The United Nations in Bangladesh holds human resources open day

The event, co-organized by the HR Working Group and the Gender Equality Theme Group, aimed at encouraging and orienting women who are interested in pursuing a career with the UN.

Around 80 external participants attended the event to learn about the recruitment processes for securing a job with the UN.  24 UN agencies are working in Bangladesh, of which 16 UN residential agencies have approximately 3523 staff members (as of July 2023). The UN in Bangladesh is working to increase the overall number of female staff to reach gender parity by 2028. 

Ms. Gitanjali Singh, Country Representative of UN Women Bangladesh, in her opening speech stated that “No country has achieved gender equality yet. Change must start somewhere, and the UN Country Team is committed to walking the talk. This HR Open Day is one step forward, with many more steps to come, including on diversity and inclusion."

The event included a presentation on the UN recruitment process along with a Q&A session where participants were offered the opportunity to ask UN HR experts questions related to applications, recruitment, and career advancement, among other things. Additionally, a Role Model Panel Discussion showcased inspiring stories of female colleagues from different UN agencies. The role models reflected on their career journeys while also answering questions from the audience.

Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Country Representative of UNFPA, in her speech mentioned that “The aim to achieve a 50/50 gender balance within our organization is not just a numerical target; it is a reflection of our dedication to dismantling barriers that hinder opportunities for all genders."

Mr. Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager of UNOPS, noted that ““A positive work environment is not just a mere aspiration, but a necessity. It is the foundation upon which we build strong teams, foster innovation, and drive positive change." The Country Director of ILO, Mr. Toumo Poutiainen, highlighted that the benefits of gender parity go well beyond the workplace as an unequivocal driver of economic growth and poverty reduction.

Finally, Ms. Gwyn Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh in her closing remarks emphasized on the commitment of the UN in Bangladesh in achieving gender parity which is a precondition for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

‘‘The UN in Bangladesh is committed to improve representation and leadership of women to support the pledge of the Government of Bangladesh in achieving gender parity in the labor force. We are keen to assist the inspirational women leaders of Bangladesh in their careers, providing tools and opportunities for growth and success.’’

The event also included a career fair with where various UN agencies set up booths for the participants to interact with different UN representatives and learn more about their work, as well as ask specific questions about potential career paths.

The Human Resources Open Day is a part of the United Nations in Bangladesh’s "Gender Parity Strategy" that commits to being a gender-balanced and inclusive organization and includes a number of actions to achieve gender parity, such as creating an enabling environment; strengthening leadership; and addressing gender bias in recruitment, retention, and career advancement.

This event showcased the dedication of the United Nations in Bangladesh to promote gender equality and creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. It served as a valuable platform for aspiring women professionals to explore exciting career opportunities with the UN.

About United Nations in Bangladesh:

Bangladesh and the United Nations have a strong relationship. Bangladesh's engagement with the United Nations began during the early stages of Bangladesh's liberation war in 1971. Bangladesh joined the United Nations as a full member on 1974. In accordance with the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the UN System is currently working to support national development agendas through a new generation framework known as the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

For more please visit: https://bangladesh.un.org/en/about/about-the-un