As we all know, it’s not easy to get a job in the UN. You either have to be well connected,

So its actually very easy then!

instead of looking for the job, i would recommend you to make some relations in the UN, don't ask me how, i know its not that easy but somehow you have to, otherwise do something extra ordinary that will put on the screen. 

@jacob its easy for those who fits in any of these scenarios but def difficult for someone like me.

@waqas, the problem is that i dont live in genva at the time being. I am in egypt  :(

then forget it. there is no place for a person from 3rd world country, they don't have right to have such jobs, living standard.

Excuse me ???  

WATCH THE NEWS HISTORY WAS TRULY MADE TODAY, PROUD TO BE AN EGYPTAIN :)

Apologies for first sending you a 'thank you' note -- my finger slipped !

I wanted to ask if you have ever worked for a UN organizatrion in Egpt.  That is one of the best ways to get to know the system and get yourself known.

As soon as the situation allows, why don't you explore the possibilities of local recruitment?  I've known it to lead to international posstings in time.

All the best, R.

I

Noha (apologies if this is not your name).  Glad you're proud to be an Egyptain (sic) and proud of your country in very difficult times.  Ignore the slightly sarcastic posts so far (Jacob B et al).  I'm sure when you get to Switzerland, embrace the Swiss life and all that is Swiss, you will find a wonderful job in the UN, whether you have connections or otherwise.  8 years will definitely count for something. Wishing you luck in an, unfortunately, slightly hostile forum thus far (jump in "translator" whenever you see fit!) - hope it improves!!

Good luck and welcome to Switzerland when you finally get here :-)

Here is a link from Swisslinks.  The list includes many ngos, international organizations and other groups involved in human rights. 

http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/services/swisslinks/Organisations.html?currentId=3450&cid=78240

You might also want to look at www.reliefweb.org

Good luck!

@ Ritchie. I full agree with you. I was about to propose the same, looking into options at UN agencies in Egypt.

@ Bishy.  I do confirm that on many occasions vacancies are advertised as an administrative procedure to confirm the person doing the job...

However, it should be noted, that those -brave- persons, well deserve to be confirmed as they started on the job as temporaries with short term contracts renewed for ever and ever, sometimes for years !!  Perseverance & Patiente do pay off.

@ Noha. With your 8 years experience in human rights... If you can afford it, you can try volunteer work in the field (countries in difficult situation) via the UN Volunteers Program. It gives you a good UN-experience and opens doors when applying for regular posts, for example at the UN Human Rights Organization or at the UN High Commission for Refugees, or many others where your background is required (visit www.unsystem.org).

Wish good luck and success! & keep us posted.

I would like to thak all of you for your comments, indeed proud to be an egyptain, unlike others who see egypt as a third word country that is not welcomed in the UN system . Wake up waqas, and again watch the news and see how Egypt is now making history. Like President Obama said Egyptian have changed the world.

Ok, just a question,..why would you want to work for the UN?  Low taxes? extreme high Salaries??, I mean,..., this is Switzerland, there must be a million or so possibilities for you. WHy fix on the UN?

not fixed, keeping other options open

".....@waqas, the problem is that i dont live in genva at the time being. I am in egypt  :(..."

I read over that,...,`sorry,....,well try local ngo's,..., get some contacts,..,ask poster translator,..., send her a private message,..she  works for the UN. 

@jacob thanks

I don’t think it’s true to say that Egypt is unwelcome in the UN and its specialized agencies.

I have had the privilege, and pleasure, to work with many Egyptians, in both Egypt and elsewhere.  I have fond memories of their fellowship just as I remember the fellowship extended by colleagues from many other countries.

Maintaining a balanced geographical distribution of posts will always be a delicate issue to resolve, but I don’t believe that certain nationalities are systematically rejected in favour of others.

i second you on that  Ritchie, some pple are just ignorant and not aware of whats going on in what they say third world countries - I guess today egypt is an example to the whole world....New chapter in Egyptian history unfolds truly proud to be an Egyptain