Working at UNESCO: Job Vacancies, Requirements

Working at UNESCO is the dream of many professionals who dream of being part of an international organization dedicated to promoting education, culture, science and freedom of expression. Operating in more than 190 countries, the UN agency plays a fundamental role in building more just, inclusive and sustainable societies. 

UNESCO offers positions in a variety of areas and levels of experience, including technical, administrative, academic and international cooperation roles. The selection processes prioritize candidates with solid training, fluency in official UN languages ​​and, above all, a commitment to the universal principles of human rights and cultural diversity.

Throughout this content, we will explore in more depth the job openings at UNESCO , the selection criteria and how the application process works. If you are interested in this type of work, the following information may be useful to broaden your understanding of the subject.

What are the types of vacancies open at UNESCO in different areas?

UNESCO offers a wide range of employment opportunities in a variety of fields, reflecting its commitment to promoting education, science, culture and communication worldwide. Vacancies range from technical and administrative positions to specialized roles in international cooperation projects.

To apply for a position at UNSCO, please follow the steps below:

1. Visit the official UNESCO careers website : careers.unesco.org .
2. Create a user account or log in if you already have one.
3. Browse available vacancies , filtering by area of ​​interest, location and type of contract.
4. Select the desired vacancy and read the requirements and responsibilities carefully.
5. Prepare your CV and cover letter , highlighting relevant experiences and skills.
6. Submit your application through the platform, attaching the requested documents.

By following these steps, you will be able to participate in UNESCO’s selection processes and contribute to its global initiatives.

UNESCO careers: opportunities in offices in the USA 

Requirements and qualifications required to apply for UNESCO vacancies

International professional positions usually require an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in a field such as education, science, culture, social sciences and humanities, communication or administration. In addition, it is necessary to have relevant professional experience, which can range from 1 to 10 years, depending on the level of the position .

Check out the main requirements to apply:

• Academic Background : Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields.
• Professional Experience : From 1 to 10 years of relevant experience, depending on the level of the position.
• Languages : Proficiency in English or French is mandatory; knowledge of other official UNESCO languages ​​(Arabic, Chinese, Spanish or Russian) is considered an advantage .
• Skills : Analytical skills, adaptability, teamwork and effective communication are highly valued .
• Legal Eligibility : For General Services positions, you must be legally authorized to work in the country where the vacancy is located .

Meeting these criteria significantly increases your chances of success in the UNESCO selection process.

Internships, temporary contracts and long-term careers at UNESCO

Internship programs are aimed at university students and recent graduates who wish to gain experience in multilateral organizations. Temporary contracts are for specific projects, with a limited duration, but with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and institutional needs.

For those seeking stability, long-term careers include permanent positions in strategic areas such as education, culture, science and international relations.

These positions require a high level of expertise, fluency in official UN languages ​​and a strong alignment with the organization’s principles. Regardless of the format, each modality offers a legitimate path to contribute to UNESCO’s global impact.

How does the selection process to work at UNESCO work?

The selection process for UNESCO employees is structured to ensure transparency, fairness and the selection of highly qualified professionals. The stages vary depending on the type of position—whether for permanent positions, temporary contracts or consultancy positions—but generally include CV analysis, knowledge tests and interviews.

Step by step of the selection process at UNESCO:

1. Access to the careers portal: Visit the official website careers.unesco.org to view available opportunities.
2. Profile creation: Register on the platform, filling in your personal and professional information.
3. Vacancy selection: Choose the vacancy of interest, paying attention to the specific requirements and application deadlines.
4. Submitting your application: Submit your CV and cover letter through the online system, as per the instructions in the notice.
5. Initial assessment: The recruitment team will analyze the documents sent to verify their suitability for the vacancy profile.
6. Tests and interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be called for knowledge tests and interviews, which may include language and technical skills assessments.
7. Final result: Those approved will be officially notified and will receive guidance on the next steps, including hiring procedures.

By following these steps carefully and preparing yourself adequately, you will increase your chances of success in the UNESCO selection process.

Benefits of working at UNESCO: salaries, environment and global impact

Salaries are in line with international standards and adjusted according to the level of the position and the location of the office. In addition, the multicultural, collaborative and humanitarian-oriented environment strengthens continuous personal and professional development.

Another great advantage is the opportunity to contribute directly to projects with a global impact in the areas of education, culture, science and communication.

The organization also offers comprehensive health insurance, support for international mobility, special leave and access to advanced training. This combination makes a career at UNESCO an enriching experience that is highly valued on the international stage.

Tips for building a competitive resume for UN organizations

Creating a competitive resume for UN organizations requires a strategic approach that highlights technical skills, international experience, and alignment with institutional values. In addition to a clear and objective structure, it is essential to highlight intercultural skills, fluency in official UN languages, and participation in projects with global impact.

Tips for creating an effective resume for UN organizations:

• Adapt your resume to each vacancy: Use keywords present in the job description to demonstrate alignment with the position requirements.
• Highlight international experiences: Include volunteer work, exchanges or projects in multicultural contexts that demonstrate your adaptability and global understanding.
• Highlight relevant competencies: Emphasize skills such as conflict resolution, leadership, effective communication and teamwork, which are essential for the UN environment.
• Include relevant certifications and courses: List additional training that adds value to your application, such as courses in human rights, sustainable development, or international relations.
• Maintain a clear and professional structure: Use a clean layout, with legible fonts and well-defined sections, making it easier to read and understand the information.
• Proofread carefully: Avoid grammatical and typographical errors, ensuring that your resume reflects professionalism and attention to detail.

By following these guidelines, you will increase your chances of standing out in the United Nations selection processes and contributing to its global missions.

Where to find up-to-date UNESCO vacancies and how to apply successfully

Finding up-to-date vacancies at UNESCO and applying successfully requires paying attention to official platforms and understanding the selection process. UNESCO’s careers portal ( careers.unesco.org ) is the primary source for viewing available opportunities, ranging from internships to permanent professional positions. Applications must be submitted exclusively through this portal, following the guidelines established for each type of vacancy.

To successfully apply, it is essential to create a detailed profile in the system, filling in all mandatory sections such as professional and educational history. In addition, it is necessary to answer the motivation questions in the application form, as UNESCO does not accept separate cover letters.

Make sure you meet the specific requirements for the position, including academic qualifications and proficiency in the organization’s official languages. After submitting, track the status of your application through the portal, where you can also provide additional documents if requested.