Originally shared via email. For early access to UN job search success tips and advice, subscribe to the newsletter here.

While I haven’t worked in every corner of the UN, after years in the system, in addition to hearing countless stories from colleagues and clients, one pattern is hard to ignore:

Many UN organizations struggle with people management.

It’s rarely malice. Most managers are doing their best while being under-resourced, untrained, and unsupported themselves. Essentially, they are good professionals, taking on more responsibilities without induction, mentorship, training, or other support.

From the outside, it’s easy to romanticize UN work. And yes, there are excellent managers out there. But this pattern is widespread enough that you can’t assume you’ll be well looked after.

Just as you’re responsible for your own career development in the UN, you need to take full responsibility for your own well-being.

That means setting boundaries, finding your own mentors, and not waiting for “the system” to step in, because it may not have the capacity to do so. And sometimes, it means moving on.

My very first UN supervisor told me:

“Veronika, always take care of yourself, because the organization will always take care of itself.”

 

It’s advice worth remembering wherever you are on your UN journey.

I'm not sharing this to deter you from pursuing a UN career, but to prepare you, so that you can build it from a position of awareness, autonomy and strength.
 

Wishing you the very best,
Veronika

PS: If you’re dealing with poor management, my Foundations coaching can help. And if you’re an under-resourced manager trying to do right by your team, please check out Momentum. Details here: Professional Development Options