UN Job Levels Explained (P-Level vs G-Level) for Africans

When applying for UN jobs, you’ll see different job categories like P2, P3, G5, G6, NO-A, FS.

But what do they mean?

This guide will explain UN job levels, the difference between P level and G level UN, full UN grading system, UN job categories meaning, and their salary grade structure.

Once you understand this, you’ll stop applying blindly and start applying strategically.

UN Job Categories Meaning

The UN system uses different job categories based on:

• Type of role
• Level of responsibility
• Recruitment scope (international vs local)
• Salary scale

The main categories are:

Category	Full Meaning	Who It Targets
P	Professional	International professionals
G	General Service	Locally recruited support staff
NO	National Officer	Local professionals
FS	Field Service	Field-based operational staff
D	Director	Senior leadership

Let’s break down the two most common categories Africans ask about: P-Level and G-Level.

Difference Between P Level and G Level UN

This is one of the most misunderstood areas, but here is a clear comparison:

Feature	P-Level (Professional)	G-Level (General Service)
Recruitment Scope	International	Local (within duty station country)
Education Requirement	Usually Master’s degree	High school or Bachelor’s
Experience Required	2–10+ years	3–7 years
Mobility	Expected to move between countries	Usually stays within same country
Salary Basis	International salary scale	Local salary scale
Typical Roles	Programme Officer, Political Affairs Officer	Administrative Assistant, Finance Assistant

In Simple Terms

• P-level = international professional
• G-level = local administrator/support

Understanding the difference between P level and G level UN helps you choose correctly.

UN Grading System Explained

1. P-Level grades

P-level roles are divided into:

Grade	Typical Experience Required	Description
P1	0–2 years	Entry-level professional
P2	2–4 years	Early-career professional
P3	5–7 years	Mid-level professional
P4	7–10 years	Senior specialist
P5	10+ years	Senior managerial expert

For many Africans, P2 is the most realistic entry point.

• See Entry-Level UN Jobs in Africa

2. G-Level grades

G-level roles are divided into:

Grade	Description
G1–G3	Junior support roles
G4–G5	Mid-level administrative roles
G6–G7	Senior administrative roles

G-level jobs are common in country offices across Africa.

3. National Officer (NO) Category

This is very important for Africans.

NO roles are professional-level positions but recruited locally.

Grade	Equivalent To
NO-A	P1/P2 equivalent
NO-B	P2/P3 equivalent
NO-C	P3 equivalent
NO-D	P4 equivalent

These roles do not require international mobility.

For many professionals in Africa, NO positions are more accessible than P-level roles.

UN Salary Grade Structure

The UN salary grade structure depends on:

• Job category
• Duty station (hardship level)
• Years of experience
• Post adjustment (cost of living factor)

Here is a simple comparison:

Category	Salary Type	Includes International Benefits?
P-Level	International scale (USD-based)	Yes
G-Level	Local salary scale	No
NO-Level	Local professional scale	No
D-Level	Senior international scale	Yes

P-level roles include benefits such as:

• Post adjustment
• Education grant (for children)
• Relocation support
• Pension scheme

G-level roles often do not include these international benefits.

Which UN Job Level Should Africans Target?

Here’s practical guidance:

Fresh Graduates

• Internships
• G3–G5 roles
• NO-A roles (if qualified)

2–5 Years Experience

• P2 roles
• NO-B roles
• G5–G6 roles

7+ Years Experience

• P3–P4 roles
• NO-C roles

Strategic targeting increases shortlisting chances.

Also review:

• Best Degrees for UN Jobs in Africa
• Learn How to Apply on UN Inspira

Common Mistakes When Applying by Job Level

• Applying for P4 with only 3 years experience
• Applying for G-level roles outside your country
• Ignoring NO roles (which are often more realistic)
• Not understanding mobility expectations

Many rejections happen because applicants misunderstand the UN job categories meaning.

• Other Reasons Why UN Job Application Get Rejected

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Understanding UN job levels is one of the smartest things you can do before applying.

When you understand:

• The difference between P level and G level UN
• The full UN grading system explained
• The UN salary grade structure

You stop applying randomly and start applying strategically because strategy increases success.