"International is normal" UN Jobs are hard to get

BONN · It’s not easy to obtain a job at the UN. The system is highly competitive and applicants come from all over the world. An interview with employment agency staff outlines some of the ins and outs.

A career with an international organization sounds very enticing but is not so easy to come by. GA Reporter Moritz Rosenkranz spoke with Federal Employment Agency (BFIO) staff members Ditmar Königsdorf and Ralf Czadzeck. Here are some excerpts from the interview.

Mr. Czadzeck, you are working in a program for young professionals. What do I have to do to get a job with the United Nations?

Ralf Czadzeck: Firstly, it’s not a beginner job for people who have just finished university and are looking to gain some experience. It’s more geared towards young professionals who have a Master’s degree and at least two years of relevant job experience.

Ditmar Königsfeld: There is a wide spectrum of fields offered at the United Nations but they all have specific requirements or preferences. They have a high need for economic and social scientists, lawyers and those working in environmental sciences. But there is hardly an area of study which would rule out a person from having an international career. We go around to universities throughout Germany to inform students, with around 30 appointments.

Besides a degree, what else does one need to have?

Königsfeld: Formally, one needs good IT knowledge, and normally two foreign languages which are seen as tools of the trade. One has to meet challenging criteria because the system is very competitive. The competition is international. If you are applying for an internship in the Climate Secretariat in Bonn, you are competing with other students from Puerto Rico or Cambodia and top performers worldwide.

How would you characterize the young people who are successful with their applications?

Czadzeck: Many of them are open-minded about the world, and they are mobile. Some have already specialized in a certain branch, for example meteorology. All of them have had much international experience already in their younger years.

Königsfeld: International is normal. No applicants distinguish themselves with just a nationally oriented resume. Many have completed a double Master’s degree. They are highly qualified world citizens with an authentic life resume, which is also reflected in their engagement.

Where does one apply?

Königsfeld: Applications go directly to the specific organizations and it’s mostly done online. Our function is mostly as advisors. Most important is monitoring the individual websites of the organizations because they have the information that you need to follow. The application process requires much time and energy.

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