LinkedIn Profile Tips for Former UN Staff

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first thing a recruiter checks. Here's how to write a headline and an About section that speak to your reader, and how to use 'Open to Work' while respecting UN discretion rules.

Write a Headline That Works

Your LinkedIn headline is one of the first things recruiters see in search results, so it's worth getting right. Don't simply copy your old job title ('Former P-4 Officer at UNHCR'). Write what you offer next. (The numbers in these examples are made up, so use your own.)

Example headline for work in a related field: 'Humanitarian Operations & Supply Chain Executive | Managing Multi-Donor Programs ($15M+) | Emergency Response & Risk Mitigation Specialist'

Example headline for a move into the private sector: 'Operations & Supply Chain Executive | Leading Complex Programs and Budgets of $15M+ | Risk Management & Rapid Response Specialist'

Write an About Section That's Really About Your Reader

Here's the secret most people miss: your About section isn't really about you. It's about the person reading it, and what you can do for them. You still write in the first person (yes, you're allowed to say 'I'), but every paragraph should answer one question: why should this reader care? Keep it to three short paragraphs:

Paragraph 1 (the opening): Most people only see the first three or four lines before they have to click 'See more,' so make them count. Say who you help and what problem you solve. (Don't repeat your headline, and please don't start with 'I am a seasoned professional.')

Paragraph 2 (your proof): Two or three results with numbers, each written as a benefit to the employer. Instead of 'I managed an $18M budget,' try 'I managed an $18M budget across 6 countries, so every donor dollar was tracked and accounted for.'

Paragraph 3 (your direction and an invitation): Say what kind of work you want next, then tell readers what to do: 'I'm open to conversations about operations and supply chain roles. Send me a message.'

See It in Action

BEFORE (about you): 'I am a UN professional with 14 years of experience in humanitarian operations. I am now looking for new opportunities.'

AFTER (about your reader): 'Organizations that run complex programs across many countries need leaders who stay calm when things go wrong. That's what I've done for 14 years at the UN. I led teams of 40+, managed budgets of up to $18M and cut donor reporting time by 40%. Now I'm bringing that experience to operations and supply chain roles in the private sector. If that's what your team needs, I'd love to talk.' (The numbers are made up. Use your own.)

Two Things to Remember

First, follow UN Staff Regulation 1.2(i) when you describe past projects: share public results, not confidential details. Second, for the 'Open to Work' feature, you can choose 'Recruiters only' (the green badge is hidden from your public profile) or 'All LinkedIn members.' The right choice depends on whether you still work at the UN.