United Nations (UN) CV or Resume Format and Template

Updated on: January 24, 2024

When applying for a job with the United Nations, it’s crucial to present your information effectively. Your CV or resume is a key part of your application. It provides the UN with your details and shows why you are the right person for the job. The UN has its own format for these documents.

Follow the guidelines here to create a CV or resume that meets the UN’s requirements. Make sure to add your work experience, education, skills, and other important info as shown in the sample below.

A well-prepared CV or resume can help you stand out and increase your chances of getting the job at the UN.

1. YOUR PERSONAL DATA

Your Name (Last, First, Middle)

Your Complete Address
City, Region/State, Postal Code

Telephone Number (Please note this number will possibly be used for communication)

E-mail address

Date Of Birth:
Nationality: (Mention all nationalities held in the past)
Gender:
Marital Status:

2. YOUR EDUCATION

List the degree(s) and primary area of study. Write the completion dates in reverse chronological order, the name of the institute along with the city/country from where the degree was obtained.

3. SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

I. Areas of expertise (be as precise as possible); Finance, Human Resources, IT, Computer, Audit, or Procurement, etc.

II. Credentials or specialized training pertinent to expertise.

III. Computer skills (both hardware and software.)

4. WORK EXPERIENCE (ONLY RELEVANT)

I. Make a section of your work history written in reverse chronological order. Give dates, job title, company name, type of industry, location, area of work, and main tasks performed. Also, provide your salary details for each job.

II. Indicate any managerial and supervisory roles.

III. Include specific achievements and key contributions.

IV. Specify if you have any previous experience at the UN or its sub-organizations.

5. PUBLICATIONS

Give a list of publications, if any (4 in total).

6. LANGUAGES

I. Mother tongue

II. Additional languages: Mention your written and verbal fluency, i.e., fluent/full working knowledge/minimal working knowledge.

7. OTHER

I. Name three referees (with addresses) who are in a position to certify your professional experience and achievements.

II. If any of your relatives are working at a public organization, please mention their name, your relationship with them, and the name of the organization.

III. Point out any restrictions that must be taken into account in connection with your service with the United Nations.

Important Note: Please make sure the following statement should be added to the bottom of the UN resume along with the applicant’s signature and date.

I CONFIRM THAT ALL INFORMATION STATED IN THIS RESUME IS CORRECT AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE. I ALLOW THE UNITED NATIONS TO VALIDATE THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS RESUME.

Applicant’s Signature

Applicant’s Name

Dated: January 24, 2024


UN Resume or CV Sample


1. YOUR PERSONAL DATA

Jane Doe
123 International Avenue
Global City, NY 21452

+1 (000) 123-4567
[email protected]

Date Of Birth: January 1, 1990
Nationality: Canadian (Past Nationalities: None)
Gender: Female
Marital Status: Single

2. YOUR EDUCATION

  • Master’s in International Relations, June 2015
    University of Global Studies, Global City, Canada
  • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, May 2012
    International University, Global City, Canada

3. SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

I. Areas of expertise: International policy development, multilateral negotiations, peacekeeping.

II. Credentials or specialized training: Certified Conflict Resolution Specialist, Diploma in UN Studies.

III. Computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, experienced with UN internal software UNTERM and INSPIRA.

4. WORK EXPERIENCE (ONLY RELEVANT)

I. Senior Policy Advisor, January 2019 – Present
International Policy Institute, Non-Profit Sector, New York, USA
Main tasks: Policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, report drafting.
Annual salary: $80,000

II. Policy Analyst, July 2015 – December 2018
Global Policy Group, Think Tank, London, UK
Main tasks: Research, policy proposal development, advocacy.
Annual salary: $65,000

III. Associate Researcher, May 2012 – June 2015
Center for International Affairs, Education Sector, Toronto, Canada
Main tasks: Qualitative research, data analysis, publication contribution.
Annual salary: $50,000

5. PUBLICATIONS

  • Doe, J. (2023). “The Impact of Climate Change on International Security”. Global Policy Review.
  • Doe, J. (2022). “Reforming Peacekeeping: Lessons from the Field”. International Affairs Journal.
  • Doe, J. (2021). “Multilateral Negotiations: A Strategic Approach”. Policy Innovations.
  • Doe, J. (2019). “Diplomacy in the Digital Age”. World Diplomacy Forum.

6. LANGUAGES

I. Mother tongue: English

II. Additional languages: French (full working knowledge), Spanish (fluent)

7. OTHER

I. Referees:

  • Dr. Anna Smith, Head of Department, University of Global Studies.
    Email: [email protected] | Address: 400 Education Blvd, Global City, Canada
  • Mr. John Green, Director, Global Policy Group.
    Email: [email protected] | Address: 90 Thinkers Lane, London, UK
  • Ms. Maria Lopez, Supervisor, International Policy Institute.
    Email: [email protected] | Address: 750 Policy Plaza, New York, USA

II. No relatives currently employed at public organizations.

III. No restrictions in connection with service with the United Nations.


I CONFIRM THAT ALL INFORMATION STATED IN THIS RESUME IS CORRECT AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE. I ALLOW THE UNITED NATIONS TO VALIDATE THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS RESUME.

Applicant’s Signature

Jane Doe

Dated: January 24, 2024


34 thoughts on “United Nations (UN) CV or Resume Format and Template

  1. Mudhafar

    Dear Ikenye

    Thank you so much and appreciate it, I’m wondering if you can help me to write my resume to apply to UN jobs?

    Thank you in advance

    Reply
  2. the Author Post author

    Dear Mudhafar
    Please send your resume for proofreading and review at proofread[at]coverlettersandresume.com

    Reply
    1. the Author Post author

      Dear Nkamu

      Please send your resume or CV at proofread[at]coverlettersandresume.com

      Reply
  3. Ukoh Peter Ben

    Dear Sam Mogul,
    I wish to express my sincere appreciation for your invaluable time and commitment in making this wonderful masterpiece.

    Reply
  4. the Author Post author

    Dear Ukoh
    Thank you for your lovely comments and compliment. We wish you all the best in your job search journey.

    Reply
  5. Alfred Akuoch Bolek

    I will appreciate it if you can help me with my CV, I have been trying to apply all this long and I have never
    been shortlisted one time

    Reply
  6. Sam Post author

    Hi Alfred

    Please send your resume and cover letter for proofreading and review

    Regards,

    Sam

    Reply
  7. SANGARE

    I read your contents and find them very interesting and informative. But I have one question. I often apply through Inspira and we are required to type in the motivational statement which is like cover letter. Should we still put the heading like Name, Address, Email, Telephone etc.? I have been wondering for long. Thank you.

    Reply
  8. Sam Post author

    Hi Sangare:

    Yes, you can put heading like Name, Address, Email, Telephone on motivational statement.

    Regards,

    Sam

    Reply
  9. Mahri

    Hello, could you please check my resume for UN?
    Thank you in advance

    Reply
  10. Sam Post author

    Dear Ann:

    Thank you for your compliment.

    Regards,

    Sam

    Reply
  11. Precious

    Please can you help me to write my resume to be able to apply for the UN

    Reply
  12. Sam Post author

    Hi precious
    Please send your resume at proofread[at]coverlettersandresume.com

    Reply
  13. Athina

    Thank you for the great information. I have only one question, do we need a photo in the cv?

    Reply
  14. Leticia Appiah

    I need help in preparing a cover letter and resume to apply for a UN Job

    Reply
  15. Anna

    Hello sir,
    This is a very insightful post on Resume/CV I would really appreciate if you would look into my CV and cover letter and help making it better so I can apply for a UN job.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Sam Post author

      Hi Anna

      Thank you for your interest. Please send your resume and cover letter for proofreading.

      Reply
  16. Daniel

    Dear ,

    Could you please assist with proof reading my CV prior to applying to a UN job.

    Thanks.

    Daniel

    Reply
    1. Sam Post author

      Dear Sapna
      Thank you so much for your compliment.

      Reply
  17. Ashley Arrey

    Dear ,

    Could you please assist with proof reading my CV and cover letter prior to applying to a African Union job.

    Thanks.

    Ashley.

    Reply
  18. Daphine Adwogo

    Hi please help me also to get a job with UN in order to support my family. Thanks

    Reply
    1. Sam Post author

      Hi Daphine Adwogo:

      Getting a job with the United Nations (UN) can be a substantial step. Here are a few quick tips to help you begin the process:

      Understand the UN system: Familiarize yourself with the various agencies, funds, and programs that make up the UN and decide where your skills and experience might be the best fit.

      Tailor your CV/Resume: Use the UN CV or Resume Format to highlight your skills, experiences, and educational background in a manner that aligns with the UN’s values and job requirements.

      Networking: Connect with current and former UN staff on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and advice. Networking can sometimes lead to job opportunities.

      UN Careers Website: Regularly check the official UN Careers website for job openings that match your profile and apply as per their guidelines.

      Be Persistent: The recruitment process in such international organizations can be highly competitive and lengthy, so persistence and patience are key.

      Best of luck with your job search!

      Reply

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