Key Competencies in the UN & Competency Based Interviewing Helsinki, 7 November 2013 Barbara Køgs Andersen, JPO Service Centre, UNDP
Objectives International experience vs. competencies in the UN Identifying your personal competencies Competency Based Interviewing careermarketingonline.com
UNDP Competency Framework Core competencies Ethics & Values Working in Teams Communicating Information & Ideas Self-management & Emotional intelligence Decision making Functional competencies Job knowledge and technical expertise
CIMO/DEMOS study vsun Competencies CIMO/DEMOS Productivity - Efficiency - Analytical skills - Problem solving Resilience - Reflection - Persistence - Adaptability Curiosity - Tolerance - Intercultural management - Interest in new things - Networking UNDP Effectiveness and organizational skills Analytical skills Problem solving Self-management/emotional intelligence Accountability / Decision making Flexibility Respect for diversity Ability to work in multicultural environment Innovation Networking and partnership building
Use of Competencies in Recruitment Establishing the post Preparing job description Vacancy announcement Screening/short-listing Assessment written test Assessment - interview Selection abouthruk.co.uk
Competencies A combination of skills, knowledge, and behaviors that lead to effective performance on the job. participatoryartslearning.wordpress.com
The Visible Tip of the Iceberg wired.com
Competency Based Interviewing Past, demonstrated behaviour is the best indicator of future performance (UNDP 2008) A structured approach to selection Seeks evidence of past performance Focuses on what s important for job success
UN Coordination Analyst Education: MA in Economics, International Relations or other related field Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience Language: English. Fluency in another UN language is an advantage. Competencies: Functional: Partnership/resource mobilization, client orientation Core: Ethics and integrity, teamwork, communication Duties: Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy Ensures effective advocacy of UN activities
Competencies -sample Ex. Communication: Ability to comfortably use a broad range of communication styles, choosing appropriate, effective ways to communicate to different audiences in different situations. (from www.uvic.ca)
Exercise 1 Identifying Competencies Reflect on an experience from your work where you: Delivered a result which had an impact for others Used yourself in a positive manner Felt proud Write down: Explain what you did (be specific) What was the result for clients, partners, team What competencies did you use?
Preparing for CBI interview Be strategic and do the homework! Understand the organization Understand the position Think about your strongest accomplishments Use examples with high a level of competence Use clear language
STAR Communication Method Situation Task Actions Results
Exercise 2 Identifying Competencies Sample question on Teamwork Describe a successful team work experience What was the situation? Which was your role? What made the team successful? How did you handle disagreement within the team? What were the results? What did you learn from the experience?
Interviewers will look for Can you do the job? Will you do the job? How well will you fit?
During the interview Listen carefully to the question Ask for clarification if needed Use examples you can expand on Be concise and clear (STAR) Be ready for probing questions lgsa.org.au
Non-Verbal Communication Positioning Posture Eye contact Facial expression Head movements Gestures Paralanguage toolboxes.flexiblelearning.net.au
Other tips If asked Why are you interested in this position? Focus on how your experience and interests match the competencies of the position If asked about your strengths Emphasize your strengths that match the competencies of the position If asked to identify your biggest weakness Select a weakness and turn it into a strength Select a weakness not related to the key competencies of the position
Other tips continued Face to face interviews: Dress appropriately Consider your non-verbal communication Arrive early Phone/Skype/VCT interviews: Find a quiet location Test the equipment Stand up
Where to look for more JPO Service Centre Career Management Website: http://www.jposc.org/career_management/content/welc ome/welcome-en.html www.careers.un.org
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