UN Careers in Nepal: How to Apply and Get Hired

What are UN Jobs in Nepal and Who Can Apply?

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization working for peace, development, human rights, and health. There are many UN agencies, such as UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, UN Women, etc., that work in Nepal to help communities. To run these programs, these agencies hire people for various kinds of roles. The roles in UN jobs in Nepal can be in health, education, administration, communication, and more. 

UN hires employees for various job levels. Professional work is dedicated to university graduates with a few years of professional experience. General service roles are more administrative and do not require higher education. Similarly, internships are for students or recent graduates who want to get experience. UN also offers volunteer positions, usually for a short term. Whatever type, UN jobs give a chance to work on meaningful projects, bringing positive changes to Nepal. 

Every Nepali person can apply for UN jobs, but there are certain eligibility guidelines. Nepalese can apply for both national and international job vacancies. Good written and spoken English is a must-have for most jobs. You will also need a bachelor’s degree, relevant experience in the position, and good communication skills. Internship and volunteer positions typically have fewer requirements, making them ideal for students and recent graduates. If you are looking to expand your career and make a positive impact, then pursuing UN jobs in Nepal is a great starting point. 

Where to Find UN Job Vacancies in Nepal?

You can find UN job vacancies in Nepal through official UN websites or trusted Nepali job portals like Kumari Job. These sites regularly post openings from different UN agencies like UNDP, UNICEF, and WHO. 

1. Official UN Job Sites

The best place to find UN jobs is on the UN Careers website at careers.un.org. It is the main portal where jobs from various countries, including Nepal, are posted. You can filter the jobs based on location, job category, and organization. Simply create an account and apply online directly from the website.  

Another easy and good option is to look at the websites of UN agencies in Nepal. For example, UNDP Nepal, UNICEF Nepal, and WHO Nepal each have their own career websites. These websites have local vacancies for full-time jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities. Each organization hires employees independently, so it will be beneficial to visit their pages often. 

2. Third-Party Job Portal Sites

Other than official UN websites, the job vacancies at the UN are also posted on Nepali job portals. Websites like Kumari Job generally post the vacancies for UNDP and other UN agencies that hire in Nepal. These websites are easy to use and allow you to filter through jobs based on your location and profession.

To stay updated, you can subscribe to email alerts or newsletters on these websites. That way, you will get an alert each time a new UN job is posted. It saves time and provides an opportunity to apply early, raising your chances of being selected.

How to Apply for UN Jobs in Nepal?

To apply for UN jobs in Nepal, you will need to register an account on the UN Careers website, complete the profile, and submit a tailored application according to the needs of the job. You can also apply through trusted Nepali job portals like Kumari Job. The entire process is conducted online, and each step must be completed carefully to increase your chances of being selected. 

Step 1 – Understand the Job Requirements

Every job at the UN has a different set of requirements and credentials. It can be your education, experience, and qualifications. Some jobs may demand that you have completed a bachelor's degree, while some may need specialized training in a certain field. 

You also need to have basic skills and capabilities like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Most jobs require good English skills, and some may also require you to speak Nepali or other local languages.

Step 2 – Create a UN Careers Account

To apply, you need to first register on careers.un.org. This is the UN official job site. After registering with your email address and password, you can log in and begin building your profile.

This is much like an online CV. You will fill in your personal information, education, experience, skills, and languages. Ensure that it's all up-to-date and correct, as the UN will use this information when assessing your application.

Step 3 – Submit a Tailored Application

When you apply, make sure that your application is specifically for the position you are applying for. Most UN agencies ask you to fill in a P11 or PHP form, which is essentially a detailed resume. Make sure to read the job post carefully and highlight the skills and experiences they want.

You will also be asked to upload your CV, cover letter, certificates, and other supporting documents. Make sure all of these are clear, honest, and organized.

Step 4 – Prepare for Assessment and Interview

If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to go through additional steps. These will usually involve a written exam and a competency interview.

At the interview, you will be asked about actual situations when you solved problems, worked with others, or showed leadership. Be yourself, give clear answers, and tell them what you did and why.

What Documents are Required for UN Job Applications in Nepal?

When applying for a UN job in Nepal, you need to gather some important documents. These documents include your CV, cover letter, P11 or PHP form, your national ID, academic documents, etc. These documents help the UN learn about your background, skills, and work experience. Having them all ready in advance will make the application process so much faster and easier.

Here are the most common documents you will need:

• Current CV or resume (in UN format, if asked)
• P11/PHP form (required for many UN agencies)
• Cover letter (short and specific to the job)
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• National ID or passport
• Work experience letters (from previous jobs or internships)
• Reference contacts (usually 2–3 professional references)
• Language certificates (if available, especially for English)

Tips for Organizing Your Application Package

• All documents should be in PDF format and with proper naming (e.g., "YourName_CV.pdf").
• Make your documents current, clear, and easy to read.
• Always personalize your cover letter and CV to match the job post.
• Double-check the job posting for specific document requests.
• Create a folder on your device to have everything stored in one place, which can save time and help avoid mistakes.
• In case applying via the UN Careers portal, upload documents accordingly and do not leave any field blank.

What is the Salary of UN Jobs in Nepal?

The average salary for UN jobs in Nepal ranges from NPR 241,000 to over USD 15,000, depending on whether you are hired locally or abroad. The UN uses international salary grades for professional staff and local grades for nationals, and employees are also given benefits like housing allowance, insurance, pension, and paid leave. 

Here is a detailed overview of the UN job salary in Nepal:

1. UN Salary Structure: Local vs. International Staff

Local staff (General Service – GS or National Officer – NO) are paid according to a local Nepal market-rate salary scale. 

• A NO-A position gets around NPR 241,681/month (around USD 1,735) before deduction.
• A mid-grade NO-C position gets around NPR 1,713,000/year (~USD 12,800 net)

International staff (Professional – P-level: P‑1 to P‑5) get the UN's international pay scale.

• A P‑1 in Kathmandu can start at USD 44,593 + ~24% cost-of-living adjustment (~USD 55K–76K/year total).
• A senior P‑5 role could be as much as USD 110,869 + ~25% post adjustment—around USD 139K–174K/year.

2. Pay Ranges for Common Roles

• GS6 (General Service): Around NPR 155,000–156,000 per month (USD 1,126–1,171) in Kathmandu.
• P‑level jobs: "Technical Officer" or "Program Coordinator" (P2/P3) typically get USD 6,000–9,000 gross per month.
• Senior professionals (P4/P5) get around USD 10,000 to 15,000 gross per month.

3. What Affects Salary?

• Job grade and duties: UN higher grades = higher salaries.
• Experience: Gaining experience leads to better salary steps within the same grade.
• Duty station: Post-adjustments relate to the local cost of living (Kathmandu ~25–33%).
• Contract type: Fixed-term vs. temporary appointments might differ slightly in allowances and benefits.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired

Securing a UN job in Nepal can be tough in such a competitive market, but there are different methods to boost your chances. Simple things like meeting the right people, gaining experience, and making your CV better can help a lot. These are some plain tips that you can follow. 

1. Networking with UN Professionals in Nepal

Talking to people who are already working with the UN is very helpful. You can get tips on vacancies, what the UN is looking for, and advice on how to apply. Go to events, seminars, or connect on LinkedIn with UN staff members. Connections can sometimes help you get there.

2. Participating in UN Youth and Volunteer Programs

Being a part of UN Youth or volunteering programs is a great way to experience things and show your interest in the organization. They provide you with an idea about how the UN operates and provide you with useful skills for life. They also add value to your CV while applying for future paid jobs.

3. Enhancing Your CV with Relevant Certifications

Add certifications in particular areas like project management, languages, or computer science. This is a bonus on your CV. The majority of UN positions require certain skills, so proof of having them is extremely useful. There are many online courses or trainings in Nepal that you can enroll in to boost your qualifications.