Learn how to describe your language skills accurately when applying for United Nations jobs. Explore UN Language Framework Levels I, II and III and use official examples to assess your proficiency.
Background & Description
Language skills are important when applying for opportunities with the United Nations (UN). Applicants should describe their abilities accurately, particularly when explaining how well they can communicate in professional and international environments.
The UN Language and Communications Training Unit provides examples of oral and written communication to help people understand the skills associated with three levels: UN I – Basic, UN II – Intermediate and UN III – Advanced.
These resources are designed to help users assess their language abilities and understand the communication skills expected at different levels. The UN also emphasises that complete proficiency is not necessary to participate in work and life in an international environment.
Overview of the UN Language Framework
| UN Language Level | Description |
|---|---|
| UN I | Basic |
| UN II | Intermediate |
| UN III | Advanced |
The UN provides video, audio and written examples to demonstrate communication at these levels. These materials can help applicants understand their current abilities and describe their language skills more accurately.
The supplied source does not provide a complete formal equivalence between these levels and external language certifications. Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that a particular UN level automatically corresponds to a specific external examination score.
How to Describe Your Language Skills Accurately
1. Assess Your Speaking and Writing Abilities
Before completing an application, consider how well you can speak and write in the language you intend to list.
The UN’s examples cover both oral and written communication. Reviewing them can help you identify areas where you communicate confidently and areas where you may need further practice.
2. Use the Appropriate Proficiency Description
Use a description that reflects your actual ability. The UN Language Framework provides three reference levels: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced.
Avoid claiming advanced proficiency when your abilities are closer to the basic or intermediate level. Accurate descriptions help present your qualifications honestly.
3. Review Professional Communication Examples
Language ability includes communicating with other people in professional settings. The UN’s examples illustrate how people at different competence levels interact with proficient speakers and writers.
Reviewing these examples can help you understand what communication looks like at each level and assess where your own skills fit.
4. Remember That Full Proficiency Is Not Always Necessary
The UN resource highlights that full proficiency is not a requirement for navigating every aspect of work and life in an international environment.
However, applicants must still meet the specific language requirements stated in the vacancy announcement. The resource does not mean that every UN job accepts every proficiency level.
How to Access the Official UN Language Resources
The United Nations provides online materials for six languages:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- English
- French
- Russian
- Spanish
Applicants can explore the available language samples to learn about the communication abilities associated with UN Levels I, II and III.
Official resource: Get to Know Your UN Level
Select the language you wish to assess and review the examples provided. Use the materials as a self-assessment resource rather than assuming they replace any language examination or requirement specified in a job advertisement.
Additional Information
The UN Language and Communications Training Unit explains that the samples are intended to help staff assess their language abilities and encourage communication across different competence levels.
Applicants preparing for UN recruitment should read the language requirements in each vacancy carefully. A job may specify particular language requirements, and these should be followed regardless of the general guidance provided by the UN Language Framework page.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the UN Language Framework levels?
The resource identifies three levels: UN I – Basic, UN II – Intermediate and UN III – Advanced.
2. How can I assess my language level for a UN job application?
You can review the UN’s official video, audio and written communication samples to help assess your abilities in speaking and writing.
3. Which languages are covered by the UN resource?
The page provides language-level resources for Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
4. Does the UN require full language proficiency for every international work environment?
The resource states that full proficiency is not necessary to navigate all work and life situations in an international environment. Specific job requirements may nevertheless require a particular level of proficiency.
5. Can I use the UN levels instead of an external language test?
The supplied page does not establish that the UN levels replace external language tests or other requirements. Applicants should follow the instructions in the relevant vacancy announcement.
6. Where can I find official examples of UN language levels?
Visit the UN Language and Communications Training Unit website to access the available examples.
7. Should I exaggerate my language skills to improve my application?
No. Describe your speaking and writing abilities honestly and use the UN’s examples to help you assess your proficiency.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UN Language Framework resources can help prospective applicants understand and describe their language skills more accurately. Reviewing the official examples is a practical preparation step for candidates interested in international careers, but each applicant should still check the language requirements for the particular opportunity.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career guidance and educational resources for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the United Nations. Applicants should consult official UN resources and individual vacancy announcements for authoritative information.
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