thank you for all the information about joining the UN. Since many of my references reside in different parts of the world and are quite hard to reach, I wanted to decide which contacts to give given the nature of the reference check. Until now there is no update. I assume it would be sufficient. Applied for GJO, HR Field missions, in March15. position. I was contacted to take a written test but there was not a singal indication what such a test is about. First of all, thanks for starting such an informative blog about UN recruitment. First i send my CV, motivational letter and other documents. Have you or anyone ever experienced this? I would gently follow-up. Attention - there may be special requirements like a, If your application is successful, you will get an email to the next step of a selection process - usually, it is a writing test. . Now if there is a problem further on, rather than tossing your application out they would go back and ask. Please reply as Im going to take this test on next monday Of course it is ok keep applying until you succeed! Also the test hand outs were collected manually, though we did write number codes instead of our names on hand out papers, all the our answers were in the open. I emailed them an updated personal profile a few weeks ago and sent a further follow up email last week (a full month after the interview) asking about the status of the position. Anybody else have this issue? 2) A few days back I have received email seeking my availability and interest in a job, to which I replied positively. The Application status moved to filled by roster. Your blog is very informative for UN job seekers. I dont think you need to take all the time (interviewers have long days) but make sure you answer follow-up questions. It depends on a lot of different factors. Hi..I had submitted application for a Human Resource Officer on 19-Jul-15 and my application still shows under Consideration. I did the same interview but with a diff. On the other hand, especially in the YPP there are many people with a PhD and quite long years of experience going for a P2. Get started with your Free Employer Profile, interview process at World Food Programme, The Ultimate Job Interview Preparation Guide. It was supposed to be completed within 90 minutes, but I returned it with few minutes late. I applied online. Hello Ravisankar, Hiring managers usually need to get the job opening approved as part of a hiring plan before posting the job ad. I applied for a position with UNOPS in June 2014 via their GPRS system. In certain cases, and prior to advertising the post, the Hiring Manager may decide to consider candidates holding a completed Bachelors degree with two additional years of relevant work experience in cases where specialized job requirements do not necessarily call for a Masters degree or the local labour market makes the requirement impracticable. It can take up to 8 months to get an offer after the interview. That can drive someone crazy. I am optimistic that at one day I will be with the UNO. I do not have any idea on what to expect, but still keeping hopes high. Any help would be great. Hi MJ. How far it will show as under consideration? I finished the video interview in the middle of December 2011, and I was noticed for the reference-checking in the middle of January, 2012. Do you have any idea how many persons are selected at each step of the recruitment process (written test, interview etc.)? Total length was about 30 min. In my case, it is the sixth year that I am sincerely pursuing the Inspira with a big hope. Writing skills? Identifying your recruitment goals. Sat for a written test and subsequently told that i would be called for a competency based, and followed by an email asking me to confirm my references and send my degree certificate. If in vacancies mentioned At least 5 years of experience developing and managing user management systems - you really should have 5 years of such experience and this experience should be described in your P-11 form (special Personal History form - analog of the CV of UN purposes. Though not a contract yet. Is it usual to be interviewed and have no news? I just took the written test for the IAEA and am patiently waiting The first position with UNOPS I interviewed, but didnt get the position. I need your comment for the following inquiry. Went for the pre interview testing. What about you? Some organisations do it, some dont. Candidates may apply to one or more opportunities for which they qualify. Unfortunately, it can take quite a while to be chosen from the roster but a big first step is done. Hi Sebastian, Candidates applying for Human Resources Assistant had the quickest hiring process (on average 18 days), whereas Business Support Assistant roles had the slowest hiring process (on average 210 days). Then in a few days they sent me a follow mail that says This is to inform you that since you recently interviewed for a similar post, you need not be re-interviewed again for this post. I mean I did not have a chance to get rostered (FS4 and FS5). I have read in inspira manual that UN counts the years of work experience only after you get your degree but I do not know if this applies for UNICEF. Wish you the best Since then, about 3 weeks now, I have heard nothing. Since then, I have applied for three similar positions that were advertised for which I was identified as a rostered applicant. Wishing you the best JPOs are typically for specific countries only. A couple of months ago I applied to IRENA and was subsequently invited to a written assessment and interview. 1. But you will not be able to apply for the entry level programmes such as the YPP / JPO programme. What is the meaning of getting included in to roster ? How long does recruitment usually take? Our colleague got it & motivates all of us. Good luck! Did not receive any interview call since, Should I still keep my hopes for very job? and how much time they take to notify the written assessment results? Tessla, Doing a follow-up is definitely ok. Thanks for your response, and thanks for your work on the great website, Any commenters had similar experiences? Ravisankar.Machavaram. Its been really useful..but still the time frame after interview is mysterious. I am very interested in the position, I have sent an email to follow up but I have not received a reply. If you get an interview, you typically get your references checked, too. Almost nearly 9 months now i checked the status of the position is still under consideration. However, I have not been informed of any result. The difference . However, in any case, I cannot comprehend why a negative decision taken upon interview would not be notified to the applicant because at this point there would be just a very few people waiting an outcome. Computer skills? Selection in Progress Thanks Sebastian for this helpful blog. Any thoughts on how long to wait on hearing back on the first sift? My French is not perfect, but please go ahead and ask I will try to answer. Another positions, the application status is applied and the vacancy status is under review. I have applied for the three (same position P4) advertised by WHO in different countries. I have not heard from them yet. But I know more and more places are trying to have alternative talent management arrangements. Recently was contact for the second position, they didnt asked for the written test this time, so I guest they had me in the system already, because one of the panelist was also on the second one, and referred to by name, as if he was familiar with me. That seems normal procedure (sorry to say not saying this should be normal procedure). Hi Sebastia/Moses, Excellent help to all those who are striving to join UN. Should I need to wait for a while? They may under- or over-sell the organization. Congrats! That was about a month ago. Honestly, Im not sure at all what is going on. resign from a current position until I have the new contract signed in my hands. I have seen processes in which internals didnt succeed and externals did. About three weeks later I was notified that my referees had been contacted. Also when you pass both written and interview, normally what is the next step? Sorry, it looks like you did not make it. Sorry, I wouldnt know. Secondly, I received availability mail in April, 2014 for the position of Security Officer FS-4 in UNSMIL and I responded positively. Selection in Process It is 6 weeks I have applied to the organization and it still shows evaluation under progress. The questions can vary but typically include how you performed, if you live up to the UN values, what your duties were etc. I had a written assessment for a position at IAEA and was really surprised to see that alongside the shortlisted candidates there were some staff members taking a job related written assessment. Only advice i can give is to be well retested and quick in thinking. is it just about employment period and salary, or does it go into job description, etc.?) Given the prompt status change in Inspira, I think I can safely conclude that no external candidates were even considered and that a rostered person was on their mind from the start. This gives a very bad impression. Dear Sir, From my side, I do not loose hope. More detail information about P-11 you may find here ). I have applied for a P3 position back in June 2012 and no news since then the process status is under consideration, which could be normal from what I have read in the topics above. The whole process took 6 months, I got my bad results in may. Has anybody received any news in the past couple of months? I cant remember if they asked for references on the app or if they will ask afterwards. Have you had any feedback or a result from your interview yet? I interviewed at World Food Programme (Rome) in Jan 2023. do they follow the standard UN recruitment process? Thanks for your advise.Would friendly follow up mean checking with HR by email? Got the test invite 5 weeks after deadline and interview was 2 weeks after the test. The interview went well but there was no written test at all (which I found odd, as we expected it, but who knows?). They did say at the interview (after I asked them about the future process) that they are going to send my profile back to headquarters, some background checking, she said it was also important to be pro-active and upload my diplomas and other things + other administrative things. Run a prescreening. Initially you are hired a temporary employee.Then if position is available you have to go for test interview and get permanant position. : ! No.2 I have not received any confirmation email about receipt of my application, is this normal? people were chosen to do interviews and they had to wait 2 weeks to see if they was a reserve or given the role. I had applied for a position within the UN (P3) and submitted the application in November 2013 (within the specified time frame). I will definitely be much more prepared! I also sent you a message through Facebook yesterday. It doesnt mean you have a sure gig, but you certainly have gotten their interest. I have recently gone through a selection process in UNDP for Programme Specialist (national staff) in Colombia. Dear Sebastian, The typical steps of the recruitment and selection process vary depending on the role and company. Ravisankar.Machavaram. I have applied for 1 contract and 1 roster through UNOPS and 1 contract with IAEA. Dear Sebastian, All o would encourage is that you prepare well for both assessments. Good luck Steven. I have been interviewed for P2 position and have even been placed on roster about 02 months ago but no progress yet. Hi Sebastian, I had an interview and was told the result would be out in two weeks but nothing has been head since Dear Sebastian, Applied for a D1 job may 2012 & for the first time I am with a status UNDER CONSIDERATION. During the year 2012 I did my assessment & got roster membership. I was interviewed for a job with the WHO regional office in Washington almost two weeks ago and learned last week that I was their number one choice and was recommended to human resources. After you have searched for jobs and completed your self-assessment, you're ready to apply! Good luck! Things can take time especially if the process has to go through a review body. 6. Did you finally get a response? I hope you finally got the job. Still waiting for approvals. Dear Sebastian, I had the interview a week back. Its took 3 months, 1 i applied did the interview and assessment. Examples of interview questions you may see here. There is simpy no explanation to the fact that a single e-mail with refusal is not sent to each candidate (can be sent automatically, cannot?). Kindly suggest. Answered 27 June 2018 - Accommodations Coordinator (Former employee) - Ottawa, ON. I assume if they referees are contacted then I have made it to the final three. It is very good news that you are roaster. I was sent offer of appointment in the month of April as they say few days after my response but I missed the mail and again in the month of November, 2014 they resent the offer of appointment which I accepted. However, I have not been informed of any result, although I note the position is still under consideration. After that, every single post that was advertised had a name and surname already attached to it. Two questions: I had 120 min for the test and could not submit on time. But it is long ago enough for a friendly follow up from your end to see where things are. They also indicated that it is stated in the vacancy notice that only short-listed will be invited to the written test, as if this is relevant to the interview. Hi Sebastian, But if they do and they cant reach references Im sure they will follow-up with you. should i still have hopes. I applied for an opeinng with UN on 19-Jul-15 and the status still shows Under Consideration. Thank you so much for putting all this out there! I would appreciate your input on this question. But still possible. Dear Sebastian, Young Professionals Programme Guide 2020. Sorry, I dont know. Instead of saying When I read your information about an XXX in New York, I wrote When I read your information about an YYY in Geneva. So carefully read the Qualifications and Experience criteria in the vacancy description. Thank you for this blog, it is incredibly helpful. Before companies hire new employees, they engage in a formal recruiting process that involves three phases: planning, recruitment, and employee selection. I am applying regardless , as these functions are not rocket science and can be taught easily quickly and archive exposure to get get up to speed , which are anyway indexed would incumbent on the agency to allow for induction and immersion in early months. Though given the 9-12 month timeline, Im not sure what will happen. Your article is really very informative. Shall I take it that I have not been considered for the position? Advice for hiring managers: Once top candidates are part of an organization's hiring process, that process should take no more than two to four weeks to complete. 4 interviews going on at same time in same room. I was shortlisted for a job with UN, after the interview, my vacancy status was changed from shortlisted back to long listed. I just did a written test with a UN agency. I had applied for a position within the UN (P5) and submitted the application late April (within the specified time frame). I dont think there is a universal answer to this. This guide describes the recruitment and selection process for filling local FTAs and international FTA posts, which are either non-rotational or are rotational posts but not covered by candidate pools. However, I still have a question; could you specify which is the maximum of time that the entire procedure can last e.g for a P-3 position, i.e. Is it usual to be interviewed and have no news? I submitted a backgroung check consent form and checks were conducted. I saw the timeline for POLNET and ITCENT jobs, but no information on feedback period for LOGNET. Is it good to send them an email asking status of application for the applied post. How do you know if you are added to a roster for similar positions? Any suggestions Sebastian? But I still be confident and continue applying for other jobs openings. The moral of this story: expect the unexpected and be *patient*! Good luck! All candidates that apply to a FIT Pool opportunity and pass the pre-screening application questions, will undergo a rigorous process consisting of the following steps: 3. at UNFCCC if status says short list Completed and you do no get any notification. I need clarification. It has been around ten months already that I have been interviewed. https://uncareer.net/un-salary-scale-and-contracts, UN Salary Scale in UN, Types of UN contracts, Job Vacancies in United Nations and International Organizations. According to your experience, normally how long do u think It should take them to inform the best candidate? Hi, I recieved an invitation to an assessment and when I checked on Inspira, the status shows recruitment completed what does this mean? Its been three months and the staus on website is still under review. Though They didnt ask for references. Any idea about the applicants rating system within UNDP? Should I still wait for feedback? I am to begin in December. Thats a very long time. It is a great insight however, i still have 3 questions to ask, if you may please have time to answer: 1. In any case it sounded like that might take some time. At the end of the interview I asked if it would take a long time to know the results of the interviews. What else does human resources need to do/verify prior to issuance of a contract? A reference check is typically a form that is asked to be filled by email. Thanmi. If not where can i do it? RCMP security screening can take 4 to 8mths to process so the hiring process is very long. How to prepare for the writing test you may read, Do you have any questions do not hesitate to write me at uncareer.net@gmail.com or to, Real UN test samples for UN Security Officer FS-4, FS-5, FS-6, Written Test UNICEF, UNDP - Monitoring and Evaluation Officer / Information and data management Officer, TOP 100 the most popular interview questions, The World Bank Young Professionals Program 2021. When applying for jobs, keep a time frame of roughly two weeks and set your expectations right, no responds then move on and do not waste time perusing, Human resources do not have the capacity to respond nor give candidates a feedback therefore, keep applying. The main difference lies in the progressively higher number of years of relevant experience. On 1st of December, 2014 I think all the offers were withdrawn due to terrorism in Tripoli, Libya. Typically re-advertised vacancies include a sentence along the lines of applicants who applied earlier dont need to apply again. You then have 6 weeks to complete a series of onboarding tasks including, DBS, Occupational Health and Mandatory Training. And typically they are only contacted once you get really close. Got contacted by a field mission in June 2012 to express interest In details, the process is quite different. Cheers. I dont know whether you are familiar with the UNV assignment. I was rostered in two family jobs for P3 positions (after 20 applications), administrative and HR officer. In reply I was told that, since the ultimate decision will be given by Geneva, they wont notify a negative decision, but positive decisions will be notified. Two weeks ago I received a call from the UN -habitat asking whether i was still interested on the internship i had applied for. Just thought Id share a slightly different process that seems to be happening, for any out there who are eager to hear about experiences. Honestly, I dont know if they will check references now. The selection process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a more than a year. Talented candidates are in high demand and short supply. But feel free to post what your encountered once you took the test. Good luck! Good luck! Hi all! This depends on the agency / the process. Once there is a request to fill in a position through FIT Pool, all candidates that meet the profile for the specific role and duty station will be proposed to the Hiring Manager. I had applied for a NO-B position (FTA-for UNICEF country office), the deadline was 9 February 2016. I dont know what to do now. i took a written assessment test for a P3 position at UN Sectariate 2 days before. I would say it depends on level and seniority. I just took a test for the position of Associate Administrative Officer for the United UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in Juba. NOA is a national, professional level post. i am totally confused. I am planning to do a follow up email emphasizing my interest and suitability and adding some addition information that could support my candidacy. I have lots of question for hiring system of UN, therefore your blog is really useful for me. Sorry to hear. Best regards Before hearing results on that- last week I received an invitation for another interview. Note that FIT Pool announcements are advertised according to organizational needs. For geospatial intelligence it has taken me around 12 months from initially applying online to enlistment date. I dont understand also why they ask me the evaluation ? I did the online test on 14th Nov 2015 and till today no feedback has been given to me. Thank you very much in advance. And Smile. A whole lot of useful information you have here. Why UN does not give status of application for the applied post ? I personally applied to an IAEA slot and made it to the interview. Available Positions Include: 1. completed tes and interview last week of january 2012 for P5. ?-Grey Color An Overview Of The McKinsey Recruitment Process. In most cases, applicants will only get contacted and are handled in a more individual manner if they pass the first stage of shortlisting. So I dont think you can say it is just for statistics. Good luck! Interviewers were genuinely interested and pushed you towards correct conclusions. Do you have an idea of the meaning of the color codes for ITU applications. To be fair to all applicants, the evaluation is strictly based on the interview and later emails wouldnt change the evaluation. I think before someone get rostered, that person should sit the tests or get interviwed or both. Your responses have answered most of them. Pls help as i am totally confused. Hello Michelle. However, we recommend that internal candidates apply through their internal profile. Do they always communicate to those that have written the tests? Our turn is not so far. It has now been three weeks, and I have followed up by phone and e-mail to no response. Cheers, Sebastian. Maybe try getting the experience in a different organization? Thats too early in the process to say anything. Let us know when you heard from them. It is a group first in a hotel near the store because it wasn't built yet. Language skills? Do you consider there is a good chance of being selected given the Head of HR recommendation? In this case, the Hiring Manager may opt to have an informal discussion with you. RCA and references are things that need to be right in order to move forward but typically dont determine ranking order. I passed the written exam for a position at the UN, and was invited for an interview next week. I was asked to submit three references. And do you have any knowledge on the various roles Admin Officers play in the field? I appreciate your efforts in creating the article and supporting people through this (extensive) comments section. so from now on do I have big chance to get into UN, so do you recommend anything for me about my next move. Who between us got a job with UN or it branches until now? Thank you for all the information you have been offering. My humble request to the persons who are secured positions with the UNO, may contribute their Experience, Suggestions & Advises for aspirants like us please. Thanks again for your informative blog. It is not unusual to have a few weeks after the interview but after a month, I would follow-up. I appreciate your time and advice. It has been almost a month and still nothing. You can also sign up for job alerts after registering your profile in E-recruitment. Out of six I qualified in a test & roster membership is given. Timetable Interviews In Advance In the rush to advertise a position and start reviewing applicants, setting interview dates can slide to the bottom of the To Do list. Let the software for pre-employment, credentialling and compliance do its job. I would gently follow up. Secondly, it is not unheard of. I was not informed what exactly that means and how the process will be continued. The larger the business, the slower the interview process. Sent follow up emails thrice. There is a joke, if you would like to find a good job at the UN, you need half a year or even more. Did you have an interview? Shall I assume that my application has not been successful, or shall I wait for the outcome? There is still hope. There are other agencies that allow for a shortened process when you pass the threshold in an interview. I really love what u offer to the people in the whole world Thanks Sebastian.