What it does: The UN develops friendly relations among nations, ensures international peace and security, and promotes human rights, social progress, and better living standards
Mission: To maintain international peace and security, to promote the well-being of people of the world, and international cooperation to these ends
Size and presence: It has approximately 39,700 staff (as of 31 December 2016) from 193 member states
Best known for The UN is known as a forum for countries to negotiate and solve problems together
The good bits: Meaningful work, a great work environment and a culture
The not-so-good bits: Work-life balance can be challenging
The UN was founded in 1945, at the end of the Second World War, when many countries came together to focus on humanitarian emergencies, global peace, and country development. The UN’s unique international character allows it to provide a forum for its 193 member states to express their views, either through the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Security Council, or other bodies and committees.
With the powers vested in its founding Charter, the UN takes action on a wide range of issues. To handle these issues, it has 36 agencies and programs that are considered independent international organisations and funded through voluntary contributions.
Australia is committed to global cooperation, including through the UN. It is a founding member of the UN and an active participant in UN institutions for over 77 years. Australia is also the 12th largest contributor to the UN's regular and peacekeeping budgets.
The issues on their agenda are diverse, just like the careers they offer. Among their many equally critical functions, there are staff members whose task is to coordinate relief in humanitarian crises, disarm child soldiers, provide administrative or logistical support, monitor elections, or carry out their complex mandates.
Their staff members serve at different locations around the world in Field Operations, Regional Commissions, Tribunals, Headquarters, and Other Locations. The diversity of staff from almost 200 member states means that you will be working in multicultural teams with people from various backgrounds and cultures. They have wide experiences, perspectives, and approaches.
The recruitment process at the UN consists of:
The broad array of jobs means that you can change functions, geographic locations, departments, fields of work, or even organisations throughout your career in the UN.
The salary per year at the UN is estimated: Test Analyst (AU$57,000-62,000), Logistics Coordinator (AU$77,000-83,000), Health Manager (AU$86,000-147,000), Concept Artist (AU$81,000-87,000), Project Manager-General (AU$94,000-149,000), Accounting Manager (AU$115,000-124,000), Head of Editorial (AU$276,000-294,000).
Some of the roles paid in USD are Construction Project Manager (USD58,000-63,000), Policy Analyst (USD77,000-84,000), International Consultant (USD81,000-89,000), and Sr HR Advisor (USD126,000-136,000).
The benefits vary, based on the category of your role, whether it is General services, National professional officer, Field service, or Professional and higher categories. However, they basically include:
The work of the United Nations touches almost every aspect of social and humanitarian issues, from the protection of the environment and refugees, sustainable development, counter-terrorism, disaster relief and mitigation, to disarmament and non-proliferation.