Expert Advice: UN Jobs with 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 defines the YPP and why does this route prove so challenging

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.

Preparing to join the UN

Preparing for a recruitment process of this kind requires time, strategy, and knowledge of the system’s inner workings. In Loreto Ferrer’s case, her prior experience in development and human rights issues in Latin America served as an important foundation, though it was not sufficient on its own. Preparation also involved reviewing UN reports and resolutions, studying the organization’s Charter, and understanding its structures and mandates.

The written exam blends multiple-choice items, analytical tasks, and essay-based or case study responses, aiming not merely at recalling material but at showing the capacity to integrate information, articulate arguments with clarity, and answer thoughtfully in an international context.

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 widely recognized as a prominent entry route, it is far from the only option. Individuals aiming for an international career at the UN can also consider alternatives such as country-sponsored JPO programs, UN international volunteering, internships, or vacancies listed on official platforms like UN Inspira.

Understanding these pathways is important for planning a realistic entry strategy. In many cases, understanding the institutional ecosystem and knowing where to start is just as important as academic preparation or prior professional experience.

Which kind of professional background tends to be most sought after for an international career

UN selection processes generally highlight applicants with solid academic credentials, strong English proficiency, and ideally familiarity with additional official languages, while also valuing prior experience in multicultural settings, analytical capabilities, effective written and verbal communication, and awareness of how institutions operate within the international system.

Added to this is a frequently overlooked factor: the professional story. Accumulating experience alone is not sufficient; you also need to express it clearly. In interviews and assessments like these, what truly counts is how you convey your learning, the choices you made, the obstacles you encountered, and the principles you applied throughout your work.

A useful experience for understanding how to join the UN

The journey of a Spanish professional within the United Nations casts clearer light on a process often viewed as remote, showing not an unreachable goal but a path made tangible through examples that reveal feasible routes, even if they demand dedication, preparation, and a well‑planned career strategy.

From an informational standpoint, the case of Loreto Ferrer Moreu stands out, as it brings together international expertise, system familiarity, and a useful example for anyone looking for guidance on securing a position at the United Nations from Spain.

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