Work With Us
UN-OHRLLS offers a unique professional environment where your work directly shapes the global development agenda for 91 countries. Our staff advocate for the needs of least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states at the highest levels of the United Nations system.
We are looking for motivated professionals who want to contribute to sustainable development, policy coordination, and international cooperation. Whether you are an experienced policy specialist or a recent graduate, there is a place for you in our team.
Why Join UN-OHRLLS?
Global Policy Influence
Work at the intersection of diplomacy and development, contributing to General Assembly resolutions, intergovernmental reviews, and programmes of action that affect billions of people.
Tangible Outcomes
Every position in the office feeds directly into advocacy, research, and coordination that translates into better trade terms, increased aid flows, and stronger institutions for vulnerable nations.
Professional Growth
Access UN training programmes, attend international conferences, and build expertise across development economics, climate policy, trade facilitation, and multilateral negotiation.
Competitive Package
UN remuneration standards apply: international salary scales, health insurance, pension contributions, education grants, hardship allowances, and home leave entitlements where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The United Nations is committed to achieving workforce diversity. Candidates of all nationalities, ethnic backgrounds, genders, and abilities are encouraged to apply. The UN gives particular consideration to candidates from underrepresented member states.
We actively encourage applications from: Women · Nationals of underrepresented states · Persons with disabilities · Youth from developing countries
Staff Trainee Programme
Current Opportunities
Open positions across our programme areas. Submit your application by email to careers@ohrlls.org referencing the Job ID in your subject line.
Staff Trainee Programme Positions
LDC Policy Coordination Assistant
Support the monitoring and implementation of the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs, assisting with analytical research, meeting preparation, and liaison with permanent missions and UN system partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare briefing notes and background papers for intergovernmental meetings on LDC issues
- Track progress indicators under the Doha Programme of Action and compile data for periodic reviews
- Coordinate with UNCTAD, UNDP, and World Bank teams on joint analytical outputs
- Draft sections of the annual High Representative's report to the General Assembly
- Support the organisation of expert group meetings and side events
- Maintain the LDC country profiles database with up-to-date economic and social indicators
Eligibility Criteria
- Diploma in Development Studies, Economics, International Relations, or related field
- Strong research, writing, and data analysis skills
- Digital literacy and comfort with remote collaboration tools
- Fluent in English; French or another UN language an asset
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant discipline
- Familiarity with the UN system's work on sustainable development
- Experience with statistical databases and data visualisation tools
How to Apply
Email your CV, cover letter, and a brief writing sample to careers@ohrlls.org with subject line OHRLLS-LPC-001.
Transit & Trade Facilitation Analyst
Contribute to the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for LLDCs, focusing on transit corridor analysis, trade cost research, and coordination with WTO, WCO, and regional economic communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse trade and transit data for the 32 landlocked developing countries and prepare comparative assessments
- Support the midterm review process of the Vienna Programme of Action
- Coordinate inputs from transit countries and LLDCs for intergovernmental consultations
- Contribute to policy briefs on customs modernisation, border management, and transport infrastructure
- Liaise with UNCTAD, UNECE, and regional bodies on corridor development initiatives
- Assist in organising expert meetings on transit cooperation and trade facilitation
Eligibility Criteria
- Diploma in Economics, Trade, Transport, International Relations, or related field
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to travel and work in challenging field environments
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field
- Experience with trade data platforms (WITS, ITC Trade Map, TRAINS)
- Knowledge of customs procedures and border-crossing logistics
How to Apply
Email your CV, cover letter, and a brief writing sample to careers@ohrlls.org with subject line OHRLLS-TFA-002.
Climate Resilience & SIDS Programme Assistant
Assist in advancing the SAMOA Pathway and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, with a focus on climate adaptation, ocean governance, and building partnerships with environmental finance institutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Research and draft analytical papers on climate vulnerability, sea-level rise, and disaster risk reduction in SIDS
- Support preparations for SIDS-focused intergovernmental meetings and high-level events
- Track commitments under the SAMOA Pathway and compile progress updates for reporting cycles
- Liaise with UNEP, FAO, and the Green Climate Fund on climate finance for island nations
- Coordinate community outreach and communications on SIDS advocacy campaigns
- Maintain stakeholder databases and manage event logistics
Eligibility Criteria
- Diploma or Bachelor's degree in any field
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Digital literacy and comfort with remote collaboration tools
- Commitment to UN-OHRLLS's values and equal opportunity principles
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant discipline
- Experience with climate finance mechanisms or environmental advocacy
- Familiarity with UN climate negotiation processes (UNFCCC, COP)
How to Apply
Email your CV, cover letter, and a brief writing sample to careers@ohrlls.org with subject line OHRLLS-CRA-003.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting Officer
Strengthen the office's capacity to track implementation of all three programmes of action by building data systems, producing analytical reports, and supporting intergovernmental review processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and maintain indicator dashboards for the Doha, Vienna, and SAMOA/ABAS programmes
- Collect, clean, and analyse data from national statistical offices, UN databases, and partner agencies
- Prepare periodic implementation reports and visualisations for senior leadership and member states
- Support the preparation of Secretary-General's reports on LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS
- Contribute to the methodological framework for midterm and final reviews of each programme of action
- Coordinate data-sharing agreements with DESA, UNCTAD, and the World Bank
Eligibility Criteria
- Diploma or Bachelor's degree in any field
- Strong analytical and numerical reasoning skills
- Digital literacy and comfort with data tools and spreadsheets
- Commitment to UN-OHRLLS's values and equal opportunity principles
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in a quantitative or policy field
- Experience working with SDG indicator frameworks or UN data systems
- Knowledge of results-based management principles
How to Apply
Email your CV, cover letter, and a brief writing sample to careers@ohrlls.org with subject line OHRLLS-MER-004.
Senior & Permanent Positions
Senior positions at UN-OHRLLS carry stringent qualification and experience requirements. Applications that do not meet all mandatory eligibility criteria will not be progressed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Senior Programme Officer (LDCs)
Provide substantive leadership on the LDC programme portfolio, overseeing the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action, managing intergovernmental review processes, and serving as the office's primary technical authority on LDC graduation and structural transformation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the substantive preparation of the Secretary-General's annual report on LDC issues to the General Assembly
- Manage a team of programme staff and consultants working on LDC policy analysis and advocacy
- Serve as focal point for coordination with the CDP, UNCTAD, UNDP, and World Bank on LDC graduation processes
- Oversee the organisation of major intergovernmental events including the LDC5 midterm review
- Brief the High Representative and senior UN officials on emerging LDC development trends
- Represent UN-OHRLLS at international conferences, donor roundtables, and expert panel discussions
- Ensure quality control of all LDC-related publications, reports, and policy briefs issued by the office
Eligibility Criteria
- Master's degree (minimum) in Development Economics, International Relations, Public Policy, or equivalent; PhD preferred
- Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in international development, with at least 5 years at a senior level within a UN entity, multilateral institution, or comparable organisation
- Demonstrated expertise in LDC development issues, structural transformation, or graduation policy
- Track record of producing high-quality analytical reports for intergovernmental audiences
- Extensive experience managing teams and coordinating across multiple UN agencies
- Fluency in English; French required; another UN language an additional asset
Preferred Qualifications
- Published research on LDC development, trade, or aid effectiveness
- Prior experience in a UN Secretariat department or OHRLLS-adjacent office
- Familiarity with the CDP graduation criteria and smooth transition frameworks
- Established network within the New York-based development policy community
How to Apply
Submit your CV, cover letter, and two professional references to careers@ohrlls.org with subject line OHRLLS-SPO-005.
Head of Advocacy & Partnerships
Lead UN-OHRLLS's global advocacy and partnership strategy, raising the profile of LDC, LLDC, and SIDS issues across the UN system, international media, and donor communities to mobilise political attention and financial commitments.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute the office's multi-year advocacy strategy aligned with the three programmes of action
- Build and maintain senior-level relationships with bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, and philanthropic foundations
- Lead the production of flagship publications, policy briefs, and communications materials
- Represent UN-OHRLLS at high-level events including General Assembly side events, ECOSOC forums, and regional conferences
- Negotiate partnership agreements and MoUs with UN agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organisations
- Manage and develop a team of communications and outreach professionals
- Track the global funding landscape and identify opportunities for increased ODA and climate finance for vulnerable countries
Eligibility Criteria
- Master's degree in International Relations, Communications, Public Policy, or related field
- Minimum 14 years of professional experience in advocacy, partnerships, or communications within the international development sector
- Proven track record of building partnerships and mobilising resources at the institutional level
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills; ability to produce clear, compelling policy narratives
- Extensive high-level network within the UN, donor, and NGO communities
- Fluent in English; French required; Spanish or Arabic a significant asset
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with South-South cooperation frameworks or triangular cooperation mechanisms
- Prior service in a UN Secretariat communications or outreach role
- Familiarity with multilateral climate finance mechanisms (GCF, Adaptation Fund)
- Experience managing high-profile international events or campaigns
How to Apply
Submit your CV, cover letter, and two professional references to careers@ohrlls.org with subject line OHRLLS-HAP-006.
Legal Affairs Officer
Provide authoritative legal guidance on institutional governance, inter-agency agreements, staff regulations, and compliance matters, ensuring that all UN-OHRLLS activities operate within the legal framework of the United Nations.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise the High Representative and senior staff on questions of international institutional law and UN administrative law
- Draft, review, and negotiate MoUs, host country agreements, contribution agreements, and vendor contracts
- Ensure compliance with General Assembly resolutions, Secretary-General's bulletins, and applicable UN regulations
- Provide legal analysis on proposed partnerships, new programme activities, and inter-agency arrangements
- Manage engagement with the Office of Legal Affairs and external legal counsel as required
- Develop and maintain the office's legal document repository and institutional governance framework
- Advise on data protection, intellectual property, and procurement-related legal questions
Eligibility Criteria
- LLM or JD in International Law, Public International Law, or equivalent; dual qualification in civil and common law systems preferred
- Admitted to the bar in at least one jurisdiction with active standing
- Minimum 10 years of post-qualification legal experience, including at least 4 years within a UN entity, international organisation, or multilateral institution
- Demonstrated expertise in the law of international organisations and treaty law
- Proven ability to draft complex legal instruments in English; French required
- Familiarity with UN Staff Regulations and Rules, Financial Regulations, and procurement frameworks
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior in-house legal experience at the UN Secretariat or a UN specialised agency
- Knowledge of UN internal justice mechanisms and staff appeals processes
- Experience with GDPR and international data protection frameworks as applied to intergovernmental bodies
- Familiarity with US host country law as it applies to UN operations in New York
How to Apply
Submit your CV, cover letter, and two professional references to careers@ohrlls.org with subject line OHRLLS-LAO-007.
Our Recruitment Process
Transparent, fair, and merit-based. Here is what to expect when you apply to UN-OHRLLS.
Submit Application
Send your CV, cover letter, and any requested documents to careers@ohrlls.org with the Job ID in the subject line.
Eligibility Screening
Our HR team reviews all applications against the published eligibility criteria. Candidates who meet the requirements are placed on the shortlist.
Competency Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a structured interview with programme and HR leads, conducted remotely or at UN Headquarters.
Reference Verification
Final candidates undergo reference checks. Successful applicants receive a formal offer letter via email from the office.
Pre-Employment Training
Selected candidates complete a mandatory orientation on UN regulations, ethics, and programme management standards prior to their start date.
Contract & Onboarding
Upon training completion, your appointment letter is issued. Onboarding formalities including security clearance, medical examination, and administrative registration are completed before your official start date.
For general queries about recruitment, contact info@ohrlls.org.
Internship Programme
Internship Opportunities
UN-OHRLLS offers internship placements for enrolled students and recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in international development policy, research, and multilateral advocacy. Internships are based at UN Headquarters in New York and run for 2-6 months.
- Stipend in line with UN internship policy
- Direct mentorship from senior programme staff
- Exposure to General Assembly and ECOSOC processes
- Certificate of completion and professional reference
Internship enquiries: info@ohrlls.org
Diversity & Inclusion
UN-OHRLLS is an equal opportunity employer within the United Nations system. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the member states and communities we serve.
- Gender-parity targets across all staffing levels
- Reasonable accommodations available on request
- Multilingual work environment (all six UN languages)
- Flexible arrangements for carers and persons with disabilities