Guide
UN job levels and grades — P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-5, D-1, D-2
The United Nations Common System uses a structured grading framework for staff positions. Levels determine pay, expected seniority, and the kind of work a role involves. This guide explains the four main grade families — Professional and higher (P/D), National Officer (NO), General Service (G), and Field Service (FS) — and what each level signals.
Professional (P) and higher categories
P-1 entry-level professional, P-2 junior professional (often filled through Young Professionals Programme), P-3 mid-level professional (usually 5+ years of experience), P-4 senior professional (7+ years, often substantive lead), P-5 principal/section chief (10+ years), D-1 director, D-2 senior director. Above D-2 sit ASG (Assistant Secretary-General) and USG (Under-Secretary-General) appointments.
National Officer (NO) category
Reserved for nationals of the country where the position is based. NO-A is entry-level, NO-B mid, NO-C senior. Pay scales and benefits differ from international P-level positions and are set by national salary surveys.
General Service (G) category
Administrative and support roles. G-1 through G-7 — G-6 and G-7 are common for executive-assistant, finance-assistant, and IT-support positions. G-level roles are typically filled locally and rarely relocate.
Field Service (FS) category
Field positions in peacekeeping and special-political missions. FS-1 through FS-7; benefits and rotation rules differ from headquarters-based P and G positions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a P-3 UN job?
A P-3 UN job is a mid-level professional position in the United Nations system, usually requiring a Master's degree (or Bachelor's plus additional experience) and around 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the relevant field.
What is a P-4 UN job?
A P-4 is a senior-level professional UN position, typically requiring a Master's degree and 7 or more years of relevant international experience, with substantive leadership of a programme, function, or country team.
What does G-6 mean in UN jobs?
G-6 is a mid-senior General Service grade — administrative, executive-assistant, or specialised support positions usually filled locally at the duty station, not subject to international rotation.
Is P-5 a manager-level role?
Yes. P-5 typically supervises a team, leads a major substantive area within a section or country office, and reports to a chief of section or director.
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