How to Become a Consultant at the United Nations

Learn how to become a UN consultant with Maheen Khan’s guide. Discover the 3 proven pathways, insider tips, and strategies to get your dream job in the United Nations. It’s perfect for those ready to make a global impact!

Hello, everyone! I’m Maheen Khan, an international blogger and researcher with a Ph.D. in Psychology. I’ve spent years studying human behavior, leadership, and success psychology. Recently, I landed my fifth UN consultant contract, a dream come true.

Many friends, colleagues, and interns asked me how to get a UN consultant job. I spoke with over ten current UN consultants to give accurate advice. This guide will help you navigate the UN application process successfully.

🎯 3 Paths to Becoming a UN Consultant

There are three main ways to become a UN consultant. Each path has its own challenges and strategies. Let’s explore them.

How to Become a Consultant at the United Nations

1. Intern-to-Consultant Pathway

Difficulty: ⭐⭐
This path is not too hard but needs luck and effort. If you’re already interning at the UN, you’re off to a good start. To move from intern to consultant, you must meet three key requirements:

Your team must have project funding for consultants.
Your supervisor must recognize your work and value your contributions.
A junior consultant position must open up in your team.

How to Increase Your Chances

To make the transition smoother, talk to your supervisor three months before your internship ends. Be professional, confident, and ready to show your achievements.

Conversation Tips

Prepare a slide presentation to highlight:

Deliverables Achieved: What tangible results did you produce during your internship?
Current Project Impacts: How have your contributions positively affected ongoing projects?
Identified Gaps + Concrete Solutions: Show that you’ve thought critically about challenges and proposed actionable solutions.
End your presentation with: “I wish to contribute to our team more after the internship.”

This approach shows initiative and makes you a valuable asset to the organization.

2. Networking Within and Outside the UN System

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐
Networking is key to success in the UN. It’s about building real relationships and showing your expertise.

Within the UN System

If you can’t get a consultant job in your current group, don’t give up. Network with your supervisor, colleagues, and other UN professionals. The UN community is small, so people often know each other. Instead of cold messages, try to connect through mutual contacts or introductions.

Outside the UN System

If you’re not part of the UN, you can build connections too. Here’s how:

Step 1: Leverage LinkedIn

Search for professionals in your target area using keywords like “UN consultant,” “programme officer,” or “project manager.” Send polite and concise connection requests. Avoid asking for referrals right away. Instead, show interest in learning from their experiences.

Step 2: Participate in UN Events

Online: Attend webinars, open days, and career fairs hosted by the UN. These events are excellent opportunities to engage with current employees and learn about upcoming opportunities.
Offline: If possible, visit UN offices in cities like New York, Geneva, or Bangkok. Sign up for forums or summits and take the initiative to meet attendees.

Step 3: Coffee Chat Tips

Before meeting someone for a coffee chat, research their professional background thoroughly. Prepare thoughtful questions based on their experience. For example:

“What inspired you to pursue a career at the UN?”
“What skills do you think are most valuable for someone aspiring to become a consultant?”

Starting with the other person’s journey helps establish rapport and makes the conversation more engaging.

3. Direct Application Process

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The direct application route is highly competitive, with ratios often reaching 1:100 or even 1:200 for entry-level positions. But, with the right strategy, you can stand out.

Key Principles to Keep in Mind

Specialist > Generalist: The UN values specialized expertise. Highlight your niche skills and show how they align with the organization’s goals.
Experience Is Currency: Your professional background speaks volumes. Focus on gaining relevant experience through internships, volunteer work, or roles in similar organizations.

Proven Strategies That Work

Build Relevant Experience: Tailor your resume to emphasize projects, achievements, and skills that match the UN’s needs.
Use the UN Personal History Profile (PHP) Format: The PHP is the standard format for UN applications. Familiarize yourself with its structure and ensure your profile is polished and error-free.
Set Weekly Alerts and Create an Application Plan: Visit the UN Careers Portal regularly to stay updated on new openings. Develop a systematic approach to track your applications.
Cultivate a Marathon Mindset: Don’t get discouraged by rejections. Treat every application as a learning opportunity. Personally, I applied to over 300 positions before landing my first contract!

Overcoming Common Challenges

Don’t let UN job codes intimidate you. They may seem complex, but breaking them down into manageable parts can help. Remember:

Every rejection brings you one step closer to cracking the system.
Every coffee chat adds another piece to the UN career puzzle.

💡 My Personal Journey: Lessons Learned Along the Way

As someone who has navigated all three pathways, I’d like to share a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:

Persistence Pays Off: When I first started applying, I faced countless rejections. But instead of giving up, I analyzed feedback, improved my applications, and kept going.
Authenticity Matters: During interviews and networking sessions, being genuine and passionate about your work leaves a lasting impression.
Continuous Learning: The UN values lifelong learners. Stay updated on global issues, attend workshops, and pursue certifications to enhance your skill set.

📝 Final Thoughts: Unlocking Your UN Consultant Dream

Becoming a UN consultant is a big challenge, but it’s doable with hard work and smart strategies. By using the three main paths—intern-to-consultant, networking, and direct application—you’re ready to start your UN journey.

Every step you take, like attending webinars or sending out connections, moves you closer to your goal. And when you get that consultant role, celebrate your hard work. You’ve truly earned it!

If this guide helped you, share it with others who might find it useful. Let’s help the next generation of leaders grow and make a difference.

FAQs

1. What qualifications do I need to become a UN consultant?

To be a UN consultant, you usually need advanced degrees like Master’s or Ph.D. in relevant fields. Work experience and special skills are also important.

2. Is it necessary to have prior experience working at the UN?

No, you don’t need to have worked at the UN before. But, it can really help. Many consultants come from NGOs, government, or private sectors.

3. How competitive is the application process for UN consultants?

The competition is tough, with ratios often over 1:100 for entry-level jobs. But, a well-tailored application, good networking, and showing your expertise can help.

4. Can interns transition into consultant roles at the UN?

Yes, interns can move to consultant roles if they meet certain conditions. This includes funding, supervisor support, and available positions. Talking to your supervisor about your interest can help.

5. What is the UN Personal History Profile (PHP), and why is it important?

The PHP is the standard application format for UN jobs. It’s key for fair assessment. Knowing its structure helps you make a strong application.

6. How can networking help me land a consultant position at the UN?

Networking can connect you with people who can offer insights or referrals. Going to events, using LinkedIn, and coffee chats can lead to new opportunities.

7. Are there specific areas where the UN frequently hires consultants?

Yes, the UN often looks for consultants in areas like humanitarian aid and sustainable development. Focusing on these fields can make you more employable.

8. What should I include in my slide presentation when discussing a possible transition with my supervisor?

Your presentation should show your achievements, project impacts, and proposed solutions. End by saying you want to keep contributing to the team.

9. How long does it take to secure a consultant position at the UN?

The time it takes varies based on your qualifications, networking, and job availability. Some get roles quickly, while others take years.

10. What mindset should I adopt during the application process?

Stay patient, persistent, and resilient. See each rejection as a chance to learn and improve. Every step brings you closer to your goal.