UN CV Format: How to Tailor Your CV for UN Jobs in Africa (2026 Guide)

Are you applying for UN jobs Africa and not getting shortlisted? Your UN CV format may be the problem.

Learn the correct UN CV format and learn how to tailor CV for UN job applications properly.

Most applicants use a generic CV.

But the United Nations system does not hire like private companies.

Let’s begin.

Why Normal CV Fails for UN Jobs

UN recruiters look for:

• relevance to the job description
• measurable achievements
• competency evidence
• development or humanitarian language
• regional experience (especially in Africa)

If your CV says:

“Hardworking professional seeking opportunity.”

You will likely be screened out.

UN hiring is based on competence with evidence.

Difference between UN Resume vs PHP

Many applicants are confused about this.

Here is the difference:

Feature	CV	Personal History Profile (PHP)
Format	Flexible document	Structured online form
Purpose	Summary overview	Detailed official record
Length	2–3 pages	Multiple sections
Evaluation	Supporting document	Primary screening tool

The PHP (via UN portal) is mandatory.

Your CV only supports it. So, don’t treat your CV as the only document.

To understand PHP fully: See UN Personal History Profile Guide

Correct UN CV Format (Step-by-Step Structure)

Here is a recommended UN CV format that works for most Africa-based applications.

1. Personal information

Include:

• Full name
• Nationality
• Email
• Phone
• LinkedIn (optional)

Do NOT include:

• Photo
• Marital status
• Religion
• Excessive personal details

Keep it professional.

2. Professional summary

This is not a generic objective.

Weak example:

“Development graduate seeking challenging opportunity.”

Strong example:

“Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist with 4+ years of experience supporting donor-funded health and education programmes across East Africa. Skilled in data analysis, results-based management, and stakeholder coordination aligned with SDG targets.”

Notice:

• Years of experience
• Sector
• Region
• Technical expertise

This improves your credibility.

3. Core competencies section

For a strong UN competency based CV example, add a competency section like:

• Programme Coordination
• Results-Based Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Budget Monitoring
• Policy Analysis
• Data Collection & Reporting

Align this section with the job description.

4. Professional experience

This section determines shortlisting.

For each role, use this format:

Job Title
Organization – Location
Month/Year – Month/Year

Responsibilities & Achievements:

• Coordinated implementation of a $1.2M child protection programme across 3 regions.
• Conducted baseline and endline assessments using quantitative data tools.
• Prepared donor progress reports in line with RBM frameworks.
• Liaised with government ministries and local NGOs to ensure project alignment.

Key rules:

• Use action verbs
• Include numbers
• Mention beneficiaries
• Show impact

How to Tailor CV for UN Job in Africa

Here is a 5-step method.

1. Study the vacancy carefully

Highlight:

• Required competencies
• Education requirements
• Years of experience
• Key technical skills

2. Mirror the language

If the job says: “Experience in humanitarian coordination.”

Do not write: “Worked on projects.”

Instead write: “Supported humanitarian coordination efforts in multi-agency emergency response operations.”

Language alignment improves keyword matching.

3. Prioritize relevant experience

Move the most relevant experience higher.

If applying for education officer, put education-related roles first.

If applying for logistics, highlight procurement and supply chain roles.

4. Quantify achievements

Instead of: “Assisted in programme activities.”

Write: “Supported implementation of 5 community development projects reaching over 8,000 beneficiaries.”

Numbers build authority.

5. Demonstrate UN competencies

Instead of listing:

• Teamwork
• Communication

Show them through examples.

Example:

Collaborated with cross-functional teams including government officials and NGO partners to implement regional development initiatives.

That is how you build a strong UN competency based CV example.

UN CV Format Sample for Africans

Here is a simple example tailored for an Africa-based ‘Programme Officer’ role.

Professional Summary

Development professional with 6 years of experience implementing governance and social protection programmes in West Africa. Strong background in stakeholder coordination, monitoring and evaluation, and donor reporting aligned with SDG frameworks.

Core Competencies

• Programme Implementation
• Monitoring & Evaluation
• Government Liaison
• Budget Tracking
• Results-Based Management

Experience

Programme Officer
ABC Development Initiative – Lagos, Nigeria
Jan 2020 – Present

• Managed $2M governance programme across 4 states.
• Coordinated with Ministry officials to implement capacity-building workshops.
• Led data analysis for quarterly performance reports.
• Supervised 8 field officers.

This structure aligns with what UN recruiters expect.

Common Mistakes in CV for UN Jobs in Africa

• Using a one-page corporate CV.
• No measurable impact.
• No regional experience mentioned.
• Generic objective statement.
• Copying job description word-for-word.

Also understand rejection reasons: See Why Most UN Job Applications Get Rejected

Length and Formatting Guidelines

• 2–3 pages maximum
• Simple professional font
• Clear bullet points
• Consistent date format
• No excessive design elements

UN recruiters value clarity over design.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Learning the right UN CV format and how to tailor CV for UN job applications increase your shortlisting chances.

Most applicants submit generic documents.

Serious applicants align.

Alignment wins.