With nearly three decades of experience spanning four continents, Gerhard offers a rare insider's perspective on navigating the complexities of international development work. His journey began in South Africa, led him through the Young Professionals Programme (YPP), and took him from New York headquarters to Santiago, Mexico City, Nairobi, Brindisi, and finally Vienna.
Key Insights from the Conversation
Breaking Into the UN System
Gerhard shares his successful path through the YPP program and emphasizes the importance of internships, language skills, and genuine curiosity about global affairs. His advice? Apply strategically to positions you're truly qualified for, and invest the extra time to tailor each application.
The Reality of Field Work
While many candidates gravitate toward headquarters positions, Gerhard highlights the invaluable experience gained in challenging field locations. Working in hardship duty stations isn't just a career boost; it's a profound learning opportunity that deepens your understanding of the mission.
Funding Challenges and Career Flexibility
The conversation doesn't shy away from tough realities. With shifting donor preferences and funding constraints, the traditional concept of lifelong employment with one organization is changing. Gerhard explains the increasing prevalence of non-staff modalities and what this means for career planning.
Building Inclusive Workplaces
As an active member of UNGlobe, the UN's LGBTIQ+ staff network, Gerhard discusses the ongoing work to create supportive environments across diverse duty stations, from entitlements and parental leave to social integration for new staff members.
The Takeaway
Gerhard's message is clear: be open about who you are, stay flexible, learn languages, and cultivate genuine curiosity about global issues. The UN career path may be less predictable than in previous generations, but that very unpredictability brings opportunities for growth, diverse experiences, and meaningful impact.
Whether you're considering your first UN application or looking to advance your international career, this episode offers practical wisdom from someone who's navigated the system from multiple angles; in finance, procurement, and ultimately human resources, where he found his true passion.
Listen to the full conversation to hear more about Gerhard's insights on the importance of cross-functional experience, and why embracing uncertainty might be your greatest career asset!
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