Application Cycle Concluded
The listed deadline for this opening was August 21, 2026. Application criteria, required documents, and preparation guidelines below remain active for upcoming academic cycles. Explore active live openings below.
About this opportunity
The United Nations is hiring for nine open positions in Ethiopia, with deadlines running from late July through late August 2026. The roles span internships, professional staff, and senior leadership, and they sit across several UN bodies operating in the country, including the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), UNCTAD, and the Resident Coordinator System. This is a rare look at the full range of UN work in one country, from data analysis internships to a D2-level Regional Director post. The most senior opening is Regional Director for Africa, a D2 post within the Resident Coordinator System, with an August 15 deadline. At the other end, two internships are available: one in data analysis at ECA and one as a Program Assistant focused on partnerships, also at ECA. Mid-career professionals can apply for roles like Economic Affairs Officer (P4), Programme Management Officer (P3), and an Associate Programme Management Officer focused on the humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) nexus. There is also a Photographer position (G6) and a Senior Finance and Budget Assistant (G7), both at ECA. The United Nations is the world's largest intergovernmental organization, founded to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and achieve international cooperation. Its Economic Commission for Africa, headquartered in Addis Ababa, is one of five regional commissions and focuses on promoting economic and social development across African states. UNCTAD, the UN's trade and development body, works on integrating developing countries into the world economy. The Resident Coordinator System coordinates all UN development work at the country level. Working for the UN in Ethiopia means being based in Addis Ababa, the diplomatic capital of Africa. The city hosts the African Union headquarters and a dense concentration of international organizations. Living costs are moderate compared to Western capitals, though expatriate-standard housing can be pricey. The climate is mild year-round, sitting at 2,355 meters above sea level. UN staff typically enjoy diplomatic privileges, and international hires receive visa support through the organization. The UN explicitly states it does not charge any fee at any stage of recruitment, and it does not ask for bank account information, so be wary of anyone requesting payment or financial details.
Benefits
- UN positions come with a competitive international salary scale based on grade level (P3, P4, D2, G6, G7, NOB)
- Internships at ECA and UNCTAD typically provide a stipend for living expenses
- International staff receive relocation and travel allowances
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage
- Pension plan through the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
- Annual leave and sick leave entitlements
- Diplomatic visa status for international hires in Ethiopia
Eligibility
- Open to applicants of all nationalities, though some positions may prioritize nationals of member states
- Internships generally require enrollment in or recent completion of a graduate degree program
- Professional roles (P3, P4) typically require an advanced university degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience
- The D2 Regional Director post requires extensive senior leadership experience in international development
- General Service roles (G6, G7) require a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant work experience
- National Officer roles (NOB) are open to Ethiopian nationals
- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French is an advantage for many posts
Required Documents
- Online application through the UN careers portal
- Cover letter tailored to the specific position
- Updated CV or resume
- Academic transcripts or proof of degree completion for internships
- References or recommendation letters for senior roles
How to Apply
- Review the full job description for each position on the UN careers portal to confirm you meet the specific requirements.
- Prepare your application materials, including a tailored cover letter and CV that address the duties and qualifications listed for your chosen role.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in Ethiopia to the United Nations (UN)'s strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.




