How to Get a Job at the UN, According to Loreto Ferrer Moreu

Working at the United Nations is a professional goal for many Spaniards interested in international cooperation, human rights, and public service. However, entering the UN system is often perceived as a complex, demanding, and little-known process, especially among young professionals seeking their first opportunity in international organizations.

One of the main entry routes is the Young Professionals Programme (YPP), a competitive process that allows candidates to join the United Nations Secretariat in entry-level positions. The experience of Loreto Ferrer Moreu, a Spanish professional who successfully navigated this selection process, offers insight into how entry into the organization works and what kind of profile is valued in these processes.

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.

This system goes beyond technical expertise, aiming to spot individuals who demonstrate analytical strength, solid writing skills, critical reasoning, and the capacity to excel in multicultural settings. It also appreciates adaptability, effective communication, and sound decision-making in challenging situations.

Getting Ready to Become Part of 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 combines multiple-choice questions, analytical exercises, and essay writing or case studies. It is not just about memorizing content, but about demonstrating the ability to synthesize information, argue clearly, and respond judiciously within an international framework.

After the exam, those who pass that stage move on to a competency-based interview. There, aspects such as teamwork, stress management, ethical decision-making, and communication skills in diverse professional contexts are evaluated.

Other ways to work at the United Nations

Although the YPP is one of the best-known entry points, it is not the only one. Those wishing to pursue an international career at the UN can also explore other alternatives, such as country-funded JPO programs, UN international volunteering, internships, or job openings posted on official platforms like UN Inspira.

Grasping these routes is essential for shaping a practical entry plan, and in many situations, recognizing the institutional landscape and identifying the right starting point proves just as vital as academic training or previous professional background.

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 useful experience for understanding how to join the UN

The career path of a Spanish professional at the United Nations helps bring into focus a process that is often perceived as distant. Rather than presenting access to the UN as something unattainable, this kind of experience helps demonstrate that concrete paths exist, even if they require preparation, perseverance, and a strategic career vision.

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.