Ace Your United Nations Competency-Based Interview: Insightful Questions and Answers

The United Nations is a prestigious international organization that attracts talented individuals from around the world. If you’re applying for a position within the UN, you can expect to face a competency-based interview. This interview format is designed to assess your skills, abilities, and behaviors based on the organization’s core competencies. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with insightful questions and answers tailored to the UN’s competency-based interview process.

Understanding Competency-Based Interviews

Competency-based interviews differ from traditional interviews in that they focus on evaluating your past experiences and behaviors to predict your future performance. The interviewer will ask situational questions that require you to provide specific examples demonstrating your competencies in action.

The United Nations Core Competencies

The United Nations has identified nine core competencies that are essential for success within the organization. These competencies are:

1. Communication
2. Teamwork
3. Planning and Organizing
4. Accountability
5. Creativity
6. Client Orientation
7. Commitment to Continuous Learning
8. Technological Awareness
9. Respect for Diversity

Insightful Questions and Answers

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of insightful questions and sample answers related to the UN’s core competencies.

1. Communication

Question: Describe a situation where you had to communicate complex or technical information to a diverse audience. How did you ensure that your message was understood?

Sample Answer: In my previous role as a project manager, I was responsible for presenting progress updates to stakeholders from various backgrounds, including technical experts and non-technical decision-makers. To ensure that everyone understood the information, I tailored my communication style and language to the audience. For the technical experts, I provided detailed breakdowns and data analyses, while for the non-technical stakeholders, I focused on high-level summaries and visual aids to convey the key points. I also encouraged open dialogue and welcomed questions to clarify any ambiguities.

2. Teamwork

Question: Provide an example of a time when you had to work with a team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. How did you build a cohesive and productive team environment?

Sample Answer: During a global public health initiative, I was part of a cross-functional team comprising members from different countries and cultural backgrounds. To foster a cohesive team environment, I organized team-building activities that encouraged open communication and understanding of each member’s unique perspectives. I also established clear roles, responsibilities, and deadlines to ensure accountability and effective collaboration. When conflicts arose, I facilitated productive discussions to find common ground and mutually agreeable solutions.

3. Planning and Organizing

Question: Describe a complex project or initiative you have been involved in and how you planned and organized the various components to ensure successful delivery.

Sample Answer: As the lead coordinator for a humanitarian aid mission, I was responsible for planning and organizing the logistics for delivering essential supplies to remote areas affected by natural disasters. I started by conducting a thorough needs assessment and resource analysis to identify the requirements and available resources. Based on these findings, I developed a comprehensive plan that considered factors such as transportation routes, security protocols, and distribution channels. I created detailed timelines, assigned tasks to team members based on their expertise, and established regular check-ins to monitor progress and address any challenges that arose.

4. Accountability

Question: Describe a situation where you had to take responsibility for a mistake or failure. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience?

Sample Answer: During a high-stakes project, I overlooked a critical deadline, which resulted in a delay in delivering a key deliverable. As soon as I realized my mistake, I took full accountability and immediately informed my supervisor and the project stakeholders. I acknowledged my error, apologized for the inconvenience caused, and outlined a corrective action plan to mitigate the impact and ensure timely completion. I also conducted a thorough review of my project management processes to identify areas for improvement and implemented measures to prevent similar oversights in the future.

5. Creativity

Question: Provide an example of a time when you had to think creatively to solve a complex problem or develop an innovative solution.

Sample Answer: In my previous role as a policy analyst, I was tasked with developing a sustainable urban planning strategy for a rapidly growing city. The challenge was to balance economic development, environmental protection, and social inclusion while working within tight budgetary constraints. Through extensive research and stakeholder consultations, I identified unconventional approaches and best practices from around the world. I proposed a comprehensive plan that incorporated innovative concepts such as mixed-use zoning, green infrastructure, and community-driven initiatives. My creative solution not only met the project’s objectives but also received recognition from industry experts for its innovative and sustainable approach.

6. Client Orientation

Question: Describe a situation where you had to go above and beyond to meet the needs and expectations of a client or stakeholder.

Sample Answer: As a humanitarian aid worker, I was responsible for coordinating the distribution of emergency supplies to a remote village affected by a natural disaster. Due to logistical challenges and limited resources, we faced delays in delivering the crucial supplies. To address the urgent needs of the community, I worked closely with local authorities and volunteers to establish a temporary distribution center using available resources. This allowed us to provide immediate relief to the most vulnerable populations while we worked on resolving the logistical issues. My proactive approach and commitment to meeting the community’s needs were highly appreciated by the local authorities and stakeholders.

7. Commitment to Continuous Learning

Question: How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices in your field?

Sample Answer: I am a firm believer in continuous learning and professional development. To stay current with the latest trends and best practices in my field, I regularly attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops. I also actively participate in professional networks and online communities, where I can engage with peers and subject matter experts, sharing knowledge and insights. Additionally, I make it a point to read relevant publications, research papers, and online resources to expand my understanding of emerging topics and innovative approaches.

8. Technological Awareness

Question: Describe a situation where you had to learn and utilize new technology or software to enhance your work or achieve a specific goal.

Sample Answer: During a recent project, our team was tasked with developing an interactive data visualization platform to communicate complex statistical data to a wide audience. While I had experience with data analysis, I was unfamiliar with the specific data visualization tools and techniques required for this project. To bridge this gap, I dedicated time to self-learning through online tutorials, instructional videos, and hands-on practice with demo versions of the software. I also sought guidance from colleagues with expertise in data visualization. Through my commitment to learning and adapting to new technologies, I was able to contribute effectively to the project and deliver an intuitive and visually compelling platform that achieved the intended goal of making the data accessible and understandable to diverse stakeholders.

9. Respect for Diversity

Question: Describe a situation where you had to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. How did you ensure effective communication and collaboration while respecting and embracing diversity?

Sample Answer: As part of a multinational peacekeeping mission, I worked closely with colleagues from various countries and cultural backgrounds. To foster an inclusive and respectful environment, I made a conscious effort to learn about and appreciate the different perspectives, communication styles, and cultural norms represented within our team. I organized cultural awareness sessions and encouraged open dialogues to promote mutual understanding and respect. When conflicts or misunderstandings arose due to cultural differences, I facilitated discussions to find common ground and establish clear communication protocols that accommodated diverse communication styles. By embracing diversity and actively promoting inclusivity, our team was able to collaborate effectively and leverage our diverse backgrounds as a strength in achieving our mission objectives.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a competency-based interview can be challenging, but by understanding the UN’s core competencies and practicing your responses to situational questions, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to provide specific examples that demonstrate your relevant skills and abilities, and tailor your responses to align with the organization’s values and mission.

Good luck with your United Nations competency-based interview!