How to kickstart your career at the United Nations (UN)? from Udemy

I am excited that you are interested in working at the United Nations.

We, the designers of this course, have +60 years of collective recruiting and work experience at the United Nations (UN), in Bilateral organizations, NGOs, Impact businesses, etc. And we know how rewarding it is to know that every day of work contributes positively to society, the environment, and social issues.

We use the Impact sector as a collective term for different types of organizations/entities/companies that share the goal of making the world better. This includes Multilaterals, Development Banks, Non-Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Humanitarian Organizations, Social Enterprises, Impact businesses, and more.

This course will lead you closer to launching a meaningful career and landing your dream job. The team behind the course has succeeded in taking the same career journey you intend to take now, and during the course, we will share our most invaluable insights.

The course helps you better understand how to start your career in the sector

You will leave this course having the tools to build your personal job search strategy. You will better understand what jobs are for you and what jobs are not.

The job search strategy is designed to touch on both more significant personal questions and more minor process-linked questions:

How does the Impact career landscape look like? Where do you fit?
How to build your job search strategy? What questions to ask yourself to understand where you best fit?
What are quotas, and how may quotas affect me? We introduce you to the world of quotas, a world that will help you target the best possible organizations,
How to submit the perfect application, and what do the recruiters look for?

Bonus at the end of the course: Access to over 2000+ career resources on the Impactpool website

We will share concrete, honest advice on how you should approach your next career move strategically—from choosing the right jobs to apply for to positioning yourself in the best possible way for growth and advancement.

Welcome to a course designed by the team behind Impactpool.

Ps: There may be other competing courses that also "teach" you how to land a UN job, but as far as I have seen, none of them is designed by teachers who have worked at the UN on a staff contract. Ds.

Yours sincerely,

Henrik Ryden

COO and Co-Founder of Impactpool

What's inside

Learning objectives

Do you have access to experienced recruiters at the united nation ? if not, take this course to learn from former un recruiters how you land your dream job.
Do you have a job search strategy for the impact sector? if not, learn how to create one and how to know what jobs to apply for and what jobs to stay away from?
Do you have a clear picture of the career landscape of the impact sector? if not, learn what different organizations and companies that forms the impact sector.
Do you know how quotas impacts recruitment? if not, at the un quotas can have a major impact on your success. we open up your eyes to the world of quotas.

Do you know how the un determines your eligibility? if not, learn how to self-assess your eligibility and identify areas to improve to increase your chances
Do you how to read a un job description (jd). if not, learn how un jds are structured and where to find the secrete areas to highlight in your application.
Do you know how to write a un job application? if not, we teach you how to know what to prioritise and how to best structure your cv.
Do you know what jobs to invest time to apply for and what to not? if not, we provide do’s and don’ts that will help you to be more focused in your applications

Do you have access to experienced recruiters at the united nation ? if not, take this course to learn from former un recruiters how you land your dream job.
Do you have a job search strategy for the impact sector? if not, learn how to create one and how to know what jobs to apply for and what jobs to stay away from?
Do you have a clear picture of the career landscape of the impact sector? if not, learn what different organizations and companies that forms the impact sector.
Do you know how quotas impacts recruitment? if not, at the un quotas can have a major impact on your success. we open up your eyes to the world of quotas.
Do you know how the un determines your eligibility? if not, learn how to self-assess your eligibility and identify areas to improve to increase your chances
Do you how to read a un job description (jd). if not, learn how un jds are structured and where to find the secrete areas to highlight in your application.
Do you know how to write a un job application? if not, we teach you how to know what to prioritise and how to best structure your cv.
Do you know what jobs to invest time to apply for and what to not? if not, we provide do’s and don’ts that will help you to be more focused in your applications

Syllabus

Welcome remarks

Welcome

Navigate through the grade jungle

Career Grade Levels

Take-aways from this video:

- Always customize your application - it's worth more spending extra time on a few applications, than sending out lots of generic ones.
- Don't attempt to customize towards the entire vacancy announcement.
- Parts of a UN vacancy announcement (job ad) - and how to use them

Include Fellowship Code for 3 months etc.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Designed by individuals with extensive experience in UN recruiting, which provides learners with insights directly from those familiar with the hiring process

Explores quotas and their impact on recruitment, which is valuable for learners seeking to understand the nuances of UN hiring practices

Provides access to over 2000 career resources on the Impactpool website, which gives learners a wealth of information to support their job search

Teaches how to self-assess eligibility for UN positions, which empowers learners to identify areas for improvement and increase their chances of success

Focuses on application writing, which helps learners prioritize information and structure their CVs effectively for UN job applications

Requires learners to customize their applications, which may demand extra time and effort to tailor each application to specific vacancy announcements

Reviews summary

Kickstart your un career application

According to students, this course offers invaluable insider insights from former UN recruiters, proving highly practical for navigating the complex UN hiring system. Learners found the guidance on tailoring applications, understanding UN job descriptions, and grasping the impact of quotas particularly useful. Many reviewers felt the course effectively demystifies the process and provides a solid foundation for aspiring UN professionals. While some found parts high-level or wished for more specific examples and depth on certain strategies, the consensus is it provides actionable advice and is essential for those serious about starting a UN career.

Includes access to additional career resources.

"The bonus resources link was a nice touch, though."

Demystifies the complex UN hiring system, including quotas.

"It completely demystified the process for me..."

"The information on quotas was fascinating and something I hadn't fully grasped before."

"The modules on grades, contracts, and quotas are crucial for understanding the system."

"Helped me understand the UN system better..."

Provides actionable advice on tailoring applications.

"provided practical, actionable steps."

"covers the key aspects of applying to the UN very well, particularly the application writing and understanding job descriptions."

"The application advice is practical and easy to follow."

"tailoring my application based on their advice made a huge difference."

Offers unique perspectives from former UN recruiters.

"The insights from professionals who have actually worked within the UN recruitment system were invaluable."

"The instructors clearly know their stuff."

"The focus on the recruiter's perspective is unique and invaluable."

"The insights from former recruiters are the highlight."

Provides a solid start, but some wished for more detailed content.

"While I found it useful, I was hoping for more specific examples of successful applications or interview preparation tips."

"The course provides useful information, but it felt a bit high-level."

"lacked the detailed, step-by-step guidance I expected."

"As someone with some prior experience, I found parts repetitive, but it's excellent for beginners."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to kickstart your career at the United Nations (UN)? with these activities:

Review UN Structure and Mandates

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of the UN's organizational structure and core mandates to better tailor your applications.

Browse courses on United Nations

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Explore the UN website to understand its various agencies and departments.
Review the UN Charter and key resolutions related to your areas of interest.
Identify the specific mandates of different UN organizations.

Review 'The UN: A Very Short Introduction'

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Gain a foundational understanding of the UN's history, structure, and functions.

View Pax Transatlantica: America and Europe in the... on Amazon

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Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to the UN's structure and key agencies.
Take notes on key concepts and historical events.
Reflect on how the information relates to your career aspirations.

Compile a List of Relevant UN Agencies

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Create a targeted list of UN agencies aligned with your skills and interests to focus your job search.

Show steps

Research different UN agencies and their mandates.
Identify agencies that align with your skills and career goals.
Compile a list with agency names, websites, and a brief description of their work.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Practice UN Job Application Reviews

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Refine your application writing skills by reviewing and providing feedback on other students' UN job applications.

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Partner with another student in the course.
Exchange draft UN job applications.
Provide constructive feedback based on the course materials.

Review 'Global Governance: A Very Short Introduction'

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Understand the broader context of global governance and the UN's role in it.

View Local Production Systems in Europe: Rise or... on Amazon

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Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to international organizations and global challenges.
Take notes on key concepts and debates in global governance.
Reflect on how the information relates to your career aspirations at the UN.

Create a LinkedIn Article on a UN-related Topic

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Showcase your knowledge and passion for the UN by writing and publishing an article on LinkedIn.

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Choose a relevant topic related to the UN's work.
Research and write a compelling article.
Publish the article on LinkedIn and share it with your network.

Develop a Mock UN Project Proposal

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Apply your knowledge by creating a project proposal addressing a specific UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Show steps

Select a UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
Research the challenges and opportunities related to that SDG.
Develop a project proposal outlining the problem, proposed solution, and expected impact.

Career center

Learners who complete How to kickstart your career at the United Nations (UN)? will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Recruiter

A Recruiter identifies, interviews, and selects candidates for open positions within an organization. This course, designed by former UN recruiters, provides invaluable insight into what recruiters in the impact sector, including at the UN, look for in candidates. With its focus on application writing, understanding job descriptions, and navigating the world of quotas, this course helps you understand what recruiters value, and guides you in positioning yourself for success. The course will assist those interested in becoming recruiters by teaching an understanding of the hiring process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recruiter

Career Counselor

A Career Counselor helps individuals explore career options, develop job search strategies, and prepare for employment. This course, which shares insights from experienced professionals in the impact sector, provides knowledge about various organizations within this sector. Understanding the impact career landscape, and its quotas, is essential knowledge for a career counselor who wants to specialize in this area. Furthermore, the course's focus on creating job search strategies and understanding personal fit equips future career counselors to guide their clients effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Career Counselor

Human Resources Specialist

A Human Resources Specialist manages an organization's personnel, including recruitment, training, and employee relations. This course will be valuable, as it delves into the intricacies of UN and impact sector hiring practices, including quotas and application procedures. The course offers a clear picture of the impact career landscape, which may help inform human resources policies. The course's emphasis on job search strategies and understanding organizational types helps those seeking a human resources role develop a deeper understanding of the sector.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Specialist

Social Enterprise Consultant

A Social Enterprise Consultant advises social enterprises on business strategies, operations, and impact measurement. This course is very useful, because it provides insight into different types of organizations within the impact sector, including social enterprises. By discussing strategic job searching, application writing, and what recruiters look for in a candidate, this course will help a consultant better understand the business landscape and how hiring decisions are made. This allows them to provide better advice to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Enterprise Consultant

Nonprofit Program Coordinator

A Nonprofit Program Coordinator supports the day to day operations of a non profit programs. This course is useful for someone interested in this role, as it offers a clear picture of the impact career landscape, and distinguishes between for profit and non profit jobs. The course will be especially helpful thanks to its focus on strategic career planning, application writing, and understanding what organizations look for in candidates. The insights provided may help inform those who wish to make a positive impact through a meaningful career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Coordinator

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes policies and makes recommendations. This course will provide someone interested in this field with knowledge of various organizations in the impact sector, including the UN. Understanding quotas and how they impact hiring will be useful, as knowledge of institutional realities will allow one to better pursue the creation of policy. Furthermore, the course provides insight into career strategies, applications, and general hiring practices which will help the policy analyst find a job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

International Development Program Manager

An International Development Program Manager oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of development programs or projects, often in the non profit sector. This course introduces different types of organizations within the impact sector, including multilateral and bilateral organizations. A program manager may develop a better understanding of the hiring process within these organizations thanks to the course’s focus on job search strategies, application writing, and how to read a job description. Understanding the dynamics of the impact sector will inform the program manager's work.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Program Manager

International Relations Officer

An International Relations Officer works to foster and maintain relationships between a government or organization with other international entities. This course will be useful for individuals interested in this role, as it offers an overview of various international organizations, including those within the UN system. Furthermore, the course provides crucial insight into the world of quotas, a key component in hiring practices at the UN and other international bodies. This information will be beneficial in understanding the landscape and in making strategic career decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Officer

Grants Manager

A Grants Manager is responsible for the administration of grants, ensuring compliance, and managing relationships with grantors. This course will prove beneficial, as it delves into the landscape of the impact sector. Understanding the different types of organizations, including civil society organizations and foundations, will be of great value. The course's strategic focus on career planning will also help those in this role to better understand how decisions are made and what to prioritize.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grants Manager

Project Officer

A Project Officer manages the administrative and logistical aspects of a project, often within the non profit or public sectors. This course may be helpful in understanding the impact sector's job market landscape. The course also provides training and advice in areas such as application writing, as well as what to include in an application to highlight to a recruiter. This may help a project officer be more successful in a job search, or assist in a transition to working with a new organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Officer

Communications Officer

A Communications Officer develops and implements communication strategies to promote an organization’s mission and activities. The course gives an overview of various organizations within the impact sector, including those at the UN, which will help a communications officer understand the background of a message they are attempting to convey. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on strategic career planning and how recruiters approach hiring will help the communications officer understand how the organization is run and where to target communications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Officer

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

A Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist designs and implements frameworks to assess the effectiveness of programs and projects. This course may provide insights into the types of organizations that engage in projects that may require monitoring and evaluation. Furthermore, understanding the impact sector and how to approach job searching will be incredibly useful in seeking employment with an organization that aligns with one's values. The course's focus on strategic career moves and understanding the landscape may prove valuable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Program Assistant

A Program Assistant provides administrative and logistical support to a program or project. This course will help a program assistant gain a clear picture of the impact sector and its various organizations. The course may prove helpful due to its focus on strategic career moves, application writing skills, and understanding what recruiters look for. This may all lead to success in moving into a program assistant position.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Assistant

Public Affairs Specialist

A Public Affairs Specialist manages an organization's relationship with the public, government, and other stakeholders. This course, with its focus on understanding the impact sector and its job market landscape, may help individuals looking for a role in public affairs. Those who take this course will have a better understanding of how organizations such as the UN work, and how to approach job applications in the sector. This knowledge may prove valuable in communicating and working with the public.

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Research Associate

A Research Associate conducts research in support of a project or organization's goals. This course may be useful, as it introduces the landscape of organizations that focus on impact, such as the UN, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations. This course will give the research associate a better understanding of their field. Understanding the hiring process will help the research associate find employment at an organization that matches their aims.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Associate

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to kickstart your career at the United Nations (UN)?.

Pax Transatlantica

Save

Provides a concise overview of the UN's history, structure, and functions. It is particularly useful for those new to the UN system, offering a solid foundation for understanding its complexities. While not a deep dive, it serves as an excellent primer before delving into more specialized areas. It is helpful in providing background knowledge.

Pax Transatlantica: America and Europe in the Post...

Hardcover

Pax Transatlantica: America and Europe in the Post...

Kindle Edition

Local Production Systems in Europe

Save

Explores the concept of global governance and the role of international organizations like the UN. It provides a broader context for understanding the UN's place in the world and the challenges it faces. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It is helpful in providing background knowledge.

Local Production Systems in Europe: Rise or Demise?

Hardcover

$$$

How to kickstart your career at the United Nations (UN)?

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Kickstart your un career application

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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