The United Nations system uses a structured grading framework to ensure transparency, consistency, and equity across duty stations worldwide. If you are considering a UN career, understanding what each category represents is essential for planning your progression and compensation expectations.
1. Professional and Director Categories (P and D Levels)
These are internationally recruited positions and form the core technical and leadership workforce of the UN system.
P1 and P2
Entry and early career professional roles. These typically require an advanced degree with limited to a few years of relevant experience. Positions may involve research, programme support, policy analysis, and junior technical advisory work.
P3
Mid level professional roles. Generally require five or more years of experience. Responsibilities often include programme management, coordination, and subject matter specialization.
P4
Senior specialist or programme manager level. These roles often supervise teams, manage significant portfolios, and lead technical components.
P5
Senior managerial or chief level positions. Accountable for section leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of substantial programme areas.
D1 and D2
Director level positions. These are high level leadership roles responsible for divisions, large country offices, or global portfolios.
Professional staff receive a standardized base salary plus a post adjustment multiplier, which varies depending on the cost of living at the duty station.
2. General Service Category (G Level)
These are locally recruited staff who provide administrative, finance, HR, logistics, and operational support.
G3 to G5
Administrative and clerical support roles.
G6 to G7
Senior administrative or specialized operational support roles.
Salaries are determined through local salary surveys and reflect national labor market conditions.
3. National Officer Category (NO Level)
Nationally recruited professional staff performing technical functions similar to P level staff but hired within their home country.
NOA and NOB
Entry to mid level national professional roles.
NOC and NOD
Senior national specialists or managers.
Compensation is aligned with national professional salary benchmarks rather than international scales.
4. Field Service Category (FS Level)
Primarily used in peacekeeping and special political missions. These roles support field operations, logistics, security coordination, and mission management.
5. Consultants and Individual Contractors
Consultants are not staff members. They are engaged for specific deliverables and compensated through daily or monthly professional fees. Rates vary widely depending on expertise, duration, and funding arrangements.
For updated UNDP salary estimates and duty station specific projections, you may refer to the official UNDP estimation tool:
https://undpestimationtools.dp.beta.undp.org/EstimationToolsApp/Home/Index
For official base salary scales and post adjustment multipliers across the UN common system, refer to the International Civil Service Commission:
Understanding these categories helps professionals align their qualifications, experience level, and long term career strategy within the UN system. Clarity on grade structures is essential not only for compensation expectations but also for leadership progression and international mobility planning.