How to Write a Winning UN Personal History Form (P11/PHP)

Updated 2026 · 12 min read

The Personal History Form — known as the P11 or PHP— is the single most important document in your UN application. Unlike a traditional résumé, it's a structured form that UN hiring managers use to screen and shortlist candidates. Getting it right dramatically increases your chances of landing an interview.

1. What Is the P11/PHP?

The P11 is a standardised application form used across the UN system. It collects your personal details, education, employment history, language skills, and references in a structured format that makes it easy for hiring panels to compare candidates objectively.

Most agencies accept either a downloadable P11 (Word or PDF) or an online PHP entered into their recruitment system. The UN Secretariat uses Inspira (careers.un.org), while other agencies use platforms like Taleo (UNDP, UNFPA), SuccessFactors (WHO), or custom systems.

2. P11 vs PHP vs Inspira — Which Format?

Always follow the vacancy announcement's instructions. Typically:

• UN Secretariat: Apply via Inspira — your PHP is created directly in the system
• UNDP / UNFPA / UNOPS: Upload a P11 form (Word/PDF) or fill in the online PHP
• WHO / UNICEF / WFP: Online profiles in their respective recruitment platforms
• Other agencies: Usually accept the standard P11 form as a Word attachment

Tip: Keep a master P11 document that you update regularly. For each application, create a tailored copy emphasising the most relevant experience.

3. Personal Information

This section is straightforward — name, nationality, contact details, family status. A few things to note:

• Nationality matters — the UN actively seeks geographical diversity. Your nationality can be an advantage for positions where your country is under-represented.
• Multiple nationalities: List all of them. Some vacancy announcements target specific nationalities (e.g., National Officer posts).
• For family/dependant status, answer honestly — this affects your entitlements (dependency allowance, education grant) but not your candidacy.

4. Education

List degrees in reverse chronological order. For each, include: institution name, city/country, degree title, major/field of study, dates attended, and year of graduation.

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) is required for most P-2+ positions. If the vacancy says "advanced university degree," a Bachelor's plus two additional years of experience is usually accepted.
• Include relevant certifications — PMP, CPA, PRINCE2, language certificates (DELF, JLPT, HSK) — these can differentiate your profile.
• If your institution is not well-known internationally, add a brief note: e.g., "Top 5 university in [Country]."

5. Employment History — The Critical Section

This is where applications are won or lost. The hiring panel will spend 80% of their time reading this section. Each position should include:

Structure each entry:

• Job title, employer, duty station, dates (month/year to month/year)
• Brief summary (1–2 sentences describing the role and scope)
• Key responsibilities — use bullet points, start each with an action verb
• Achievements — quantify wherever possible: "Managed a $2.5M budget," "Led a team of 12," "Trained 200+ participants"

How to describe achievements effectively:

Use the CAR formula: Context → Action → Result.

• ❌ "Responsible for report writing"
• ✅ "Drafted and coordinated the annual programme report ($15M portfolio, 8 country offices), securing a 25% funding increase from the primary donor"

Mirror the vacancy language.If the job description says "programme management," use that exact phrase — not "project coordination" or "portfolio oversight." Many screening processes explicitly check whether your P11 addresses each required qualification.

How far back should you go?

Include the last 15–20 years in detail. Older positions can be summarised briefly. If your early career is in a completely different field, keep those entries short but don't omit them — unexplained gaps raise questions.

6. Languages

The UN has six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Rate each language you speak as: fluent, working knowledge, or limited. Be honest — you may be tested or interviewed in a claimed language.

English and French are the working languages of the Secretariat. Having both at working level is a strong advantage. For field positions, knowledge of local languages (Portuguese, Swahili, Dari, etc.) can be decisive.

7. References

List 3 professional references — ideally recent supervisors who can speak to your competencies. Always ask permission before listing someone. Include their current title, organisation, email, and phone number.

Tip:If you've worked in the UN system before, include at least one UN supervisor as a reference. Hiring panels give significant weight to references from within the system.

8. Tailoring Your P11 to Each Vacancy

Never submit the same P11 twice. For each application:

1. Read the vacancy announcement twice. Highlight every required qualification, desired skill, and competency.
2. Map your experience. For each requirement, identify which employment entry (and which bullet point) demonstrates it.
3. Reorder bullet points within each employment entry so the most relevant achievements appear first.
4. Add a cover letter if the vacancy asks for one — use it to connect the dots between your P11 and the specific requirements.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a regular CV instead of the P11 format — many agencies will auto-reject non-P11 applications
• Generic descriptions — "responsible for various tasks" tells the panel nothing
• Missing dates — every education and employment entry needs exact months and years
• Ignoring the vacancy language — if they ask for "programme management experience," use those words
• Over-claiming language skills — claiming fluent French when you can barely hold a conversation will backfire in the interview
• Gaps without explanation — career breaks are fine, but explain them briefly (parental leave, further study, etc.)

For a comprehensive list, see our guide on common mistakes UN applicants make.