Understanding Common UN Competencies for Competitive Examinations
The United Nations (UN) employs a competency-based approach in its recruitment and selection processes, particularly for competitive examinations. Understanding these core competencies is crucial for aspiring UN professionals. This module will break down the most common UN competencies, explaining what they mean and how they are assessed.
What are UN Competencies?
UN competencies are the observable behaviors, skills, and attributes that are essential for successful performance within the United Nations system. They are designed to reflect the values and principles of the UN and are used to evaluate candidates' suitability for roles, ensuring they can effectively contribute to the organization's mission.
Core UN Competencies
While specific competencies may vary slightly by job family or level, several core competencies are universally applied across the UN system. These are the foundational attributes expected of all UN staff.
Key Common UN Competencies Explained
Let's delve into some of the most frequently assessed UN competencies:
1. Professionalism
Definition: Demonstrating and upholding the UN's values, integrity, and ethical standards. It involves exercising good judgment in all dealings, being objective and impartial, and acting in the best interest of the organization.
Demonstrating UN values, integrity, ethical standards, good judgment, objectivity, impartiality, and acting in the organization's best interest.
2. Respect for Diversity
Definition: Showing respect for all people, regardless of their background, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. It involves working collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
3. Communication
Definition: Clearly and effectively conveying information, ideas, and opinions through written and oral means. This includes active listening, adapting communication style to the audience, and ensuring understanding.
The competency of Communication involves several key elements: Clarity (easy to understand), Conciseness (to the point), Accuracy (factually correct), Active Listening (paying attention and understanding), and Adaptability (tailoring messages to different audiences and contexts). Effective communication is vital for collaboration, problem-solving, and representing the UN.
Text-based content
Library pages focus on text content
4. Teamwork
Definition: Working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals. It involves contributing to team efforts, valuing the contributions of others, and resolving conflicts constructively.
5. Accountability
Definition: Taking responsibility for one's actions, decisions, and their consequences. It means delivering on commitments and accepting accountability for mistakes.
6. Planning and Organizing
Definition: Establishing clear objectives, identifying priorities, and developing realistic plans to achieve them. It involves managing time and resources effectively to meet deadlines.
7. Innovation and Initiative
Definition: Proactively identifying opportunities for improvement, suggesting new ideas, and taking action to implement them. It involves a willingness to go beyond routine tasks.
8. Client Orientation
Definition: Understanding and responding to the needs of internal and external clients. It involves providing helpful and courteous service and striving to exceed expectations.
9. Judgment
Definition: The ability to make sound decisions and recommendations based on available information. It involves analyzing situations, identifying key issues, and considering potential outcomes.
10. Technological Awareness
Definition: Understanding and utilizing relevant technologies to enhance work performance. This includes staying updated with technological advancements and applying them appropriately.
How Competencies are Assessed
UN competitive examinations often use a variety of assessment methods to gauge these competencies. These can include:
| Assessment Method | Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs) | How candidates would likely react to hypothetical work-related scenarios. | Choosing the best course of action when faced with a conflict between colleagues. |
| Behavioral Interviews | Past behavior as a predictor of future performance. Candidates are asked to describe specific situations where they demonstrated a competency. | Describe a time you had to work with a difficult team member. |
| Written Exercises | Ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, analyze information, and make recommendations. | Drafting a memo or report on a given topic. |
| Role-Playing/Assessment Centers | Observing candidates in simulated work environments to assess teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. | Group exercises, case studies, and presentations. |
Preparing for Competency-Based Assessments
To excel in UN competitive examinations, it's vital to prepare strategically. Focus on:
- Self-Reflection: Identify specific examples from your past experiences (work, academic, volunteer) that demonstrate each of the core competencies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples.
- Understanding the UN: Familiarize yourself with the UN's mission, values, and current priorities. This context will help you frame your answers.
- Practice: Engage in mock interviews and practice answering competency-based questions. Seek feedback to refine your responses.
Remember, the UN is looking for individuals who not only possess the technical skills for a role but also embody the core values and competencies that drive the organization's success.
Learning Resources
The official UN Careers website provides a comprehensive overview of the core competencies and how they are applied in recruitment.
This resource from UNDP offers a detailed explanation of their competency framework, which is representative of the broader UN system.
A helpful video tutorial offering practical tips and strategies for answering competency-based interview questions effectively.
This blog post explains the STAR method, a crucial technique for structuring answers to behavioral questions that assess competencies.
Provides the foundational principles and regulations that underpin UN staff conduct and performance, indirectly related to competencies.
An overview of the fundamental values and principles that guide the work of the United Nations, essential context for understanding competencies.
A practical guide offering insights and strategies for candidates preparing for UN competency-based assessments.
An academic perspective on the importance and application of competency-based recruitment in public sector organizations, including international bodies.
Details the general application process for UN positions, highlighting where competency assessment fits in.
Provides sample competency-based interview questions commonly asked by the UN, with guidance on how to approach them.