Application and Selection
Watch this video tutorial on how to apply for an international vacancy or talent pool.
Other career opportunities - consultancies, temporary appointments, local positions such as General Service Staff, National Professional Officers and Field Service Staff - usually require a different application procedure.
UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing or training).
Important Points to Note:
- Candidates applying for a fixed-term international job opening or to a talent pool must first register and complete an online profile in the system.
- Please note that applications must be submitted in English. Only duly completed online applications are accepted.
- Before you start your online application, please clear your browsing history and cache to avoid any technical issues
- We encourage you to read the job description carefully before you start the process. Highlight your skills, motivation and experience and tailor your letter of interest accordingly.
- For advertised posts, applications must be received before the closing date as stated on the job posting. Applications received after the application deadline will not be considered. Acknowledgments will only be sent to short-listed candidates. It is not necessary at this stage to send copies of qualifications such as previous employment contracts or academic qualifications.
- Registered candidates may select specific open positions/talent pool profiles to apply for after clicking on the title of the post and then at the bottom of the job posting page by clicking on ‘Apply now.’
- Candidates who have immediate relatives - father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister - working as staff members of UNHCR are not eligible to apply.
Please visit the relevant section from the below list to learn more about how to apply to the desired category:
- Temporary appointments
- Consultancies
- Internships
- Junior Professional Officer
- United Nations Volunteers
- Other Opportunities (General Service Staff, National Professional Officers and Field Service Staff)
Download the Personal History Form (PHF) for applications which require direct email application:
- English: PHF Form / Supplementary Sheet
- Français: Notice Personnelle / Feuilles Supplémentaires
Recruitment Process
Screening
Applicants will undergo a screening process to determine whether they are suitable for the post they applied for. Education history, relevant work experience and qualifications will be considered to ensure we select the right person for the right job. Due consideration will be given to language needs, diversity and gender.
Assessments and Competency Based Interviews
Candidates who pass the basic eligibility screening will be requested to complete various assessments (language and functional assessments, as appropriate) and finally, candidates are sent for grading. Candidates who pass these assessments will be contacted by a recruiter according to the needs of UNHCR to fill positions.
UNHCR works with the best talent. To ensure we hire the right person for the right job, competency based interviews will be conducted. Such interviews are based on the concept that past behaviour and experience is the best indicator of future performance. In other words, your history tells a story about you: your talents, skills, abilities, knowledge and actual experience in handling a variety of situations.
Appointment
Apart from ensuring previous education and work experiences have been verified, we also make sure the person we hire is a team-player and can fit into the organization’s culture, able to thrive and work in a multi-cultural organization with a passion to serve people of concern. Successful candidates will receive an official offer from UNHCR. As part of this process, our dedicated recruiters will respond to candidates’ enquiries to support a smooth transition to their new position.