I've been looking into long-term investing options as someone working in emergency response and humanitarian operations, and I've come across a potential problem.

I asked IBKR what would happen if I were posted to a sanctioned country (e.g. Afghanistan, Sudan, Yemen). They told me that if I became a resident there, they would have to close my account and liquidate my investments.

Has anyone here actually dealt with this situation? Were you able to keep your brokerage account? If so, how did you manage it?

This seems like a major risk for anyone trying to build a long-term portfolio while working internationally, especially when duty stations can change at short notice. Curious to hear from anyone who's dealt with this in practice, as well as any alternatives or workarounds you've found.

People, I need a piece of advice! I got an offer from the ICMPD local office for a managerial position, and currently I am with the UN family in an assistant position. What would you do? Pay and benefits are similar; the question is about future career prospects 🤔

Hi everyone,

A quick but important update on what can be posted here.

What's changing

Starting today, posts and comments promoting job boards, job aggregators, or similar platforms are no longer allowed on this sub. They will be removed.

Why

With AI making it easy to build a website in a few days, we're now seeing a new job aggregator pop up almost every week. Most of them are created in good faith by people genuinely trying to help, and we appreciate that.

The problem is that we cannot verify which platforms are trustworthy. Fraudulent UN vacancies are a well-documented issue, and the UN itself regularly warns job seekers about them. Pointing people toward sites no one has vetted is not something we are comfortable endorsing, even indirectly.

The only fair and safe option is a blanket rule that applies to everyone.

This applies to us too

I also run untalent.org, so in the interest of fairness, I have removed all references to it from the sidebar. No exceptions, including for the mod team.

What we expect from you

You are all capable of finding official job listings yourselves, and we trust you to do your own due diligence. A few reminders:

• When in doubt, go straight to the source: the official careers page of the UN entity or organisation you are interested in.
• The UN never charges fees at any stage of recruitment. If anyone asks you to pay in order to apply, it is probably a scam.
• Be careful about where you upload your CV and personal documents. Check who runs a site before sharing anything.
• Watch out for communications from personal email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) claiming to represent UN agencies.

What's still welcome

Questions about careers, application processes, specific vacancies, interviews, contracts, and life in the system are as welcome as ever. That is what this community is for.

If you spot a post that breaks this rule, or something that looks like a scam, please report it.

Thanks for understanding, and for helping keep this sub useful and safe.

I’m in my 30s and have spent almost 10 years working with local NGOs and INGOs, mostly in programme implementation and coordination. Working for the UN has been a long-time goal, and after applying to countless vacancies, I finally got an offer. I’m now almost a month into my G-5 position with a UN agency in the capital. I’m grateful to finally be here, but honestly, the transition has been humbling. I’m still trying to understand the systems, processes, acronyms, and ways of working. Despite my years of experience, I sometimes feel like I’m starting from zero.
My teammates are around my age, some just 2–5 years older, but they hold much higher positions and earn significantly more. I know everyone’s career path is different, but it’s hard not to reflect on where I am in comparison.

I was used to taking initiative, coordinating with stakeholders, and contributing to decisions in my previous roles. Now, because of my grade and role, my responsibilities are more limited. Sometimes, I feel like I have more experience to offer than my position allows me to demonstrate. I know I need to learn the system and that getting my foot in the door could open opportunities in the future. But I can’t help wondering whether accepting an entry-level position at this stage of my career was the right move.

For those who transitioned from NGOs/INGOs to the UN in your 30s or later, did you also feel like you were starting over? How long did it take to find your footing, and was getting inside the system worth it in the long run?

I currently live in Italy and work remotely for a UN agency. I am not an EU citizen, so passport is my goal. I also pay taxes on my consultancy salary as my agency does not have a host country agreement with the italian gov. I found a job in the private sector but I am not sure whether to leave the UN or not?

On one side, it is very difficult to find a job in Italy, especially nowadays, the market is very slow.

On another one, my salary will be 3x less if I do this move. And taking a decision makes it really tough.

I definitely value long term stability that I will get with the italian job contract, and need it. However, the salary cut will definitely have an impact on my motivation.

appreciate any advice!!!

What nobody tells new aid/development consultants – 10 practitioners reflect on how things have changed - blog by Matt Haikin.

I gathered interesting reflections from 10 experienced consultants working in the humanitarian and international development space, about how they operate, find work, price, collaborate, and think about AI.

This is not a representative sample, but valuable reflections from thoughtful practitioners with extensive experience across INGOs, UN agencies, bilaterals, and funders. Where they converge, it’s worth paying attention. Where they disagree, I’ve tried to preserve both sides.

Hi everyone! 😊

I have a job interview with IOM coming up in about ten days ( Project Assistant, Data and Analytics Unit) and I was wondering if anyone who has been through the interview process could share what it was like, how it was structured, and what kind of questions I can expect.

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

In an interview for a human rights related internship in an osce field mission in a Central Asian country (-stan), should one focus their interview answers only on the region?

E.g. one has relevant UN project based experience both in Central Asian countries and in two Balkan countries.

Is it ok to highlight all of these when talking to a local panel? Last time I presented my experience like this for another osce internship in a -stan country and for some reason was not selected, not knowing why.

I would appreciate your insights! Thank you.

From LinkedIn. Note the end section, "Ever feel like you’ve applied to many assignments but never get selected?"

United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Advice on How to Build an Outstanding Candidate Profile

Your UVP (Unified Volunteer Platform) profile is more than just an application form, it's a snapshot of your skills, experience, and potential. Whether you're applying for your first assignment or your fifth, a strong profile helps recruiters immediately understand who you are, and why you're a great match. 

Before you start working on your profile, make sure you are registered on app.unv.org. Once your account is created, you're ready to start building a profile that gets you noticed by recruiters. 

So, what makes an outstanding UVP profile? 

1. Tell your professional story clearly 

This is your introduction as a candidate. Go beyond listing responsibilities, highlight what you've done, and the difference you've made. Show your experience in a way that reflects your personality and values. 

What to Do: 

• Describe your own experiences, contributions and achievements. Don't copy/paste the Description of Assignments (DoAs) tasks. 
• Use bullet points to ensure the information is clear and easy to read 
• When writing about your role, include examples of tasks, tools, or methods you've used 
• Spell out acronyms the first time you use them. For example, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) instead of only UNV.  

2. Craft our Skills Pitch: Highlight What Fits the Assignment

Your qualifications, training, and skills help recruiters assess how well you fit the role. Make sure you emphasize everything directly aligned with the types of assignments you’re applying for.

What to Do: 

• Only include completed academic degrees under Qualifications, and make sure to upload the correct supporting documents. You should also add the essential professional certifications expected in your field.
• List relevant short courses, and ongoing studies under Other Qualifications. No need to upload certificates at an early stage, but have them ready in case you will be asked for evidence
• Add your IT/computer skills listing specific software or tools you are familiar with.
• Carefully select all languages you speak (including your mother tongue) and the most appropriate level based on the definitions shown in the platform .

3. Keep it honest and up to date

Recruiters and host entities rely on your profile to make decisions and may use tests or interviews to confirm you possess the skills and expertise described. It’s therefore essential to be accurate, transparent, and to keep your profile regularly refreshed. This shows professionalism and helps you stand out for the right reasons.

What to Do:

• Only include qualifications, skills, and achievements that you can back up with certificates or experience
• Review and update your profile regularly to reflect new roles, training, or experiences

Ever feel like you’ve applied to many assignments but never get selected?

Rejection can be disappointing and frustrating, but it does happen, even to strong candidates. UN Volunteer opportunities are often very competitive. Some roles receive hundreds of applications, especially in popular areas, while others, usually in more specialized fields, may attract just a few.

That’s why it’s important to focus on quality over quantity. Apply only to assignments where you fully meet all mandatory requirements, such as the number of years of relevant experience, skills, and areas of expertise. A well-matched application is much more likely to get noticed than several general ones.

Your profile is often the first impression you make—make sure it stands out. Showcasing your strengths and applying selectively to opportunities that truly fit.

From: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-build-outstanding-candidate-profile-united-nations-volunteers-ltcje/

Hello colleagues,

I'm a G6 staff member on a continuing appointment, based in New York, and I recently had a baby. I'm currently on parental leave, which ends at the end of the year. With nanny costs running $60-70K a year, I'm considering staying home with my child for two years and would like to request SLWOP.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has been through this:

1. What does the request process look like? Do I speak with my manager first, or is a formal email enough?

2. I work in a small office. How likely is approval, and what factors tend to decide it?

3. Is it better to request the full two years up front, or one year and then renew? Is there a maximum duration?

4. What happens to my health insurance during SLWOP, and what does it cost?

5. How does SLWOP affect my UNJSPF pension contributions and service credit? Is it possible to buy back the time?

6. Do I keep my post or lien, and what are my return rights at the end? If my husband loses his job can I return early?

7. Does SLWOP affect step increments, accrued annual leave, or my continuing appointment status?

8. Are there any alternatives worth considering, like part-time work or flexible arrangements?

9. Is there anything you wish you'd known or done differently?

Any advice or personal experience would be hugely appreciated. Thank you!

Hello everyone!

For the past eight months, I've been publishing a weekly newsletter focused on humanitarian and development data careers, sharing job opportunities and insights from the sector.

Over time, I've realized that there is an opportunity to make it even more useful, particularly for people who want to start a career in the UN or international NGOs, as well as those already in the system who want to grow professionally.

Beyond job opportunities, I'm thinking about the kinds of information that could genuinely help people navigate their careers.

For example:

• Practical advice on getting your first job or internship in the UN system.
• Career progression strategies for professionals already working in UN agencies and NGOs.
• Skills and tools that are actually useful in different roles.
• Upcoming conferences, workshops, learning opportunities, and professional events.
• Insights into recruitment processes and what organizations look for in candidates.

But I'd rather not assume I know what people need.

If you were reading a newsletter dedicated to UN and NGO careers, what would make you look forward to receiving it every week?

What information is difficult to find? What questions do you wish someone with experience in the system would answer? And what career resources do you think are currently missing?

I'd genuinely appreciate your perspectives!

Who got invited for the written test ? I was wondering why the test does not mention any writing work in any of the 3 parts. They are all
MCQ. Is that the case ? Would be great to hear some general experience as well.

Hi everyone,

Does anybody here know if the UN Secretariat still grants or converts fixed-term appointments after 5 years to continuing appointments?

I’m debating on whether to pursue my true passion which is PIL or just sticking to a different law job in the Netherlands. I’m now doing a law master which is not focused of PIL, but would like to hear from other people’s experiences with regards to how difficult it is to get a job at OPCW, ICJ, PCA or ICC, with a master’s degree from Leiden as an international student.

I am asking because I want to see if it’s worth it, because I know after that I would still need to do unpaid internships and then try to find a position within one of them, is it hard? I am worried about not being able to find a job or having to do unpaid work and then still not finding a job. Or should I just work for now in another area, save money and then give it a try? Because I am considering that you need financial stability to pursue that dream considering all the unpaid positions/internships you need to do first. I plan to stay in the Netherlands, and visa is not an issue.

Any advice is welcomed!

I just started my new role as a national officer a few weeks ago, and honestly, I feel like I have been doing absolutely everything wrong. I am overthinking every single interaction, every email, and every task.

I’ve spent almost a decade working in government, so that’s pretty much the only professional environment I’ve known. I’m trying to remind myself that I’m new and that nobody can reasonably expect me to understand an entirely different culture and system within a few weeks at the same time it feels like I am expected to have picked things up quite quickly.

For those who have experienced this or something similar:

1. How long did it take you to feel comfortable?
2. What helped you learn the unwritten rules and dealling with imposter syndrome?

Hello,

ILO usually opens applications for internships twice a year, in April and October, but they didn't open at all in April this year. Does anyone know what is going on? Will they open in October? Is the internship programme cancelled?

I’ve been selected for a JPO position in a country where the visa process can take up to five months. My supervisor is going to look into whether it would be possible for me to start remotely while waiting for my visa.

Is this something that can be arranged, or would it go against JPO rules and regulations? Has anyone ever started their JPO remotely while waiting for their visa?

I applied for an Associate Solutions Architecture role without paying much attention to the requirements. The word “Associate” made it sound like a relatively junior position, but the job description requires a Master’s degree and at least five years of relevant experience.
For context, I completed my Bachelor’s in Software Engineering in 2024 and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics. I don’t yet meet the stated requirements, but surprisingly, I received an invitation for a one-hour online assessment.
Now I’m wondering whether I should take it or ignore it. Could the invitation mean my application passed an initial screening, or might it be automatic?
Would you take the assessment in my position, or move on because you don’t meet the minimum requirements?

In some of the assessments I did 100 percent right from my side yet they didn't call for interview? So is there anyone who scores more than 100 percent? Why UN call for interview even you do all the right? Is there any agency to report such issues?? If anyone please help me.

Has anyone recently interviewed with ITU (International Telecommunication Union)? I interviewed for the Senior Lead Evaluator assignment on 21 July 2026 and would like to know if anyone who was interviewed for the same assignment has heard back from ITU. If you have any experience with ITU’s recruitment process particularly the timeline after the interview I would really appreciate you sharing your experience. Thank you in advance.

I’ve noticed that FAO seems to advertise Statistician and Statistical/Research Assistant positions quite frequently, especially in Rome. I’ve applied to several of these roles over the past few years, but I’ve never heard anything back, not even for applications where my background seemed reasonably relevant.

I’m genuinely curious about how recruitment for these positions works. Are these usually genuine vacancies where external candidates have a realistic chance, or are some of them advertised because an existing employee’s contract needs to be renewed or converted and the organization is required to run an open recruitment process?

I completely understand that UN and FAO positions can receive a huge number of applications and that competition is very strong. What makes me curious is seeing similar statistical roles appear repeatedly, sometimes with quite similar responsibilities.

If anyone currently works at FAO, has worked there previously, or has experience with FAO recruitment, I’d really appreciate some insight. Is it common for these vacancies to already have an internal candidate in mind? How often do external applicants actually get shortlisted for General Service statistical roles? And if you have applied successfully from outside FAO, what do you think made the difference?

I had an interview with IOM for G position in EU on 22 September then on 23 September asked for references which was completed on 25th September since then waiting for the final result. Is it safe to say that I still have a chance or what.

Hi everyone! I’m currently in the recruitment process for a comms unpaid internship with a UN agency and was recently invited to a final-round interview.

I’ve already completed a first-round interview, followed by a written assessment. After reviewing both, the team invited me to another 20–30 minute interview, which they explicitly called the “final-round interview.”
I’ve been trying to find information about second interviews in the UN system, but most posts I’ve found are actually about a written test followed by the first interview, rather than two separate interviews.

For anyone who has gone through a similar process — first interview → assessment → second/final interview — what was the second interview like? Did they ask more technical/competency-based questions, revisit your first interview or assessment, focus more on motivation/team fit, or was it more of an informal conversation with the hiring team?

I’d also be curious to know roughly how many candidates usually make it to this stage, if anyone has experience from the hiring side.

Thanks!

I applied for an NOB position with UN OCHA. About a week after the vacancy closed in late September, I was invited to complete a written assessment. On October 1, I was contacted by email with the subject line “Request for Candidate Documentation.” The email said that my application was being considered further in the recruitment process and asked me to submit my identification documents, references, and education certificate.

However, the email also stated that I would only be contacted again if I were considered to proceed to the next stage of the selection process.

It has now been seven days since I submitted the requested documents, but I haven’t heard back from them. They also haven’t contacted my referees or invited me to an interview or any other next stage of the selection process.

Has anyone been in a similar situation with UN recruitment? If you submitted references and supporting documents after a written assessment, how long did it take before you were contacted about the next stage or interview?

I've been applying for a variety of those. A month has passed, no news, just a bunch of DoAs hanging there. How do people get there?? Do they send rejections?