Expert Advice: Getting a Job at the UN (Loreto Ferrer Moreu)

Working at the United Nations represents a key career aspiration for many Spaniards drawn to international cooperation, human rights, and public service, yet accessing the UN system is frequently viewed as a demanding, intricate, and not widely understood pathway, particularly for young professionals pursuing their first role within global organizations.

One of the primary pathways for entry is the Young Professionals Programme (YPP), a highly selective initiative through which applicants can access entry-level roles within the United Nations Secretariat. The journey of Loreto Ferrer Moreu, a Spanish professional who successfully advanced through this competitive process, sheds light on how admission to the organization operates and the type of candidate profile typically valued in these evaluations.

What is the YPP and why is it such a demanding pathway

The YPP ranks among the most competitive routes for entering the United Nations and is designed for young professionals from countries that become underrepresented in specific recruitment cycles. The procedure involves checking eligibility, completing a written assessment, and taking part in a competency-based interview, as the Spanish professional notes in an interview.

Beyond technical knowledge, this system seeks to identify individuals with analytical skills, writing abilities, critical thinking, and the potential to thrive in multicultural environments. Adaptability, communication skills, and the ability to make decisions in complex contexts are also valued.

Preparing to join the UN

Preparing for a recruitment process of this nature demands ample time, a clear strategy, and a solid grasp of how the system operates behind the scenes. In Loreto Ferrer’s situation, her earlier work in development and human rights across Latin America offered a valuable base, yet it was not enough by itself. Getting ready also meant examining UN reports and resolutions, exploring the organization’s Charter, and gaining a firm understanding of its structures and mandates.

The written exam blends multiple-choice items, analytical tasks, and essay-based or case study responses, aiming not merely at recalling material but at showing the capacity to integrate information, articulate arguments with clarity, and answer thoughtfully in an international context.

After completing the exam, candidates who successfully clear that phase proceed to a competency‑focused interview, where evaluators assess factors like collaborative ability, stress handling, ethical judgment, and communication performance across varied professional settings.

Other ways to work at the United Nations

Although the YPP is widely recognized as a prominent entry route, it is far from the only option. Individuals aiming for an international career at the UN can also consider alternatives such as country-sponsored JPO programs, UN international volunteering, internships, or vacancies listed on official platforms like UN Inspira.

Understanding these pathways is important for planning a realistic entry strategy. In many cases, understanding the institutional ecosystem and knowing where to start is just as important as academic preparation or prior professional experience.

What profile is valued for an international career

UN selection processes typically prioritize candidates with a strong educational background, fluency in English, and, if possible, knowledge of other official languages. Experience in multicultural contexts, analytical skills, written and oral communication, and an understanding of the institutional dynamics of the international system are also considered relevant.

Added to this is an often-underestimated element: the professional narrative. It is not enough to have accumulated experience; you must also know how to explain it well. In these types of interviews and evaluations, what matters is how you present your learning, the decisions you made, the challenges you faced, and the values you applied in your work.

A valuable opportunity to grasp the process of entering the UN

The journey of a Spanish professional within the United Nations casts clearer light on a process often viewed as remote, showing not an unreachable goal but a path made tangible through examples that reveal feasible routes, even if they demand dedication, preparation, and a well‑planned career strategy.

From an informational perspective, the case of Loreto Ferrer Moreu is relevant because it combines international experience, knowledge of the system, and a practical reference for those seeking guidance on how to work at the United Nations from Spain.