The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is a key hub for the UN’s work in Africa and offers a variety of job opportunities across different fields. Located in Nairobi, Kenya, UNON is one of the four major UN offices worldwide, along with New York, Geneva, and Vienna. Here’s a guide on how to explore job opportunities and apply at UNON:
Job Opportunities
1. Types of Positions:
- Professional Staff: These positions often require advanced degrees and several years of relevant experience. They cover areas like administration, finance, human resources, program management, and specialized fields such as environmental science, health, and humanitarian affairs.
- General Service Staff: These roles are more support-oriented and include administrative assistants, clerks, and other roles essential for the daily functioning of the office.
- Field and Technical Experts: Depending on the project, there may be short-term or consultancy opportunities for experts in areas such as sustainable development, human rights, and conflict resolution.
- Internships: UNON also offers internships for students and recent graduates, providing practical experience in various fields related to the UN’s work.
2. Key Areas of Work:
- Environmental Management: Given Nairobi’s role as a hub for environmental initiatives, there are often roles related to climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
- Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs: Positions related to advocacy, monitoring, and support in human rights and emergency response.
- Administrative and Support Services: Roles in human resources, finance, IT, and general administration.
- Communication and Outreach: Positions focused on public relations, media, and external communications.
Application Process
1. Online Application Portal:
- UN Careers Website: All job openings at UNON are listed on the UN Careers website. You can search for vacancies by location, job category, and level.
- Application: Once you find a suitable position, you’ll need to create an account on the UN Careers portal. Complete the online application form, attach your resume, and submit any other required documents.
2. Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualifications: Most positions require specific educational qualifications relevant to the job. For professional roles, an advanced degree is often necessary.
- Experience: Professional roles typically require several years of relevant experience. For general service roles, relevant work experience may be sufficient.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English is often required. Knowledge of other UN languages, such as French or Spanish, can be an advantage.
3. Selection Process:
- Screening: Applications are screened based on the qualifications and experience listed in the job description.
- Assessment: Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete assessments or tests related to the role.
- Interviews: Candidates who pass the assessment stage are typically invited for an interview, which may be conducted in person, via phone, or online.
4. Additional Information:
- Eligibility for Employment: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including nationality and legal requirements to work in Kenya.
- Equal Opportunity: The UN is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other factors.
5. Networking and Research:
- Events and Seminars: Attend UNON-hosted events and seminars to learn more about their work and meet current employees.
- Networking: Engage with UN professionals on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and advice on applying to UNON.