New and Emerging Talent Initiative (NETI) 7th Cohort Recruitment Campaign

Description

Are You A NETI?

•     Are you proficient in English and another official language of the UN i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish?
•     Have you completed an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent)?
•     Do you have 2-5 years of professional work experience?
•     Are you willing to serve in any UNICEF office worldwide, including hardship duty stations?

If you answer "yes" to the questions above, then we encourage you to apply for the NETI 7th Cohort Recruitment Campaign.

What is NETI?

•     The New and Emerging Talent Initiative (NETI) is an entry point for dynamic professionals interested in an international career with UNICEF. As part of UNICEF's global talent management strategy to achieve the organisation's current and future goals, the NETI Programme focuses on attracting, selecting, developing and retaining new talent from entry to mid-career levels to grow and to develop within the organisation. NETI participants work actively in multicultural environments within the development and humanitarian arenas while contributing to delivering results for children.

Programme Structure

•     NETI participants are given an initial one-year work appointment with a three-week Induction at UNICEF's New York Headquarters (NYHQ). During this three-week period, NETI participants familiarize themselves with UNICEF and meet HQ colleagues from the functional areas in which they will work during their field assignment. Participants then return to their perspective duty stations/offices for the remainder of their one-year work appointment. During their assignments, the NETI participants receive dedicated support for their development at the Induction in New York Headquarters and through the mentoring and external coaching components, which help develop their personal and professional skills and maximize their performance.
•     Since merit and performance are the key features of the NETI Programme, a continuous and rigorous assessment takes place throughout their assignments. At the end of the first year and based on a performance review outcome, NETI participants are extended for a second year in their specific duty station or, if necessary, separated from the NETI Programme. After about 18 months from the time of their initial appointment, a final performance review panel is held. This final review includes a comprehensive evaluation of participants’ overall performance in the NETI Programme and determination of their suitability to be included into Talent Groups, where they could be given priority consideration for vacant positions.
•     Interested candidates must share the United Nations values and ideals as well as be able to listen to and understand the ideas and concerns of the people UNICEF serves. Similarly, interested candidates must be able to communicate and work strategically and effectively with others to achieve results. Additionally, it is critical for candidates to be geographically mobile and willing to serve in emergency and hardship duty stations.

Eligibility and NETI Programme Requirements

•     NETI participants are motivated and talented entry to mid-career level professionals who are interested in an international career with UNICEF and who have a passion for making a difference for children worldwide.
•     The focus and method of work for NETI participants varies from country to country. However, participants typically interact with government, civil society, academic institutions, the private sector, UN agencies, donors and other development organisations in working towards children's survival, protection and development goals.

Eligibility:
The following candidates are eligible to apply to the NETI Programme:

•     UNICEF National Professional Officers and General Service staff;
•     UNICEF staff members holding a temporary appointment;
•     UNICEF Junior Professional Officers (JPOs) who have completed at least 15 months of the JPO Programme;
•     External candidates from outside UNICEF.

Please Note: National Professional Officers and General Service staff who are selected to participate in the NETI Programme will be offered a fixed-term appointment that replaces their previous letter of appointment, including any permanent or continuing appointment. They will not have the right to return to their previous post in UNICEF.

Candidates from all nationalities are welcome to apply.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the United Nations staff rules, a person who has permanent residence status in a country other than that of his/her own nationality must relinquish such permanent residence status in order to be eligible for UNICEF appointment to the Professional and higher categories of staff, subject to a few exceptions.

The following minimum requirements shall be placed on all NETI Programme applicants:

•     Have completed an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) at the time of application. Any number of years of relevant professional experience is not substitute for the required educational qualifications. Please see below for important information on education requirements.
•     Have proficiency in English and another official language of the United Nations i.e., Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish; knowledge of local languages can be an asset
•     Be ready to be assigned to any UNICEF office worldwide, including hardship duty stations.
•     Have at least two years of relevant work experience for functions at the P-2 level, and at least five years of relevant work experience for functions at the P-3 level. Relevant experience should include work in developing countries and in multicultural environments.
•     Preference will be given to candidates under 35 years of age.

Educational Requirements

•     The expectation of UNICEF as an employer is that university degrees presented by applicants satisfy the required level of education and come from bona fide (accredited) academic institutions. Only degrees from accredited institutions are considered legitimate for purposes of recruitment and selection for posts at UNICEF. Degrees requiring little or no actual course work, degrees awarded for payment of fees only, and degrees granting substantial credits for “lifetime achievements” or “life/work experience' will normally not be recognized by UNICEF
•     When determining whether a degree is recognized, UNICEF is guided by the International Association of Universities’ (IAU) listing of higher education institutions recognized or otherwise approved by competent authorities in participating countries. UNICEF will normally recognize only degrees obtained from institutions on the IAU list, however, the validity of other degrees submitted by applicants under consideration would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• out new challenges, assignments and responsibilities; promotes UNICEF's cause.

NETI Competencies

•     Communication: Speaks fluently; expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; makes presentations and undertakes public speaking with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback; projects credibility; structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the intended audience; presents information in a well-structured and logical way.
•     Working with People: Shows respect for the views and contributions of other team members; shows empathy; listens, supports and cares for others; consults others and shares information and expertise with them; builds team spirit and reconciles conflict; adapts to the team and fits in well.
•     Drive for Results: Sets high standards for quality and quantity; monitors and maintains quality and productivity; works in a systematic, methodical and orderly way; consistently achieves project goals; focuses on the needs and satisfaction of internal/external clients; accepts and tackles demanding goals with enthusiasm.
•     Formulating Strategies and Concepts: Works strategically to realize UNICEF’s goals; sets and develops strategies; identifies and develops positive and compelling visions of the organisation's future potential; takes account of a wide range of issues across and related to UNICEF.
•     Relating and Networking: Easily establishes good relationships with external partners and staff; builds wide and effective networks of contacts inside and outside UNICEF; relates well to people at all levels; manages conflict; uses humor appropriately to enhance relationships with others.
•     Creating and Innovating: Produces new ideas, approaches, or insights; creates innovative ways of designing projects or outputs in own work area; produces a range of solutions to problems.
•     Adapting and Responding to Change: Adapts to changing circumstances including emergencies and other crises; tolerates ambiguity; accepts new ideas and change initiatives; adapts interpersonal style to suit different people and situations; shows an interest in new experiences.
•     Leading and Supervising: Provides others with a clear direction; motivates and empowers others; recruits staff of a high caliber; provides staff with development opportunities and coaching; sets appropriate standards of behavior.