This article provides an overview of UN offices, their key areas of work, and how to find job opportunities within the UN system.

The United Nations and Its Structure

The United Nations (UN) is the largest international organization, comprising multiple specialized agencies and departments across various fields. Getting a job in these organizations remains prestigious and highly competitive. In addition to having strong academic qualifications and relevant work experience, candidates must align with the UN’s mission and values and demonstrate their ability to contribute meaningfully to their chosen field.

For many diplomats and specialized professionals, securing a role in the UN marks a major career milestone.

Key UN Offices and Their Areas of Work

🔹 New York – The main UN Headquarters, home to the General Assembly and Security Council sessions. Also hosts UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), which focuses on poverty reduction and sustainable development.

🔹 Geneva – The UN’s European headquarters, hosting agencies such as:

  • UNCTAD (Trade and Development)
  • OCHA (Humanitarian Coordination)
  • UNECE (Economic Commission for Europe)
  • WHO (World Health Organization)
  • WIPO (Intellectual Property)
  • ILO (International Labour Organization)

🔹 Rome – Headquarters of FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), which tackles food security and hunger.

🔹 Vienna – The third-largest UN hub, home to:

  • IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)
  • UNIDO (Industrial Development Organization)
  • UNODC (Office on Drugs and Crime)
  • UNOOSA (Office for Outer Space Affairs)

How to Find UN Job Vacancies?

The UN has an internal recruitment platform called Inspira, where job postings from various UN agencies are listed.

UN Agencies with Career Portals:

🔹 UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
🔹 UNCTAD – United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
🔹 OCHA – Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
🔹 WIPO – World Intellectual Property Organization
🔹 FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization
🔹 UNOOSA – United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
🔹 UNIDO – United Nations Industrial Development Organization
🔹 IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency

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