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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the LEAD programme? Anyone of any nationality can apply, however since the programme is geared towards recruiting young professionals, preference will be given to candidates who are under 35 years of age. Candidates should also possess a masters degree in development related studies and be proficient in English and at least one other UN language. A minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in development, crisis/post-conflict management would also be an asset. Besides the eligibility criteria, what are the other qualities that are important for selection? The generic recruitment criteria also emphasizes, a) a passion to make a difference for and with the world’s poor, b) ethics and UN values as well as work attitudes, c) geographical mobility, d) ability to transfer knowledge and skills across practice areas. How are the candidates selected? The screening process will include a CV review, written assessment, interviews and references. The entire selection process lasts for 6-7 months and candidates are short-listed at every stage of the selection process. Due to the large number of applications received only short listed candidates will be notified of their progress in the selection phase. After each selection stage, results will be communicated to you. Merit is the first criterion for selection. At the same time, as an international development organization, we value diversity in our workforce. Thus, gender and geographical balance are also considered in the final selection of candidates. After meeting the basic LEAD selection criteria, review your motivation and value system to determine if it fits in with the mission of UNDP. Examine your past experience in dealing with complex problems, management issues, networking and cooperation with people from diverse backgrounds. Ask for feedback from colleagues and supervisors in these areas to determine if you have the necessary skills. What are the career options offered by the LEAD Programme? To provide opportunities for participants to build their competencies and to apply their expertise, two leadership tracks are formally recognized within the Programme with progressive career benchmarks in each and crossover encouraged. The two tracks are policy advice and development management and business operations. The written test will be administered online. However, if you are in a region where internet connectivity is problematic, then arrangements can be made for you to take a proctored written test at a UN/UNDP location nearest to you. UNDP will pay for all your travel related to the selection process. What kind of contract will I receive? You will be given a fixed-term contract initially for a period of two years, which will be renewed, based on your performance. Candidates are typically offered contracts at P3 level (the hierarchy being P1 – P5, in ascending order). On completion of the LEAD Programme, you will be mainstreamed as UNDP international career staff. Compensation is comparable with international organizations, varying according to duty stations. You will be entitled to participation in our pension plan, health insurance, and will be entitled to assignment grant, travel expenses upon appointment, repatriation grant, 30 days annual leave, home leave travel (every 2 years), sick leave, dependency allowance and education grant (if applicable). Which country will I be working in? You can be assigned to any of the 136 UNDP country offices around the world. The assignments usually correspond with your professional profile and language skills. The LEAD assignments emphasize varied exposure to development management, policy work and business operations. Please note that you could be assigned to a hardship duty station, based on business needs. What training and career development support does LEAD offer? The LEAD programme begins with a two week training at headquarters in New York in the areas of policy, organizational processes and leadership skills development. On completion of the first year, participants go through another training workshop for 2 weeks at headquarters to share ideas, experience and further work on specific competencies. UNDP also offers various other learning resources, such as the Virtual Development Academy, and numerous interactive on-line resources. In addition, each candidate will also have a mentor as part of a formal mentoring system, who will provide additional support for professional and personal development. There is no limit for applying to the LEAD Programme. How do I plan my career to best position myself to apply to the LEAD Programme? If you are still studying at a university or college, take some courses related to development, intercultural or management studies. In the field of your interest try to obtain practical experience ideally through a regular job and in addition to internship, summer work or any engagement that would expose you to the actual work in the field. Also work on your foreign language skills (English / French / Spanish / Arabic / Russian) to become fluent in at least one of these languages in addition to English. Take initiative and explore your leadership talents. |
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