Jobs in Geneva & UN System

This article provides a selection of key websites useful to job seekers wanting to work in Geneva and/or the United Nations system.

Geneva is known not only for being home to many of the UN agencies but also to many other international and non-governmental organizations, professional associations and various consulting companies. Jobs in the private sector and websites with information on research funding and jobs in Switzerland have also been included in the list.

In addition to the official UN career page, there are currently several other websites where UN vacant positions are published. Note that UN internships are unpaid and entry-level positions are rarely announced. However, there are opportunities for young professionals through the Young Professional Programs based at various UN agencies, only nationals of countries sponsoring these programs are eligible but sometimes nationals of developing countries may also apply.

While it is true that foreign language fluency is a requirement, or at least an advantage, for a career in international organizations, many people believe that social science degrees are the only suitable qualification. In fact, international organizations are also looking for staff trained in the natural sciences and engineering, and IT skills are highly sought after, irrespective of the degree.


International Jobs in Geneva, Switzerland

English is the main working language for most Geneva-based international jobs but mind that (at least) some knowledge of French is desirable

Career in International Organizations - current positions and Excel files with job and internship opportunities in international organizations, the website is maintained by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Mandat International, an independent and apolitical foundation with special consultative status to the UN, has launched the Geneva International Portal containing more than 1'000 useful Internet links - Geneva-based international organizations, NGOs and the private sector are listed by niche (human rights, technology, etc.), job and internship opportunities may be available on the websites of the respective employer; and also a local portal for newcomers in Geneva

UN Family in Geneva - links to all UN agencies in Geneva by the UN Office at Geneva

Jobs in Geneva - mainly jobs with English as the main working language, the website is part of the JobsInHubs family

Geneva Jobs - some vacancies are freely accessible, for others paid subscription is required

Geneva Job Portals – links provided by the Canton de Geneve, Office cantonal de l'emploi

Research jobs and funding links published by Euraxess: current vacant positions in Swiss universities; information on  fellowships and grants; links to university job websites (on the right side) and useful information for incoming researchers 


UN Careers 

Understanding to which UN staff categories your qualifications and experience correspond will permit you to quickly scan the new vacancies.

UN Careers official page

Links to UN agencies, funds and programs recruitment sites provided by the International Civil Service Commission

UN Job Monster - vacancy announcements from United Nations agencies, organizations & missions all over the world; positions may be filtered by location, organization and deadline

UN Job List - an independent site launched by Sebastian Rottmair; you can receive weekly alerts for recent jobs or check directly the New Jobs page which is updated on a daily basis

UN Jobs - vacant UN positions published on the website of a Swiss association

Language Outreach Portal - a website launched by the UN Department for General Assembly and Conference Management to guide and assist people in identifying language career opportunities at the UN; you can find preparation tips for the UN language examinations and useful links for translators

UN Guides: A Guide to a Career with the UN provided by the UN Dept of Economic and Social Affairs;  How to Begin a Career in the UN System, a presentation (2008) by Lino Sciarra provided by the National University of Singapore


Other Useful Resources 

Job Listings for Nonprofits, Associations, Foundations & Think Tanks, for Multi-National NGOs as well as various other job listings provided by the Riley Guide

More websites for jobs in development may be found in my post Development Opportunities: Jobs, Funding, Research; people moving abroad for work may find useful the post Expat Resources, Guides & Networks