How to get to UNESCO...?

[liser]

Hello All,

I'm a current masters student in public history with a BA in history (concentrating on the Third World). My plan has always been to work for UNESCO, but now I'm not sure if my academic training is leading me down the right track. I want to work in cultural heritage, staying within the history field, but I do not want to spend the next 5 to 10 years in a history Ph.D. program unless I absolutely must. I'm thinking something like a cultural policy or public policy program, but can't seem to find one that fits my career goals. Does anyone have any advice on programs (Ph.D. or Masters) that would be appropriate for a career in UNESCO?

Thanks for any advice and/or suggestions.

[plate48]

hey! I am interested in possibly working for UNESCO myself. It really depends what's you're interested in, but you can check their available positions online and scan the requirements. I'm thinking of applying to the program "Governing the Large Metropolis" at sciences po next year in Paris with the goal of focusing on housing issues. It's an MA that can be catered toward later PhD studies and includes 6 months working for an international governing authority (perhaps an internship @ UNESCO?)

[JoeySsance]

Hey there! As an undergrad, I landed an internship in UNESCO's human rights sector. I was lucky that my university had an agreement with them. I enjoyed my experience a lot and if I weren't applying to grad schools right now, I would consider going back to UNESCO! There's actually a program called "UNESCO Young Professionals" that gives recent college grads and young professionals (under 30 years old) from certain countries unrepresented/underrepresented in UNESCO a great career opportunity. Check out more info on their site: http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=11714&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

I hope somebody finds that interesting and helpful. Good luck!

[hupr]

I worked at UNESCO headquarters for several years. The job listings online are a waste of time unless you're an internal applicant. The vast majority of people working at UNESCO (at least in the headquarters) are "temporary," which is to say they don't have a post. Unfortunately, this "temporary" status can last for a very long time. I had a colleague who had been working as a supernumerary for over ten years. Also, there is a quota system for posts based on your nationality, so if you apply as a citizen of an underrepresented country, you will have much better chances of getting a post.

Otherwise, if you'd still like to work there and don't mind be "temporary," the best way is to contact someone in a program or section that interests you and volunteer to do an unpaid internship. If you just apply for an internship through the intern program you won't get anywhere. You have to apply through the proper channels and then get someone from the program you're interested in to request you personally. Once you've got your foot in the door, as it were, you can find paying work for when the internship is finished.

[polix]

I worked at UNESCO headquarters for several years. The job listings online are a waste of time unless you're an internal applicant. The vast majority of people working at UNESCO (at least in the headquarters) are "temporary," which is to say they don't have a post. Unfortunately, this "temporary" status can last for a very long time. I had a colleague who had been working as a supernumerary for over ten years. Also, there is a quota system for posts based on your nationality, so if you apply as a citizen of an underrepresented country, you will have much better chances of getting a post.

Otherwise, if you'd still like to work there and don't mind be "temporary," the best way is to contact someone in a program or section that interests you and volunteer to do an unpaid internship. If you just apply for an internship through the intern program you won't get anywhere. You have to apply through the proper channels and then get someone from the program you're interested in to request you personally. Once you've got your foot in the door, as it were, you can find paying work for when the internship is finished.

Hey there,

What about the field positions - multiple duty stations officers? I know they are temporary too, but is there a chance to be selected (via the online job listings) if you have the required profile?