Until now, a total of 20 individuals from 4 UN Agencies and 2 international NGOs representing 15 nationalities have undergone the Impactpool coaching support. Ten people prepared first for the RCAC talent pipeline assessment introduced by UNDCO in 2021, out of which 5 passed and went on to the RCAC with 4 passing the final assessment. Ten candidates directly entered the RCAC assessment with 3 of them passing the assessment.
The coaching services consist in general of an introduction to the methodology of the RC Assessment Center to familiarize the clients with what to expect and include an overview of the SDGs development framework, competency-based interviewing techniques, media tips and role play scenarios practice, which are recorded for the client’s review after each session. The services can, as is generally the case for Impactpool’s coaching packages, be further tailored to the candidate’s needs.
Although these coaching sessions are primarily geared towards preparation for the RCAC assessment, they are, according to the clients’ feedback, considered beneficial beyond the assessment process due to the relevance of the coaching for their every day work at the most senior level regardless of whether the clients pass the assessment or not. Senior UN professionals who have completed the coaching package report that the negotiation techniques and team building approaches are useful in their existing functions. People now in RC functions who have completed the coaching package report that the practical tips and familiarity of the coaches with the assessment itself were very useful. They consistently report that the honest feedback on their interviewing style, negotiation approach and listening skills provided by the coaches after practicing the role play scenarios were invaluable in undertaking the RCAC. The combination of an ex-RC and an experienced HR professional from the UN system brings a combination of knowledge of the function and behavioral attributes for success to the coaching sessions. Since the coaching package is anchored in the RC competencies required for the function and which are the basis of the RCAC, many candidates reported that the coaching was essential to raise their self awareness and give honest feedback about their ability to demonstrate those competencies in interviewing and role play scenarios. Preparing for the intensity of the assessment itself was also reported as as value added of the coaching package. The confidentiality of the feedback and coaching sessions provided a „safe space“ for candidates to test their skills before entering the real assessment center. Previous clients interviewed a year after completing the package said they would recommend it to their colleagues or other development professionals.
The UN Resident Coordinator System Guide
Exclusive guide to prepare for UN Assessment Centers
Further information on the RCAC preparation coaching services can be obtained by contacting Ms. Julia Dehlryd at julia@impactpool.org .