How to Write a CV in South Sudan: Format & Guide 2026

South Sudan is one of the world's newest countries, having gained independence in 2011, with an economy heavily dependent on oil revenues and international aid. The formal job market in Juba is shaped by the government, international humanitarian organisations, and a growing private sector in services and construction. English is the official language and the standard for all professional CVs.

The South Sudan CV Format

Professional CVs in South Sudan follow an English-language international format: reverse-chronological, one to two pages, and structured with clear section headings. For government applications, the relevant ministry or the Public Service Commission of South Sudan may provide its own application form to accompany the CV.

Use a clean, readable font such as Arial or Times New Roman at 11-12 points. For applications to international organisations, follow any formatting requirements in the job advertisement carefully.

Language and Personal Information

English is the official language and the language of all formal professional CVs. Arabic is spoken in some contexts but is not used in formal employment applications.

Include: full name, location (Juba or relevant state), phone number, and email address. Date of birth is commonly included for government and public sector applications. Do not include tribal or ethnic affiliation, which is inappropriate in a professional document and can be a disqualifying factor with international employers committed to non-discriminatory hiring.

Professional Photo

A professional headshot is sometimes included on South Sudanese CVs, particularly for private sector and government applications. For international organisation applications (UN, ICRC, MSF, international NGOs), a photo is generally not included with the CV document. Use a recent, formal photograph if you include one.

Education

List qualifications in reverse chronological order. The most recognised local institution is the University of Juba, the country's main public university offering degrees in law, business, education, and sciences. Upper Nile University in Malakal and University of Bahr el Ghazal in Wau are recognised regional institutions. Many South Sudanese professionals hold degrees from Makerere University in Uganda, University of Nairobi in Kenya, and University of Khartoum in Sudan, all of which are well respected by local and international employers.

Include the institution name, degree, field of study, and year of completion.

Work Experience

List employment in reverse chronological order. For each role, provide the employer name, job title, dates, and three to five bullet points. For development and humanitarian roles, specify the project, donor, budget, and your direct scope of responsibility.

Employers and organisations recognised by South Sudanese recruiters include the Government of South Sudan (ministries and agencies), Nile Commercial Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) South Sudan, Equity Bank South Sudan, MTN South Sudan, Zain South Sudan, UNDP South Sudan, UNICEF South Sudan, WFP South Sudan, UNHCR South Sudan, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and oil sector companies including Dar Petroleum Operating Company.

Key Sectors

Oil production is the dominant economic sector. The international humanitarian and development sector is the largest employer of skilled professionals in Juba, with the UN and dozens of international NGOs maintaining offices. Banking and financial services are growing. Telecommunications (MTN, Zain) provide significant private sector employment. Construction and infrastructure development, including World Bank and African Development Bank-funded projects, are expanding employment opportunities.

Skills and Certifications

List technical skills, language skills, and professional certifications. Arabic proficiency is a significant asset for roles involving cross-border trade or communities in the north and west. For development sector roles, M&E skills, familiarity with USAID and UN reporting frameworks, and project management certifications (PMP) are specifically valued. For finance professionals, ACCA and CPA are recognised by international organisations. Health professionals should list their registration with the South Sudan Medical Council.

Declaration

An authenticity declaration is expected in most formal applications in South Sudan: "I hereby certify that the information provided in this CV is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge." This is standard for both government and international organisation applications.

Cover Letter

A one-page cover letter is expected for professional and senior roles. For international organisation applications, tailor the letter specifically to the competencies listed in the job description. State your most relevant experience, your specific motivation for the role, and your availability.

Common CV Mistakes in South Sudan

• Including tribal or ethnic affiliation: This is inappropriate and can be disqualifying; omit it entirely.
• Vague humanitarian or development project descriptions: Specify the donor, project name, beneficiary count, and your specific deliverables.
• No authenticity declaration: Expected by government and most international employers; include it as standard.
• Unclear employment dates: Specify month and year for all positions; "2018-2020" without months raises questions.
• Omitting referees: Two or three professional referees with full contact details are expected.