Learn how to assess required and desirable criteria when applying for United Nations jobs. Discover how to match your qualifications, experience, language skills and competencies to suitable UN vacancies.
Background & Job Description
Applying for United Nations jobs requires more than submitting a CV and cover letter. Candidates must carefully review each vacancy’s eligibility requirements, qualifications, work experience, language requirements and competencies before applying.
According to the UN Inspira Applicant Guide, applicants are encouraged to apply for vacancies where they meet the required criteria and can demonstrate the specified competencies. Understanding the difference between required and desirable qualifications can help candidates target appropriate opportunities and prepare stronger applications.
Understanding Required and Desirable Criteria
Required Criteria
Required criteria are mandatory conditions for consideration. They may include a particular degree, a minimum amount of professional experience, proficiency in specific languages or other requirements stated in the vacancy announcement.
Before applying, check whether you meet every relevant requirement. The UN may screen applications automatically or through manual review, depending on the recruitment process.
Desirable Criteria
Desirable criteria describe additional qualifications, experience or skills that strengthen an application but are not automatically mandatory.
However, the UN Applicant Guide notes that some or all desirable criteria may be necessary for candidates to be shortlisted. Applicants should therefore consider these requirements carefully rather than ignoring them.
Tasks: How to Identify Suitable UN Vacancies
Candidates can improve their job search by taking the following steps.
1. Review the vacancy announcement carefully. Identify the required academic qualifications, professional experience, language proficiency and competencies before starting an application.
2. Compare the requirements with your profile. Assess your qualifications, employment history, relevant training and demonstrated skills against the vacancy criteria.
3. Prioritise vacancies where you meet the mandatory requirements. Focus your efforts on opportunities that align with your education, experience and professional background.
4. Address desirable criteria honestly. Where you have additional relevant experience, certifications or technical skills, explain how they strengthen your suitability for the position.
5. Provide evidence in your application. Describe relevant duties, responsibilities and achievements instead of relying on general statements about your abilities.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Education and Certification
UN applications may require details of university degrees, high school qualifications, certificates and other relevant training. Applicants should enter their qualifications accurately and provide supporting documents when requested.
The UN may assess the recognition and equivalency of academic qualifications. If an institution or degree is not available in the application database, the Applicant Guide advises candidates to verify the institution’s accreditation and use the alternative entry option provided in the system.
Work Experience
Include relevant employment history and describe your responsibilities clearly. Where applicable, explain managerial duties, the number and type of employees supervised, and the professional skills developed in previous roles.
The UN may contact employers and professional references to verify employment records and assess suitability. References should therefore be appropriate and able to speak about your professional capabilities.
Language Skills and Competencies
Candidates must indicate their proficiency in the languages specified in the vacancy announcement. The guide explains that applicants who do not indicate proficiency in required languages may not be considered.
Pay particular attention to the competencies listed in the vacancy. These may be assessed through interviews, written exercises, presentations, technical tests or other evaluation methods.
Prepare specific examples that demonstrate how you have applied the relevant competencies in your studies or professional experience.
Additional Information
Applications for UN Secretariat positions are submitted through the Inspira talent management platform. Candidates can find opportunities through the United Nations Careers Portal and must create an Inspira account to submit applications if they do not already have one.
After identifying a suitable vacancy, candidates should complete the required profile fields, answer job-specific questions, upload requested documents and review their information before submitting.
The UN Applicant Guide also warns that submitted applications generally cannot be edited. Applicants should therefore check all information carefully before final submission and ensure that they meet the closing deadline.
Official resource: United Nations Careers Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are required criteria in UN job applications?
Required criteria are mandatory conditions stated in a vacancy announcement. They may cover education, work experience, language skills and other job-specific requirements.
2. What does desirable criteria mean in UN recruitment?
Desirable criteria are additional qualifications or skills that can strengthen an application. Although they are not automatically mandatory, some or all may be important for shortlisting.
3. Should I apply if I meet the required criteria but not all the desirable criteria?
The UN Applicant Guide encourages candidates to apply when they meet the required criteria and can demonstrate the specified competencies. However, review the desirable criteria carefully because they may influence shortlisting decisions.
4. How can I determine whether I qualify for a UN vacancy?
Compare your education, experience, language proficiency and competencies against the requirements listed in the official vacancy announcement.
5. How do I apply for United Nations jobs?
Search the UN Careers Portal, open the relevant vacancy and follow the instructions to apply through Inspira.
6. What happens after submitting a UN application?
Applications may undergo automatic screening and manual review. Shortlisted candidates may then be invited to assessments, interviews or other evaluation activities.
7. Can I edit my application after submitting it?
The UN Applicant Guide states that submitted applications generally cannot be changed. Candidates should carefully review all information before final submission.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
Understanding required and desirable criteria can help jobseekers make more informed decisions when targeting United Nations vacancies. Prioritising roles that match your qualifications and experience, providing evidence of relevant competencies and completing applications accurately can help you prepare more effectively for the recruitment process.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed provides career information for educational purposes and is not affiliated with the United Nations. Applicants should consult the official vacancy announcement and UN Careers Portal for the latest requirements and application instructions.
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