Once you can read a UN grade you can target the roles that actually match your background. This page puts every grade side by side so you can compare them at a glance, then drills into the P-3 vs P-4 vs P-5 question people ask most. For a deeper narrative explanation of each category, see the companion guide on how UN job grades work; for what each grade pays, see UN salaries by grade and region.
Two things to remember while you read the table: Professional (P) and Director (D) posts are recruited internationally and are open worldwide, while General Service (G) and National Officer (NO) posts are recruited locally and are usually reserved for nationals or residents of the duty-station country.
Every UN grade side by side
Experience figures are typical minimums and vary by agency and job opening; an advanced (master's) degree can often substitute for two years of experience, and a first degree plus extra years can substitute for an advanced degree.
| Grade | Category | Recruitment | Typical experience | Education | Example roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-1 / P-2 | Professional | International | 0 to 2 years | Advanced degree (or first degree + experience) | Associate, Junior Officer |
| P-3 | Professional | International | About 5 years | Advanced degree (or first + 7 years) | Officer, Specialist |
| P-4 | Professional | International | About 7 years | Advanced degree (or first + 9 years) | Senior Specialist, Manager |
| P-5 | Professional | International | About 10 years | Advanced degree | Chief, Principal Officer |
| D-1 | Director | International | About 15 years | Advanced degree | Director, Deputy Director |
| D-2 | Director | International | 15+ years | Advanced degree | Director, Head of Office |
| NO-A to NO-D | National Officer | Local (nationals) | Varies by level | University degree | National Programme / Specialist Officer |
| G-1 to G-7 | General Service | Local | Varies by level | Secondary education and up | Assistant, Associate (support) |
| FS | Field Service | International (field) | Varies | Varies | Field security, logistics, support |
P-3 vs P-4 vs P-5: the differences that matter
- P-3 is a mid-level specialist grade, typically expecting around 5 years of relevant professional experience.
- P-4 is a senior specialist or manager grade, typically expecting around 7 years and often line-management or substantial technical leadership.
- P-5 is a principal or chief grade, typically around 10 years, leading a unit or a major programme.
- The jump from P-3 to P-4 is usually about scope and leadership (owning a larger area or a team), not just years; the jump to P-5 adds strategic and managerial responsibility.
How to use this when applying
Match your real experience to the grade rather than aiming two levels too high; recruiters screen hard on the stated minimum years and education. If you are between levels, apply to the grade your verifiable experience supports and let your achievements argue for you. Use the aggregated listings to filter open roles by grade so you only see the ones that fit.