatical accuracy. 

Practice makes perfect: Free course

UNICEF's global hub for learning and development, Agora, is a free portal offering tailored learning solutions to UNICEF staff, partners and supporters. Access our  'Preparing a Written Application'  course on the platform.