A cover letter is an important part of many United Nations job, internship, and volunteer applications. While your resume provides a summary of your education, work experience, and qualifications, a cover letter allows you to introduce yourself in a more personal way. According to the United Nations Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM), a cover letter should complement your resume by expanding on your background rather than repeating the same information. It also gives you the opportunity to explain why you are interested in the position and what makes you a suitable candidate.

Before preparing your cover letter for United Nations jobs, make sure you also have a professional resume. If you have not created one yet, read our Complete UN Resume Guide where we explain how to prepare a resume for United Nations opportunities using official guidance. This guide explains how to write a UN cover letter, what it should include, and the official recommendations from the United Nations Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

According to the OHRM, a cover letter is a personal introduction that accompanies your resume. It should complement your resume by providing additional information in a more personal way instead of repeating the same details. Use it to explain your background, highlight your qualifications, and show what makes you a strong candidate for the position.

A cover letter also helps the hiring manager understand more about you as a person and serves as an example of your writing skills. Keep your cover letter to one page. Write it for a specific organization and, whenever possible, personalize it by addressing it to a specific individual and including their title instead of using a general greeting such as “To Whom It May Concern.”

• Begin your cover letter by explaining why you are writing and how you learned about the opportunity. For example, mention whether you are responding to a vacancy announcement or were referred to the position.

• Summarize the qualifications, skills, and experience that are most relevant to the position. Explain how your background matches the job requirements and expand on the information already included in your resume instead of repeating it.
• You may also include a few strengths or personal qualities that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

• Thank the employer for considering your application and express your interest in discussing your qualifications further. End your letter with a professional closing such as “Sincerely,” followed by your name.

According to the OHRM, follow these recommendations when writing your cover letter:

• Personalize your cover letter.
• Write naturally and avoid clichés.
• Be specific and get to the point.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Be confident without sounding arrogant.
• Be polite and professional.
• Keep your writing concise.
• Proofread carefully before submitting.
• Sign your letter whenever possible.
• Keep a copy for your records.

Before writing your cover letter, carefully review the vacancy announcement and understand the job requirements. According to the OHRM, this helps you prepare a stronger application and determine whether the position matches your qualifications, skills, and career goals.

Compare the required responsibilities, competencies, and qualifications with your own background. This analysis will help you prepare a more focused resume and cover letter while also helping you prepare for a potential interview.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), your cover letter should:

• Clearly explain what motivated you to apply for the specific position.
• Highlight the qualifications, skills, and experience that are most relevant to the vacancy.
• Prepare a separate and tailored cover letter for each position you apply for.
• Write your cover letter in the language specified in the vacancy announcement, as this is the required language for the duty station.
• Focus on the specific position you are applying for rather than using a general cover letter for multiple applications.

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Conculsion: A well-written cover letter allows you to explain your motivation, highlight your most relevant qualifications, and complement your resume in a professional way. By following the official guidance from the OHRM and UNDP, and tailoring each cover letter to the specific position, you can prepare a stronger application for United Nations opportunities.

Note: This guide is an independent educational resource published by Scholarships Corner. It is based on publicly available guidance from the United Nations Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Scholarships Corner is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the United Nations, UNDP, or any other United Nations organization or agency. This guide is intended to help applicants better understand the official guidance and should not be considered an official United Nations publication. Applicants should always refer to the official vacancy announcement and the relevant United Nations careers website for the latest application requirements and instructions.