Potential vs Perfectionism Why Women Should Apply for Top NGO and UN Jobs – Even If They Don’t Meet 100% of the Qualifications
Potential vs Perfectionism Why Women Should Apply for Top NGO and UN Jobs – Even If They Don’t Meet 100% of the Qualifications
Women often hesitate to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. This phenomenon, highlighted in Tara Sophia Mohr’s article, Why Women Don’t Apply for Jobs Unless They’re 100% Qualified, reveals that many women believe job requirements are strict rules rather than flexible guidelines. However, the reality is different, and understanding this can help more women break into leadership roles within the UN and top NGOs.
The Myth of Meeting Every Qualification
A Hewlett Packard report found that men apply for jobs when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, while women feel they must meet 100% before applying. Mohr’s research further clarifies that the hesitation is not due to a lack of confidence but a misunderstanding of the hiring process. Women often assume hiring is strictly based on stated requirements when, in fact, advocacy, networking, and framing one’s experience creatively can make a significant difference.
Why Women Should Apply Anyway
- Hiring Decisions Are Flexible – Many job descriptions list an ideal candidate profile, but hiring managers frequently consider applicants who bring unique strengths and experiences, even if they lack certain listed qualifications.
- Potential Matters More Than Perfection – Studies show that men are often hired based on their potential, while women are hired based on proven experience. Women must challenge this by applying even if they don’t tick every box.
- Networking and Advocacy Work – Many successful hires happen through networking and internal advocacy rather than rigid adherence to job descriptions.
- Risk-Taking Leads to Growth – Avoiding job applications due to fear of failure limits career opportunities. Every application is a chance to learn, grow, and possibly land a dream role.
Women Are Rising in UN and NGO Leadership
While challenges remain, more women are stepping into leadership roles in the UN and top NGOs. Here are some prominent examples:
Women Leading UN Agencies and NGOs
| Organization | Leader | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala | Female |
| United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) | Inger Andersen | Female |
| International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Kristalina Georgieva | Female |
| International Telecommunication Union (ITU) | Doreen Bogdan-Martin | Female |
| United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) | Audrey Azoulay | Female |
| World Meteorological Organization (WMO) | Celeste Saulo | Female |
| Amnesty International | Agnès Callamard | Female |
| Human Rights Watch (HRW) | Tirana Hassan | Female |
| Oxfam International | Gabriela Bucher | Female |
| International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) | Mirjana Spoljaric Egger | Female |
| International Alliance of Women (IAW) | Alison Brown | Female |
| Equality Now | S. Mona Sinha | Female |
These women prove that breaking barriers is possible and that the hiring landscape is evolving. However, more women need to take that first step and apply.
Encouragement for Women to Apply
If you’re considering a career with the UN or top NGOs, don’t let self-imposed limitations stop you. Here’s what you can do:
- Apply even if you meet only 60-70% of the qualifications – Employers value passion, potential, and transferable skills.
- Leverage networking – Connect with professionals in your desired field, seek mentorship, and build relationships that can open doors.
- Emphasize your unique strengths – Don’t focus on what you lack; highlight what you bring to the table.
- Take strategic risks – Applying is never a waste of time. The more you apply, the better you become at positioning yourself.
Find Your Next Opportunity
Our platform Research Jobs Hub posts a variety of job opportunities from the UN and top NGOs. Explore our listings and take that leap. For real-time job alerts, join our WhatsApp group.
Women belong in leadership, decision-making, and impactful roles in the world’s most influential organizations. The first step? Apply.
see – https://hbr.org/2022/07/apply-to-a-job-even-if-you-dont-meet-all-criteria
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/twelve-women-bringing-light-fight-against-climate-change-2025-03-07/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
