Typical UN agency - ups and downs - Anonymous employee UNFPA Employee Review

2.0
7 Jul 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

UN benefits and career flexibility with other agencies, locations The work is, and feels, important and motivating

Cons

Cronyism. Appointments as a result of donor or senior management influence Common with other UN agencies in reality there are no promotional prospects. You need to leave if you want to achieve career progression Staff morale

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UNFPA Response
9y
Thank you for the feedback. Career development and, where possible, career progression (internal/external) of our staff is very important to UNFPA. In addition to the HR Strategic Partners based in the Regional Offices, an HR colleague works on career development issues to help staff achieve their career goals. Recently, UNFPA finalized a new Career Guide for UNFPA Staff Members http://www.unfpa.org/resources/career-guide-unfpa-staff-members. This publication provides a broad range of career guidance and advice for staff at UNFPA and beyond. It has been translated into French. In addition, three new trainings (Preparing Written Applications, Interviewing for Applicants, and Career Connections) are being piloted in English in July 2016.

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5.0
7 Feb 2026
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CEO approval
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Pros

Mandate, colleagues, partners, opportunities, small and agile

Cons

Positions to expand in to

2.0
30 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Remote work, mission-driven, name recognition of the UN. Workload was not overwhelming, leading to good work-life balance.

Cons

The most disorganized organization I've ever worked for. Consultants were treated inhumanely - denied basic labor rights. Constant backbiting among team leaders pitted consultants against each other. Problems with incredibly easy solutions spiraled out of control due to the complete incompetency of leaders. Racist/colonialist mindset a major issue at HQ.

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