1. Find opportunities that match your skills
Don't search only for "UN jobs." International organizations recruit across programme management, communications, HR, data, finance, policy, operations, health, climate, humanitarian work and more.
Search current junior-level jobs on Impactpool and explore current internships, fellowships, graduate programmes and entry-level NGO roles.
You can also explore UN Volunteer opportunities and check whether you are eligible for the UN Young Professionals Programme.
Tip: Read the vacancy before applying. Separate the essential requirements, skills and competencies from the desirable ones. Then ask: What evidence do I have that I can do this job?
2. Turn your experience into evidence
You don't need previous UN experience to demonstrate relevant skills.
University projects, volunteering, internships, part-time work and experience from other sectors can all provide evidence.
Instead of writing: "Strong communication and teamwork skills."
Show what you actually did: "Coordinated a five-person project and presented the findings to senior stakeholders."
Use Situation → Action → Result to turn experience into evidence. Learn more in Impactpool's Application Writing Handbook and our guide to demonstrating competencies.
3. Apply strategically
You don't need to apply for everything.
Impactpool's Pulse 2026, based on 2,786 professionals, found that 55% of respondents who had applied to 1–5 roles in the previous six months received at least one interview. Use this as a reminder to focus on roles where your experience genuinely matches the requirements. Before applying, ask: Am I eligible? Can I demonstrate the key skills? Do I understand what this organization needs?
Then tailor your CV and application accordingly.
4. Prepare for how you will be assessed
International organizations may use competency-based interviews, written assessments, case studies, presentations or video interviews.
Build an achievement bank of examples where you solved problems, worked with others, managed priorities, showed initiative or delivered results.
Use Impactpool's Interview Questions Database to practise, and explore our interview preparation tutorials before your next assessment.
Build your career, not just your CV
Your career may not follow a straight line. What matters is building relevant skills, meaningful experience and evidence of what you can contribute.
Update your Impactpool profile to receive tailored job alerts and career guidance from across the international development sector.
Explore. Learn. Apply. Grow.