Top 13 UN Organizations to Work For In 2023
Working with the United Nations (UN) is a dream for many people due to the prestige, opportunities for travel, and contribution towards solving some of the world’s biggest problems. However, with over 30 separate agencies, organizations, and bodies, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one to apply to. In this article, we will explore the top 13 UN organizations to work for in 2023, along with information on how to apply.
UNICEF is one of the most well-known UN organizations and a top employer. They manage projects to assist children and families affected by crises and natural disasters around the world. UNICEF is a prestigious organization that creates a difference in the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable children.
Applicants should have experience in child protection, education, or nutrition, project management, logistics, partnership management, grants, finance, or human resources.
-
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
UNHCR is a top UN organization that operates in 137 countries, helping refugees and displaced persons. They are a great choice for those passionate about assisting refugees and fighting for their rights. UNHCR offers the opportunity to work on initiatives that aid refugees and travel between offices.
Applicants should have knowledge of refugees’ rights and problems, with experience in project management, security, logistics, humanitarian protection and housing, and advocacy and communications.
-
UN Relief and Work Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA)
UNRWA is a UN organization that provides aid to Palestinian refugees and advances topics concerning Palestinian communities in the Middle East. Applicants should have a thorough understanding of the history of the Palestinian situation and the difficulties refugees encounter, with over 30,000 workers, UNRWA has a wide variety of job opportunities ranging from project coordination to legal roles.
-
World Food Programme (WFP)
The WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization and serves more than 140 million people annually. WFP operates in 120 countries, often at the center of humanitarian crises, and aims to reduce food insecurity and increase access to food for those living in regions of chronic crisis or poverty.
Applicants should have experience in logistics, freight, aviation, fleet management, project coordination, food security, and livelihoods (FSL), finance, and human resources.
-
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
IOM collaborates with nations to improve the management of human migration, resettlement, protection, and direct aid to those who need it. Applicants should have a background in research, data analysis, humanitarian programming, and crisis response.
-
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO is responsible for improving global health and collaborates with countries to promote basic and secondary healthcare, fund medical research and development, and coordinate international responses to pandemics. Applicants should have a background in medicine, research, development studies, and experience in medical disciplines.
-
UN Women
UN Women is dedicated to advancing the rights and safety of women and girls worldwide, working with partner organizations in poor nations experiencing wars and humanitarian disasters. Applicants should have a love for working with disadvantaged women and girls, and experience in grant management, project monitoring, and partnership management.
-
UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
UNESCO collaborates with governments worldwide to increase the availability and standard of education, safeguarding and restoring cultural landmarks. Applicants should have formal education in education, science, or a field related to cultural preservation, with experience in grant management and research.
-
UN Development Programme (UNDP)
People from various diverse backgrounds are hired by UNESCO. You can earn a programming job at UNESCO with formal education in either education, science, or a field relating to cultural preservation. UNESCO frequently hires for roles in grant management and research.
With more than 7,000 employees and programs in 170 nations, UNDP has a significant influence on the developing world. UNDP is one of the best United Nations organizations to join if you’re interested in working together to create long-term solutions to the problems that poor nations confront. Another reason UNDP is one of the best UN organizations to work for is because it reacts to long-lasting and complicated humanitarian situations.
How to Apply at UN Development Programme (UNDP)
Apply to work with UNDP if you are interested in international development. To work at UNDP, you probably require a master’s degree in development studies and some prior experience in international development projects.
-
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is responsible for coordinating humanitarian efforts across the world. OCHA is the main entity that helps coordinate humanitarian responses to natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises. It also works closely with other UN organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the people who need it the most.
OCHA is one of the best UN organizations to work for if you want to be part of an organization that has a direct impact on the lives of people affected by crises. OCHA has a global reach and operates in some of the world’s most challenging and dangerous environments.
How to Apply at UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
If you want to work with OCHA, you should have experience in humanitarian work or crisis response. OCHA also looks for candidates with experience in project management, partnership management, logistics, and communications.
-
International Labour Organization (ILO)
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the UN that promotes social justice and promotes decent working conditions worldwide. ILO has a unique tripartite structure, which means it brings together governments, employers, and workers’ representatives to promote social dialogue and cooperation.
ILO is one of the best UN organizations to work for if you are interested in workers’ rights, social justice, and decent work. ILO operates in more than 100 countries and has a wide range of programs and initiatives that aim to improve working conditions and promote social and economic development.
How to Apply at International Labour Organization (ILO)
If you want to work with ILO, you should have a background in labor economics, industrial relations, or social policy. ILO also looks for candidates with experience in project management, partnership management, and communication.
-
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes sustainable development. UNEP works with governments, businesses, and civil society to address environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
UNEP is one of the best UN organizations to work for if you are passionate about environmental sustainability and want to make a positive impact on the world. UNEP operates in more than 150 countries and has a broad range of programs and initiatives that aim to promote sustainable development and protect the environment.
How to Apply at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
If you want to work with UNEP, you should have a background in environmental science, natural resource management, or sustainable development. UNEP also looks for candidates with experience in project management, partnership management, and communication.
-
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an independent intergovernmental organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear technology and nuclear energy. The IAEA works with governments, research institutions, and other organizations to promote nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation.
IAEA is one of the best UN organizations to work for if you are interested in nuclear science and technology and want to contribute to global peace and security. IAEA operates in more than 170 countries and has a wide range of programs and initiatives that aim to promote the peaceful use of nuclear technology and energy.
-
How to Apply at International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
If you want to work with IAEA, you should have a background in nuclear science, nuclear engineering, or related fields. IAEA also looks for candidates with experience in project management, partnership management, and communication.