maj

Several years ago, I wrote a couple articles for various travel and expat magazines about living and working in Geneva, Switzerland. I still get at least 2-3 emails a month from people either living in Geneva or thinking about moving there asking me to either a)get them a job or b)get them on the right track to finding a job. The question-a emails I rarely answer anymore since I don't live there and wouldn't hire someone who sent me a cold-call mail (never with a resume attached!) if I were.

Here is a one of my typical replies to a typical b-question from a PhD grad now living in Geneva.

The first thing to remember about getting a job at the UN is that it's a lot like getting a job anywhere ;-) You'll need to take stock of the skills you have -- as the holder of a doctorate from a major university, I bet you have plenty! For example, you're sending me an email about something you read on the web.

This may not sound like much, but you'd be amazed at the lack of technical skills many UN employees have. Right off the bat, I can think of some jobs for you: "web researcher" and "communications assistant." I'll go out on a limb and guess that you can use a couple of basic software applications like Word and Excel... these are all skills needed for many of the small one-off projects that get kicked around UN agencies.

You're on the right track with the networking and the I'll-take-anything approach. Often a single-project job (ie get this data in a spreadsheet, look up x,y, and z on the web) will turn into a month long project, then a three month contract and so on... I would keep socializing and let people know you're looking for anything. Fine tune your resume to highlight all your excellent experience-- just try to translate academic skills into professional one and be sure to list *every* single computer, organization, and communication skill you have, no matter how mundane.

You're not going to find your foot-in-the-door jobs posted on the web, or probably even in the hallways of the orgs, but do look at the wording used (and copy it into your resume!). Start with http://jobs.un.org; there are currently 65 jobs listed under "Administration". Here's a sample of what they're looking for: ability to research, select, organize and summarize data and information required for reports, studies, briefings; tact and discretion in dealing with confidential matters. Planning and Organizing - Effective time management and ability to prioritize and plan own work to meet designated deadlines. Communications - Good communication (spoken and written English and Chinese) skills, including drafting and editing skills. Technology Awareness - Good computer skills; proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Powerpoint) and database management and/or website management applications. Teamwork - Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Finally, be sure to check out the Geneva guide on Wikitravel ( http://www.wikitravel.org/en/Geneva ).

HTH!