UNO: Examinations for Language Positions

Examinations for Language Positions

The Secretariat offers competitive examinations for language positions (translators, editors, verbatim reporters, interpreters, proofreaders, etc.) on a regular basis. Examinations are required for full-time career positions only.



Language competitive examinations
The United Nations is looking for motivated and qualified candidates to fill its language positions across the Organization. The language competitive examinations (LCE) are organized to identify willing and able language professionals to provide high quality language services in support of multilateral communications in Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, Geneva, Nairobi, New York, Santiago, and Vienna.

The United Nations has six official languages for which most of the language specialists are needed:

Arabic Chinese English French Russian Spanish
The examinations are offered from time to time based on the needs of the Organization, and are open to internal and external applicants who meet all eligibility and qualification requirements.

For further information regarding the types of language positions available in the United Nations, please see the brief position descriptions in the box on the upper left of this page.

The United Nations is a global organization; it encourages mobility within and across duty stations. Language assignments are subject to rotation and successful candidates may thereafter be called upon to serve at other duty stations, according to the needs of the Organization. Successful candidates are expected to serve a minimum of five years in language posts before they can apply for another type of post with the United Nations.

Ready to apply to a language competitive examination?
https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=LE