Introduction to Competencies

UNDP Competency Framework

UNDP's ability to fulfil its mission of helping countries accelerate progress on human
development is directly linked to having a well managed qualified workforce, with the right set
of skills mix and competencies. The Human Resources (HR) Strategy, A People-Centred
Strategy 2008-2011, aims at developing organizational effectiveness in three areas: Talent
Sourcing, Staff Capacity and Enabling Environment.

In the area of Staff Capacity, UNDP establishes in the HR Strategy that "[it] will build depth in
the competencies and skills that make [its workforce] most effective in the functions [they]
currently perform." In order to do so, the Competency Framework, which is the basis for all the
HR management mechanisms, was finalized and it will be integrated in all the HR processes,
among other actions that will as well be pursued in this direction.

What are competencies?

The term 'competency' refers to a combination of skills, attributes and behaviours that are
directly related to successful performance on the job. They are the basis upon which other human
resources systems, such as recruitment, staff development, career planning and performance
appraisal, are built.

Competencies are the talent needed to actualize the UNDP vision, mission and strategy. They
permeate through all HR practice.

Competencies are sets of behaviours (encompassing skills, knowledge, abilities and personal
attributes) that taken together are critical to accomplishing successful work and achieving an
organizational strategy. Competencies represent the most critical knowledge, skills and
commitments that underlie superior performance.

Competency is the way you conduct yourself with others, the way you behave in your
professional dealings. Competency is everything that you bring to your work - the knowledge,
the experience and the values that help make UNDP what it is today.
Competency-Based Interview
UNDP interviews are competency-based and will normally be conducted by a panel comprising
at least three persons. In many cases, UNDP interviews are conducted by telephone, and in a
small number, by videoconference. When possible, face-to-face interviews are scheduled. An
interview may last from 30 to 60 minutes approximately.

A competency-based interview (sometimes referred to as a 'behavioural' or a 'criterion-based'

interview) is a particular type of structured interview in which the interviewer's questioning is
directed at ascertaining the candidate's qualities or capabilities on a number of job-related
dimensions of behaviour (competencies). Normally they are defined in the vacancy
announcement.

In contrast to the 'traditional interview', questions from the interviewing panel usually focus on
eliciting specific examples from the candidates, in which they describe situations where they
might (or might not) have demonstrated the required behaviours. These are probed in a
systematic way by the interviewers to build up a picture of the relative strengths and weaknesses
of the candidate on the specific competencies.

Additionally, the interviewee may use information about the position revealed through the
competency-based questioning to determine whether he or she is still interested in a position. In
many cases there are competencies that might seem obvious, e.g. positions in the field of
Information Technology and Systems typically would include the core competency
Technological Awareness. Candidates should, nonetheless, be prepared to discus

UNDP interview questions for General interview:

- List five words that describe your character.
- How quickly do you make decisions?
- Have you ever had to deal with conflicting deadlines?
- What do you consider your most significant strength?
- How do you keep track of things you need to do?
- How do you keep each member of the team involved and motivated?
- How do you establish good communication and information flow with others?

UNDP interview questions for Face to Face interview:

- What was your most difficult decision?
- What kinds of things really get your excited?
- Describe a situation where you had to plan or organise something.
- How do you see your career at UNDP?
- Describe some ideas that were implemented.
- How do you make your decisions in general?

UNDP interview questions for Structured job interview:

- When given an important assignment, how do you approach it?
- What will you do if you don't get this job?
- Where do you see yourself in five years time?
- What do you think of your previous boss?
- What questions do you have for me?
- What was the most important task you ever had?

UNDP interview questions for Case job interview:

- Tell me about an important goal that you set in the past.
- Describe a situation where you had to plan or organise something.
- What do you do when your schedule is interrupted? How you handle it.
- How do you maintain a positive discussion?
- How much preparation on files for trial do you do?
- When you achieved a great deal in a short amount of time.

UNDP interview questions for Phone interview:

- What is your biggest regret and why?
- Why did you apply for this position?
- How do you handle a heavy workload? How do you prioritize day to day tasks?
- Your greatest weakness in school or at work?
- How do you maintain a positive discussion?
- Examples of situations when your initiative ideas.
- Tell about a training program that you have developed.

How to answer these UNDP interview questions: Find out which qualification the interviewers expect, training
courses, applying procedures, etc.
This is a very serious matter for most companies and requires a very serious answer. Demonstrate how you can
contribute to the company's goals .
This is typically a straightforward question that merits a straightforward answer.
Your answer should be focused on what you can bring to the role that will be of benefit to the employer

Difficult UNDP interview questions:

- What kinds of things really get your excited?
- What do you consider your most significant strength?
- If offered the job, how long do you plan to stay at UNDP?
- Share an example of how you were able to motivate employees or co-workers.
- Do you ever take work home with you?
- What techniques and tools do you use to keep yourself organized?

Try to avoid specific classifications, whatever it may be. Maintain a smile on your face. Don't look so serious.
Answer UNDP interview questions with confidence and maintain proper eye contact with the interviewer.
Emphasize benefits to the organization.
Find out about which type of interview it is, how many interviewers and candidates there are, it is a formal interview
or informal one.