Getting Hired at the UN: Loreto Ferrer Moreu’s Tips

Working at the United Nations represents a key career aspiration for many Spaniards drawn to international cooperation, human rights, and public service, yet accessing the UN system is frequently viewed as a demanding, intricate, and not widely understood pathway, particularly for young professionals pursuing their first role within global organizations.

One of the primary pathways for entry is the Young Professionals Programme (YPP), a highly selective initiative through which applicants can access entry-level roles within the United Nations Secretariat. The journey of Loreto Ferrer Moreu, a Spanish professional who successfully advanced through this competitive process, sheds light on how admission to the organization operates and the type of candidate profile typically valued in these evaluations.

What is the YPP and why is it such a demanding pathway

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 nature demands ample time, a clear strategy, and a solid grasp of how the system operates behind the scenes. In Loreto Ferrer’s situation, her earlier work in development and human rights across Latin America offered a valuable base, yet it was not enough by itself. Getting ready also meant examining UN reports and resolutions, exploring the organization’s Charter, and gaining a firm understanding of 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 completing the exam, candidates who successfully clear that phase proceed to a competency‑focused interview, where evaluators assess factors like collaborative ability, stress handling, ethical judgment, and communication performance across varied professional settings.

Additional opportunities to work within 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.

Grasping these routes is essential for shaping a practical entry plan, and in many situations, recognizing the institutional landscape and identifying the right starting point proves just as vital as academic training or previous professional background.

What profile is valued 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 an often-underestimated element: the professional narrative. It is not enough to have accumulated experience; you must also know how to explain it well. In these types of interviews and evaluations, what matters is how you present your learning, the decisions you made, the challenges you faced, and the values you applied in your work.

A valuable opportunity to grasp the process of entering the UN

The career path of a Spanish professional at the United Nations helps bring into focus a process that is often perceived as distant. Rather than presenting access to the UN as something unattainable, this kind of experience helps demonstrate that concrete paths exist, even if they require preparation, perseverance, and a strategic career vision.

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.