Former advisor to the UN Secretary-General blends personal stories with insider strategies to demystify one of the world’s most complex, competitive hiring systems.
In an era of budget cuts and AI, this practical guide shows you how to avoid pitfalls, influence decision-makers, and get an impactful, funded job at the UN.
AUTHOR
Naresh Perinpanayagam worked for the UN for 15 years in New York, Geneva, Nepal, Sudan and as a peacekeeper in war zones on the Congolese and Ethiopian borders of South Sudan. He recruited staff for new UN Secretary-General António Guterres, then spent four years as an advisor on the former Prime Minister’s political staff until 2022.
Born in Sri Lanka and raised in New Zealand after his parents fled the civil war. A New Zealand lawyer, he also earned a Master’s degree from Harvard University on a full merit-based scholarship, studying economics and politics. He passed the New York Bar Exam, wrote Extraditing Citizens to China in Columbia Human Rights Law Review, and was a Wasserstein Fellow at Harvard Law School.
INSIDE THE eBOOK
Have you ever found yourself in a place you once only dreamed of? I walked to work in New York City. I took my seat behind the UN Secretary-General at the UN Security Council.
From 2005-2022 I recruited dozens of UN staff. I spent two years as a UN recruiter, reviewing thousands of CVs and interviewing dozens of candidates. In 2017, I joined the Executive Office of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. First task? Hire UN staff for the former Prime Minister.
This eBook will give you:
Proven strategies to get hired at the UN, even in an era of budget cuts
Step-by-step guidance on applications, interviews, and career progression
Insider tips to influence decision-makers and avoid common pitfalls
Real-life stories and lessons from a former advisor to the UN Secretary-General
Career guidance relevant for UN jobs, diplomacy, and international organizations.
This eBook is perfect for:
Students, graduates, and professionals aiming for a UN career
Mid-career changers looking for UN jobs and consultancies
Aspiring diplomats and anyone interested in international work