Global Careers Await: Join the UN with Just a High School Diploma and a Few Years of Work Experience!
Global Careers Await: Join the UN with Just a High School Diploma and a Few Years of Work Experience!
Dreaming of a career that makes a difference on a global scale? With a high school diploma and some relevant work experience, you can open doors to exciting opportunities at the United Nations (UN) in General Service roles. These positions offer a unique chance to contribute to international projects while growing professionally in a dynamic and impactful environment.
Explore Diverse Opportunities
The UN’s General Service and related categories encompass a broad range of roles, each essential to the smooth functioning of the Organization. These positions include:
- Administrative and Secretarial Support: Handle day-to-day operations, manage schedules, and provide crucial administrative backing.
- Technical Functions: Specialize in areas such as printing, security, and building maintenance.
- Specialized Roles: From IT support to logistics and supply chain management, the UN has positions across nine job networks, including Economic, Social and Development, Public Information, and more.
Why Choose a General Service Role at the UN?
- Global Impact: Your work directly supports the UN’s mission to promote peace, human rights, and sustainable development worldwide.
- Career Growth: Start in an entry-level role and advance to more complex assignments as you gain experience. Higher-level positions come with greater responsibilities and challenges.
- Diverse Work Environment: Engage with colleagues from around the world and contribute to varied and complex projects that require a mix of procedural, operational, and technical skills.
- Local Recruitment: While these roles often recruit locally, you’ll join a global network with opportunities for professional development and potentially moving to higher-level positions.
More details about the roles
Security Service Category
A Security Officer provides operational support and control of the security management system and ensures the maximum security for employees and their families. This category is only applicable to UNHQ New York. In all other duty stations these jobs are included, and listed, under General Service.
Education:
The minimum requirements to get a job within Security Services are:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Age between 22 and 35 years at the time of application
- You need to pass the The Security Officer Test
Work Experience:
Each job has specific relevant work experience requirements, which are described in the job opening.
“S” = “Security Service”
S-1: Minimum relevant work experience after high school: minimum 2 years in a police force or 3 years in a military force
S-2: Minimum relevant work experience after high school: 2 years
S-3: Minimum relevant work experience after high school: 5 years
S-4: Minimum relevant work experience after high school: 9 years
S-5: Minimum relevant work experience after high school: 12 years
S-6: Minimum relevant work experience after high school: 15 years
S-7: Minimum relevant work experience after high school: 18 years
In addition, staff members from Field Service, General Service, Security Service, Public Information Assistants, and Trades and Crafts, are eligible to apply for National Professional Officer category positions at any level.
Trades and Crafts Category
Jobs such as drivers, electricians, building management and printing staff fall under the Trades and Crafts Categories. This category is only applicable to UNHQ New York. In all other duty stations these jobs are included, and listed, under General Service
Jobs such as drivers, electricians, building management and printing staff fall under the Trades and Crafts Categories.
Education:
The minimum education requirement is a High School diploma or equivalent
Work Experience:
Each job has specific relevant work experience requirements, which are described in the job opening
“TC” = “Trades and Crafts”
TC-1—TC-3: Minimum relevant work experience after high school: 0 years
TC-4: Minimum relevant work experience after high school: 3 years
TC-5: Minimum relevant work experience after high school: 5 years
TC-6: Minimum relevant work experience after high school: 7 years
TC-7: Minimum relevant work experience after high school: 10 years
TC-8: Minimum relevant work experience after high school: 12 years
In addition, staff members from Field Service, General Service, Security Service, Public Information Assistants, and Trades and Crafts, are eligible to apply for National Professional Officer category positions at any level.
Public Information Assistant
The Public Information Assistant Category is specifically for tour guides in New York. In all other duty stations these jobs are included, and listed, under General Service.
Education:
The minimum education requirement is first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) or higher.
Work Experience:
Each job has specific relevant work experience requirements, which are described in the job opening.
“PIA” = “Public Information Assistant”PIA-1: Minimum relevant work experience with first level (Bachelor’s) or advanced (Master’s) degree: 0 years
PIA-2: Minimum relevant work experience with first level (Bachelor’s) or advanced (Master’s) degree: 1 year
PIA-3: Minimum relevant work experience with first level (Bachelor’s) or advanced (Master’s) degree: 2 years
In addition, staff members from Field Service, General Service, Security Service, Public Information Assistants, and Trades and Crafts, are eligible to apply for National Professional Officer category positions at any level.
Language Teacher
The Language Teacher category can be found only in New York and Geneva. In all other duty stations these jobs are included, and listed, under General Service.
Education:
The minimum education requirement is an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher).
Work Experience:
Each job has specific relevant work experience requirements, which are described in the job opening.
“LT” = “Language Teacher”LT-1: Minimum relevant work experience with advanced degree (Master’s): 5 years
In addition, staff members from Field Service, General Service, Security Service, Public Information Assistants, and Trades and Crafts, are eligible to apply for National Professional Officer category positions at any level.
Qualifications and Requirements
To be considered for General Service positions, you need:
- A High School Diploma: The minimum educational requirement.
- Relevant Work Experience: Varies by position; more complex roles require progressively responsible experience.
- Language Skills: Fluency in one of the UN’s working languages (English or French) is often required, depending on the job location.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
For specific roles, such as drivers, electricians, or security officers, additional qualifications may apply. Check job openings for detailed requirements to ensure you meet all criteria.
How to Get Started
- Search for Opportunities: Explore the UN Careers website for General Service roles that match your skills and interests.
- Prepare Your Application: Update your resume to highlight your relevant work experience and qualifications. Craft a compelling cover letter to showcase your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
- Apply and Prepare: Submit your application according to the job listing’s instructions. If selected, prepare for an interview by familiarizing yourself with the UN’s mission and the specifics of the role you’re applying for.
Conclusion
With just a high school diploma and a few years of work experience, you can launch a meaningful career at the United Nations. The General Service roles offer a pathway to contribute to global initiatives, develop your skills, and grow within a prestigious organization. Embrace this opportunity to make an impact on the world stage and advance your career—explore UN General Service jobs today and start your journey towards a fulfilling and impactful career!
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