Week 5 - Impactpool 10-Week Job Strategy Challenge - How to Align with the UN Competency Framework

We’ve covered a lot over the last few weeks, from understanding job descriptions to tailoring your application and going beyond the minimum requirements.

This week, we’re diving deeper into what truly differentiates strong UN applications, how well you align your experience with the UN Competency Framework.

Why Competencies Matter

Competencies are observable behaviours. They reflect how you apply your skills, make decisions and interact with others in a professional setting. Recruiters use them to evaluate whether you can perform effectively in complex, multicultural and high-stakes environments.

As highlighted in Impactpool’s article “Competencies: How you can show the recruiter you have the right competence for the job,” competencies form the foundation of UN recruitment. They are assessed throughout your application — especially in Competency-Based Interviews (CBIs), where questions often begin with:

“Tell us about a time when you…” or “Give an example of…”

By identifying key competencies in the job description and backing them with specific, results-based examples, you show that you don’t just meet the qualifications but that you also align with the values of the Organizations.