UN staff categories

UN jobs are split into five categories. Within each of these categories there are different levels reflecting different responsibilities and experience.  By understanding the difference between these categories, candidates will gain an awareness of where they might best fit into the UN system based on their skills and experience.

Professional and higher categories

These roles involve analysing & evaluating problems, decision-making and theoretical knowledge.

General services and related categories

These positions include language teachers, trades people and information assistants.

National Professional Officer

These roles are similar to Professional and higher categories, except staff members are nationals of the country they serve in, and their functions have a national context.

Field Service

Staff in the Field Service work internationally and are highly mobile, providing administrative, technical and logistical support to field missions.

Senior Appointments

These are the highest-level positions, including Special Envoys, Special Representatives and the Secretary-General.