When applying for a position with the United Nations, a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from the competition. It showcases your passion for international development and humanitarian efforts.
This guide aims to provide a sample and template. It also highlights frequently asked questions. These will help you create an impressive cover letter tailored for UN job applications.
UN Job Cover Letter Sample
John Smith
(555) 123-4567
December 23, 2024
Ms. Sarah Johnson
Human Resources Officer
United Nations
760 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
Re: Application for Project Coordinator Position
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I am writing to express my interest in the Project Coordinator position at the United Nations, as advertised on the UN Careers website. With a background in international relations and over five years of experience in project management within humanitarian organizations, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the UN’s mission of advancing global peace and development.
In my previous role at Global Aid Network, I successfully managed multiple projects focused on disaster relief and sustainable development in diverse regions, including Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. This experience honed my skills in strategizing, executing, and evaluating programs that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, which I believe will be beneficial in achieving the objectives set forth by your department.
My key qualifications include:
- A strong understanding of international development policies and frameworks, particularly those pertaining to disaster risk reduction and community resilience.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, ensuring project deliverables were met on time and within budget.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, allowing me to build strong relationships with stakeholders, partners, and local communities.
I am particularly drawn to this position at the United Nations because I admire your commitment to addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. I am eager to bring my expertise in project coordination and my passion for international development to your esteemed organization.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team. I will reach out next week to inquire about the possibility of an interview.
Warm regards,
John Smith
[LinkedIn Profile URL]
Attachment: Resume
UN Job Cover Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient’s Name]
[Title]
[Department]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Re: [Position Title]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in applying for a [Position Title] position with the United Nations. As a highly motivated and dedicated individual with a passion for international development and human rights, I am confident that my skills and experience align perfectly with the mission and values of the United Nations.
With a [mention number of years] of experience working in the development sector, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by communities around the world. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to drive positive change through various projects and initiatives. From implementing sustainable development programs to advocating for gender equality, I have a proven track record of successfully tackling complex global issues.
My educational background in [mention relevant qualification] has equipped me with a strong foundation in [mention relevant skills or knowledge]. I am adept at conducting research, analyzing data, and developing innovative solutions to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. Additionally, my experience working in diverse cultural settings has honed my interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, enabling me to effectively collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders from different backgrounds.
I am particularly drawn to the United Nations’ commitment to promoting peace, security, and sustainable development. I believe that my expertise, combined with my passion for social justice and equality, would make valuable contributions to the organization’s efforts in achieving its goals. I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to contribute to the United Nations mission in [mention the specific area of interest or expertise].
Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details of my qualifications and accomplishments. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my candidacy with you in more detail and demonstrate my suitability for the position. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in my cover letter for a UN job?
Include your motivation for applying, relevant experiences, specific skills applicable to the position, and a demonstration of your understanding of the UN’s mission.
How long should my UN cover letter be?
Aim for one page. Be concise while covering all critical points that showcase your qualifications.
Should I address my cover letter to a specific person?
Yes, addressing it to the hiring manager or the specific person mentioned in the job listing shows that you researched the role and are genuinely interested.
Is it necessary to mention my educational background?
Yes, mentioning your education, especially if it relates to international relations, development, or human rights, strengthens your application.
What tone should I use in my UN cover letter?
Use a professional and polite tone while conveying your enthusiasm for the role and the UN’s mission.
Conclusion
Crafting a compelling cover letter for a position at the United Nations is essential to your application. By addressing the frequently asked questions above and personalizing your letter to reflect your unique experiences and commitment to the UN’s objectives, you can increase your chances of standing out as a strong candidate.
Selected Comments
Jessica L.: “This guide really helped me refine my cover letter. Thanks for the tips!”
Daniel M.: “I appreciate the samples – very useful for first-time applicants!”
Sophia R.: “Great insights! I didn’t realize how crucial the tone of the letter was until I read this.”
Michael T.: “The examples were helpful. I feel more confident applying now!”
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Thank you very much for the sample Cover letter. It is simple and nice.
I am mainly concerned with where you see an advert for a job in UN but you have never done such a job but you have picked experience that you can use in this job. It becomes difficult in coming up with a cover letter.
Hi Emily
Thank you for your appreciation.
In your cover letter, you can mention your relevant skills and knowledge obtained through your non-relevant jobs and education.
Thank you very much for the cover letter sample. I however have a question.
1. Is a cover letter the same as a motivational statement?
Thank you
Hi Emily
Thank you for your question.
The difference between a motivation letter and a cover letter is that a cover letter gives specific examples of how your experiences and skills match the job description provided by the employer. Whereas a motivation letter focuses more on your personality, career interests, passion to work for the employer and motives for applying.
Hey Sam
If a job asks for a motivation letter, but not a cover letter, do you need to add a cover letter anyway? Perhaps in the attachment section? Resources online mention cover letters, but I haven’t seen a UN job ask for one yet.
Thanks 🙂
Hi Sam
No, you do not need to add a cover letter separately. A motivation letter is basically a cover letter that focuses on your personality, intentions, and reasons for applying for a specific job.
Do I need to write the subject or a reference in my cover letter for a un job?
Sample 2 is the best cover letter I have ever read. Thank you Sam
Hi Denny
We are so glad to hear that Sample 2 was helpful to you! If you have any questions or need further assistance as you craft your cover letter for the UN, feel free to ask. Best of luck with your job application – We hope it opens doors to a fulfilling career with the UN!
Regards
Sam