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Aid Workers Forum * Career Advice * UN/IGO Recruitment Processes * UNHCR - IPR - 2006 < Previous Next >

Author Message
Tom Longley
Moderator
Username: Tom

Post Number: 86
Registered: 08-2005
Posted on Friday, December 09, 2005 - 04:37 pm:   

Hello there IPR-ers --

The 2005 thread was getting a little bit out of hand (at nearly 500 posts long), not to mention rather exhausting to read!

I've noticed that the 2006 round has begun. New round, new thread.

Anyone wishing to contribute a bottle of champagne to break across the bow of this new thread as she sets sail, please feel free.
WOW
Guest
Posted on Friday, December 09, 2005 - 08:21 pm:   

Dear Old IPR members!
Welcome to our new home :-)

WOW
Tom Longley
Moderator
Username: Tom

Post Number: 89
Registered: 08-2005
Posted on Saturday, December 10, 2005 - 06:45 pm:   

Two things:

1. What do you want to do with the older thread? It's very long, contains all sorts of useful stuff and is ranked above UNHCR on the Google search for "UNHCR IPR". Is there some way we can boil down what you found helpful about it, what insights were gained into the IPR process - perhaps a brief FAQ for those thinking to take the IPR?


2. One of the comments made in the old IPR thread concerned the posting of off-topic or unhelpful messages. Our moderators try to keep things broadly in line with the Posting Guidelines, but if you come across something we've missed, leave us a message on this thread:

http://forum.aidworkers.ork.uk/messages/30319/36695.html?1134239687

Thanks.
Vugar
Guest
Posted on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 07:40 am:   

My suggestion is to remove all the off-topic postings from the old thread and leave the rest there. The forum proved to be very useful, and I must admit I passed the test thanks to this forum as well.

I would also suggest to delete all irrelevant off-topic postings from the new thread too.

To the IPR-3 people: guys, please visit this thread from now on and keep sharing with us your experience and news. I discovered that some of the UNHCR circular messages do not reach me, and later, after visiting this forum, I find them in yahoo's BULK MAILS folder where they are placed automatically by this yahoo. It is very dangerous, as I can miss some updates or even real offers. Therefore, I would like to ask everyone to drop a line here every time when any one of us receives anything from UNHCR - let it be either just an update or even a real offer. We would then know that something is going on and maybe check directly with the IPR management why some of us did not receive the same circular email.

Thanks
Vugar
Denise
Guest
Posted on Thursday, December 22, 2005 - 06:24 am:   

Most of the posts from the September Compendium and Togolese Fast Track have been filled already; I got the info from a friend working for UNHCR.

None of us have been contacted for interviews. I am convinced now that the IPR is just a mean for internal staff to get permanent positions, but external persons included in the roster have almost no chance...

I hope one or two persons can convince me of the contrary...
Vugar
Guest
Posted on Friday, December 23, 2005 - 07:01 am:   

We were told that we would hear from UNHCR about our placement in January. Let's wait a bit.
Be positive
Guest
Posted on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 02:07 pm:   

IPR is the only way for the externals to become internal. There is no other recruitment means in UNHCR since recently. And current internal staff cannot live forever. At some point, they leave their jobs, die or get fired :-) And the number of positions do not disappear along with their departure. Pure math :-)
From Sept. Compendium announcement
Guest
Posted on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 08:29 pm:   

The successful candidate is expected to be assigned and deployed within 2 months
following appointment. Appointment is initially for one year.

Candidates may expect to be contacted in December 2005 / January 2006 in relation to
the filling of this post. Due to the large number of applications, we are
unfortunately not able to respond to all the queries from candidates. We therefore inform
you that as the Roster is only used if the number of internal candidates is limited,
DHRM will only contact candidates who have been selected for a post.

We also wish to draw your attention to the fact that Roster candidates who express
interest in a post are expected to accept an eventual offer of appointment following
a decision of the High Commissioner. Should you therefore refuse such an offer, it
is unlikely that you will be recommended for another international post with UNHCR.
Guest
Guest
Posted on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 05:50 am:   

The important sentence was "the Roster is only used if the number of internal candidates is limited". In general the number of internal candidates is not limited because of the high number of JPOs, UNVs, national staff and others with short term contract.

To be positive: the internal staff very rarely live their job or get fired. Sometimes they die...

The first one who get an offer please post a message on this forum...
Long live UNHCR Staff :-)
Guest
Posted on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 08:09 am:   

To Be Positive....

Hello friend, why do you want us dead :-(, or want us to quit the job (unless for a better one). JPOs, UNVs and National Staff definitely provide a pool of good candidates. However, if you ask them, you will not find them very happy as well (especially UNVs). I even wonder if there is any body happy at all!!!!:-(

UNHCR does recruit external candidates from IPR. I can assure you this thing. Just keep the fingers cross, keep developing your profile and keep applying to UNHCR and other places as well....

happy new year and good luck
Guest 2006
Guest
Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 08:43 pm:   

I totally agree with Long live UNHCR Staff in his/her advice of being positive, keep developing your profile and keep applying to UNHCR and other places. I am not in the roster and did not know about IPR till few weeks ago but I applied for a senior position with UNHCR advertised on the website (external application). I got an interview which I think went well but I am still waiting to hear the final outcome (it has been a little bit close to a month). The bottom line is work on your profile and work on updating your CV with the skills and experiences needed for these position and good luck to all of you.
Rania
Guest
Posted on Saturday, December 31, 2005 - 01:26 pm:   

Hello every one and happy new year. I was wondering if any one who actually passed the test last year got a job? I took the test last year in Rome, didn't pass though and thinking of applying this year. I just moved to Kuwait and have some free time in me hand till I find a job, and still want to pass that exam (my personal ego). But wondering if it worth it, I mean does anyone has any positive feedback? Let me know.. have a great new year.. Cheers :-)
Citron Orange
Guest
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 03:04 pm:   

Dear WOW or Vugar,

In the last thread, one of you (or maybe it was someone else ?) gave a web-link in which he had put all the reading materials he has used for 2005 IPR. Would it be possible for you to give it back to us ? It would be very helpful for the newcomers in the 2006 IPR. Thank you very much in advance.
And I wish all those who took the last IPR to find a job within the HCR sonner or later.

Citron Orange
guest
Guest
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 01:21 am:   

Sooner is already impossible.... after 7 months. Maybe later? Let's wait until the end of the month. I want to remind that in the terms of the competition, it was stated that the candidates should be ready to be deployed in july. I don't remember whether they mention july 2005. Maybe they just meant july 2011?

I think it's not worth it to wait 1 year to sign a 1 year contract, don't you agree?
-
Guest
Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 10:49 am:   

Citron Orange, what is your email address?
loggie
Guest
Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 10:51 am:   

Does anyone who is working for UNHCR know who we are considered - external or internal candidates? I mean, those who are on the roster.

Thanks
Sabina
Guest
Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 10:18 am:   

Help! I am applying for the IPR. Question: I have to add 3 references. does this mean that I only have to mention their address or do I also have to attach 3 reference letters? please respond quickly. deadline is on the 15th!!!
camel rider
Guest
Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 11:14 am:   

to sabina - the 3 references is about providing the names/address/tel no. then, if ever one day you'll be considered for a position they will contact the people u have provided as ref. Maybe, one day....

To the positive guy: how does it come that u are so confident that there's no other recruitment means in UNHCR as an external except the IPR? Let me tell u that u are absolutly wrong! If u have a look on the UNHCR site there are positions advertised externally - and I can tell u that without any push, if u have the right qualification u are just simply shortlisted!!! Without any IPR test and crisis! A question of being in the right place at the right time!
Be positive
Guest
Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 12:21 pm:   

Camel Rider, if what you are saying is correct, then things get tougher :-(
To be honest, I am getting tired of waiting. Waiting in vain...
camel rider
Guest
Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 03:01 pm:   

Be positive! I didn't mean to disapoint u, and sorry if I did so! However, what I said is absolutly correct. In fact, I belive that the only real chance to get into those organisations is to have a qualification and experience in a different branch than the humanitarian one. The UN is a five star humanitarian work, and most of the people wishing to work in humanitarian field, of course, are trying first to get into the UN.

I believe that the IPR should of been organized diferently. I could never understood this thing of 50% at the test. Instead, they should make an appreciation of how many externals should be needed for the coming year and take out a certain amount of places. Leaving so many people on the side, waiting for something that maybe will never happen, it's quite tough.

But, be positive! At the end you have nothing to loose. Wish u all the best!!!
What is this for ???
Guest
Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 03:52 pm:   

...then, honestly, what is this IPR for? It took time and efforts to prepare for and pass this exam (not mentioning travel costs and arrangements) and, at the end,...did they contact ANY SINGLE IPR 2005 listed candidate? Any single one? What is camel rider saying indicates that they did contact some 'pure' externals. And as thy say on their website 'The next main posting session will take place in June 2006..'
loggie
Guest
Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 04:39 pm:   

Guys, I think "the next main posting session", which they say will take place in June 2005, is not for us. It is related to those who apply now, for the 2006-IPR, with the deadline being in a few days.

I believe, those who got into the last year's roster will be contacted much earlier, for whatever reason (either with the real offer or with another invitation to express interest).

Another information, from an internal source (can't disclose his name, sorry). He told me last year that about 60% of those who were in the 2004 roster got the contracts, and those unlucky ones who did not get anything were carried forward to last year's IPR (2005). When asked what our chances to get the jobs are, he told me that this year they expect more positions to open and he told to be positive. Well, I can't judge how true his information is, but at least I can guarantee that this person works right in the IPR recruitment unit.

Let me put the question in a different way: does anyone know ANYONE who got the job through the previous year's IPR, i.e. before us? If there is such a person, we could ask him/her how long it took to get the job and what the timetable was.

I believe, no candidate from 2005-IPR has been contacted yet. It doesn't mean that no one will be contacted ever. All I can recommend is to keep looking for a job and be always ready to switch from your current job to the employment with the UN.

Loggie
Sabina
Guest
Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 10:15 pm:   

Thanks camel rider! :-)
Guest 2006
Guest
Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 10:51 pm:   

Some positions (the majority of which are P4 and above) are open for external recruitment. I got an interview for one of these with a panel of 4 from Geneva via teleconference. It has been over a month and I did not receive an apology or congratulations. Does any of you know how long does it take to get back to a candidate after an interview?

It is always easier said than done but I would encourage all of you to do your best and get on with your lives and keep the UNHCR thing on the side. If something comes up, then awesome. If not then you are working on your qualifications and exploring other options.

I hope I can apply the advise myself and get on with my life and not think too much about the outcome of this interview. But in any situation, your feedback is much appreciated if one went through the experience or knows the process.

Best regards
loggie
Guest
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 09:12 am:   

Guest 2006, were you on one of the IPRs?
loggie
Guest
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 09:16 am:   

Another question: did they call you and start interviewing right away or did they first call you to notify that soon they would call to interview you? Well, I want to know whether you had some time to prepare for the interview, and if yes, how long the difference between the notification call and the actual interview was?
Guest 2006
Guest
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 06:04 pm:   

Dear Loggie,

I am not on the IPR and quite honestly I knew nothing about the IPR before applying for this position.

They sent me an email to set up a time for the interview. I had six days to prepare between the time I received the notification notice to the actual interview. I did a lot of prepartion on competency-based interviewing [commonly used now in all UN interviews] and other interviewing techniques so I prepared scenarios and wrote lots of answers to the "what if" cases or "can you tell me about a time when you faced or had bla bla bla".

The interview was very different. It is the traditional interview: "Tell me about yourself" and then they asked about the competencies they need in the Vacancy Notice and asked if I had experience in this area which gave me a chance to talk more about myself and my previous expereinces.

They had a representative from HR who spoke about the terms of the contract and in a remote way about the package (what they offer) and about the UN system and that you have to be able to move to a D or E country at some point of your career, etc etc. AND s/he had to hear the interviewee say YES to each condition.

That was it. I didn't hear anything back from them. Did not get the typical sorry notice or the congratulations call.

I apologize because I do not want to hijack this forum which is specific to IPR but this is a link that might help with going to the traditional route of looking for jobs in the UN system and how to prepare.

http://www.unspecial.org/UNS607/UNS-607_T28.html

You will find there another link to the common 10 interviewing questions and other useful information.

Hope this helps
loggie
Guest
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 10:38 pm:   

Thanks! It is very helpful. Please do share with us the link to the common 10 interviewing questions.
Thanks again
Loggie
Guest 2006
Guest
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 11:19 pm:   

Loggie,

Here you go

http://www.unspecial.org/UNS607/UNS-607_T27.html

Best of luck
Guest 2006
Guest
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 11:24 pm:   

Oh I forgot to say. If you are applying or being interviewed for a position in a certain region, you have to be fully aware of UNHCR operations in this region. Study the website well because it is guaranteed you will have a question asking you about what you think are the issues that UNHCR face in this particular geographic locale.
KWT
Guest
Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 02:29 pm:   

Dear all
any idea about how to write statement of purpose - on the question of why you want to work for UNHCR?
Arwa
Guest
Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 02:36 pm:   

Please help with writing something on the 2 statements - motivation and competency statements
Bansuk
Guest
Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 02:49 pm:   

2 days before the deadline, honestly i am a bit pessimistic if it is worth to take so much work if successful aplicants of 2005 are still waiting for their grades!! (no talk of real job yet); any thoughts?
Citron Orange
Guest
Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 03:02 pm:   

hello everyone,


Who is "guest" asking for the e-mail address of Citron Orange ?
Thanks to tell me. Then, maybe I'll give my e-mail address.
Tom Longley
Moderator
Username: Tom

Post Number: 95
Registered: 08-2005
Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 04:43 pm:   

Hello there IPR-ers -- Can I suggest that you create an account? There is a private messaging system that means you can communicate without having to give away your email. You can also receive email notifications of new posts, which is quite handy. The create account button is on the top left.

Cheers.
Vugar
Guest
Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 04:42 pm:   

Citron, it is Vugar
Citron Orange
Guest
Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 01:03 pm:   

Dear Vugar,

Ok, as it is you, very often coming on the thread, here is my e-mail address : citronorange@voila.fr
Best regards.
james connery
Member
Username: Help_now

Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 06:06 pm:   

HELP!!!!!!!

TO ANYONE WHO APPLIED TO IPR 2006:

I badly need help. I finish my IPR application last night, but managed to fall asleep after diner. This morning I checked the unhcr website and found the emailaddress for sending my application still there. Relieved I rushed to a hospital appointment without writing the emailaddress down. As I just got back from the hoispital I found unhcr changed the page with the emailaddress on. Can someone please be so kind to supply me with the IPR 2006 emailaddress, so I can send in asap!!! Thanks a bunch.
F.
Guest
Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 10:27 am:   

hello everyone,

A bit late, but Happy New Year to all!! Let's hope that it will bring a UNHCR post for at least one of us.
Just wanted to tell you that there are a couple of interesting job vacancies (External Relations Officer(P3), Supply Officer (P3), Associate Supply Officer (P2)) on the UNHCR website at the moment:
http://www.unhcr.ch/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/admin?id=3ba1bdcb7

If I understand the system correctly, we have to apply directly to those posted on the website, even if we are on the roster. Who knows, maybe we stand a better chance at getting a job this way.

Good luck

Fatima
candidate unhcr
Guest
Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 02:21 pm:   

Guest 2006
I am actually living the same experience as you do. I've passed an interview (as a pure external) in December last year and since I'm expecting an answer. In order not to monopolize this forum you could contact me at the following email address: candidate.unhcr@yahoo.com. There might be some infos we could share.
Cheers
Tom Longley
Moderator
Username: Tom

Post Number: 101
Registered: 08-2005
Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 04:00 pm:   

Can anyone help James Connery with his IPR email problem?

Thanks.
???
Guest
Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 06:24 pm:   

Last year,I think, it was hqipr3@unhcr.ch, so maybe for 2006 was hqipr4@unhcr.ch. Costs nothing to try it out. Good luck. Fatima , you might be right. Looks that we may have better chances as pure externals. But the question remains, what was all of this for?
james connery
Member
Username: Help_now

Post Number: 3
Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 02:18 pm:   

Thanks Tom and ?guest.

Tom, as you are the moderator am I mistaken to assume you are unhcr staff? If so do you think it makes sense to send in my application for IPR 2006 today, the deadline was three days ago?
Tom Longley
Moderator
Username: Tom

Post Number: 104
Registered: 08-2005
Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 02:39 pm:   

James - I am not a member of UNHCR staff.

Aid Workers Network is completely independent of UNHCR or any other agency. This forum is a professional resource for aid workers and those that support them to discuss anything (and everything) to do with this very broad field.

Concerning your question about submitting after the deadline, I'm really not certain. Anyone?
Fatima
Guest
Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 04:48 pm:   

Dear James,
As "???" so rightly put it: costs nothing to try, especially since you've already done the hard part: filling it out. Send it, explaining how you had lost the email address and politely ask them to accept it. Worst that could happen is that they refuse your application, which won't change much to your present situation. And at best, they accept it, you pass the test, and a year from now you're posting messages on the IPR 2007 discussion forum wondering whether it was all worth it :-)
Which brings me to "???"'s question. What was all this for? Well personally, I learned a lot from the documents I read in preparation for the IPR test and it motivated me to get more involved in the community life around me through volunteering.
I still remain hopeful that something will come through the IPR, but I'm not holding my breath on it--> Optimistic realism.
Cheers
F.
james connery
Member
Username: Help_now

Post Number: 4
Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 05:14 pm:   

I will do that. Thanks again for the thoughts and explanations.
Tom Longley
Moderator
Username: Tom

Post Number: 105
Registered: 08-2005
Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 05:35 pm:   

Good luck with it! Let us know how it goes.
wow
Guest
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 12:15 am:   

Dear Candidate UNHCR,

Did you just apply for the position without going through the IPR test and was even interviewed? If so, then looks like the HCR does recruit the externals outside the roster...

wow
Guest
Guest
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 05:12 am:   

Dear Vugar,

I've been applying for IPR this year and would be most grateful if you could kindly tell me the web-link where I can obtain the reading materials you used for your successful exam. here is my email address: jfliban@yahoo.com
Thanks millions in advance!

I really hope that all those who passed the last year's IPR to get a job with the HCR sooner or later. You are my hopes (and sure for other test takers as well)!

Regards, JF
Vugar
Guest
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 01:06 pm:   

Dear IPR-4 applicants,

You will all soon receive the study materials for the test.

Vugar
candidate unhcr
Guest
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 02:31 pm:   

Wow - my purpose was not to discourage any IPR candidate. On the UNHCR website there is a link for External Recruitment: "Current vacancies open for external recruitment" - which means that anyone can apply.

Well, if you have a quick look, you will notice that there are quite a few vacancies and, on the top of that, the positions demand a very specific qualification.

As a pure external you might have a chance every 20 years to see a job advertised that would perfectly match your qualifications.

The positive thing with the IPR is that they send you job propositions that an external will never see it. As it is specified on the IPR section, the persons included in the roster "may thereafter expect to be invited, at regular intervals, to express interest in specific vacancies or short-term assignments".

So I do belive that the roster has its positive aspect if when you apply you keep in mind that this process will only double your chances to access a vacancy which could perfectly fit your qualifications.

This is not the case for an external: you might have one chance but if you don't play it perfectly, there will never be a second one...
wow
Guest
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 07:02 pm:   

Dear Candidate UNHCR,

I agree. Still even being an IPR member, one's eventual employment largely depends on a great deal of luck. Being on IPR unfortunately does not guarantee anything, and that is what makes me nervous and uncertain.

There were suggestions here that it is better to keep improving your resume/qualifications and continue looking for a job elsewhere. And if you are all of a sudden recalled by the HCR and offered a post, take it as a nice surprise, but not for granted. Maybe it is a good advise. However, after having passed the test, I did not do anything and just sat and waited until I am called on duty. It would be so depressing to start looking for a job now, after having wasted so much time since the test by doing nothing...

wow
wow
Guest
Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 06:13 pm:   

How long will it continue? Now they say about March/April 2006... :-) :-) :-)

p.s. I hope everyone received today the letter from Vladimir Mijovic
Peter Lam
Member
Username: Mandella

Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 07:56 pm:   

Hello all,
I have applied for IPR 2006. I would like to know if anyone on this net is from Canada and has actually taken the test here. I am not sure where they test center will be. I presume it would be in Ottawa, but unfortunately I don't live in Ottawa. Please let me know if there are any thoughts on that.
Thanks,
Mandella
Mandella
guest
Guest
Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 08:25 pm:   

I fear all this has been a great rip off. Does UNHCR behave usually with this lack of professionalism and honesty? I wonder if they treat refugees in the same way.
leila
Guest
Posted on Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 05:40 am:   

Hello everyone,
I was wondering if anyone knows whether they offer the IPR test in Australia, or anywhere in this part of the world?
Thanks!!
nidal
Guest
Posted on Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 12:04 pm:   

To Wow: <<p.s.I
hope everyone received today the letter from Vladimir Mijovic>>
what is the message? please share it with us too
wow
Guest
Posted on Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 05:37 pm:   

Dear Nidal,

Are you in IPR-3? If yes, you were supposed to receive the letter inviting you to "express interest" in some compendium posts.

If you are not in IPR, then patience, patience.... You will have enough time to experience frustration. But for this, you need to pass the Test, for which I wish you good luck.

wow
nidal
Guest
Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 08:27 pm:   

WOW - i have applied for IPR 2006; so this email is not for me; i thought something went wrong with my emails and i didnt get email from HCR;
thanks
Reinhold
Member
Username: Rdekrell

Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 10:20 pm:   

Dear Nidal, Can you advise me of where I may obtain a IPR Testing application.
nidal
Guest
Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 07:25 pm:   

Reinhold - which testing application? The deadline was 15 january and i completed that application. no more application that i know of
Reinhold
Member
Username: Rdekrell

Post Number: 3
Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 11:20 pm:   

Dear Nidal, thankyou anyway, I believe I have already completed my application anyway.
WOW!!!
Guest
Posted on Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 10:35 pm:   

So, guys, still no news? :-( :-( :-( :-( :-(
adak
Guest
Posted on Monday, February 06, 2006 - 07:51 am:   

not much....well, quite indicative isn't it?
guest
Guest
Posted on Monday, February 06, 2006 - 01:39 pm:   

What a ripe off!!
guest 666
Guest
Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 11:04 pm:   

Another circular message from IPR Unit... And again waiting till April-May :-(
Shall we give up?
guest
Guest
Posted on Saturday, February 11, 2006 - 02:07 am:   

SURE
guest
Guest
Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 09:12 pm:   

Is it possible to choose / change the location of the test. I will probably have to take it in Geneva or Brussels (I live and work close by and filled out the application form accordingly). I was now offered a post in Indonesia I wonder whether I could also take the test there? Whom do I have to contact? Please be so kind and share your thoughts.

Thank you very much.

Johannes
guest2
Guest
Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 01:12 pm:   

yes, if shortlisted you will be able to choose in which UNHCR office you want to take the test. After you choose I don't think is possible to change. good luck!
joh.
Guest
Posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 12:33 pm:   

thank you very much for the answer, guest2.

does anyone know, when the shortlist is expected to be announced?

perhaps it is out allready and they forgot to put my name on the list! (-;

joh.
guest2
Guest
Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 10:45 am:   

they gave us the one month notice last year: email you've been shortilisted together with the day of the test
Erick Bayard
Member
Username: Erick

Post Number: 1
Registered: 02-2006
Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 02:05 pm:   

Hi all,

Can someone help me to get the IPR Form and right mail address for IPR? Ive filled my P11 form and requested for the IPR form at the following address: HQIPR2@unhcr.ch. This was done one month ago and I do not have yet any feedback.

After my graduations in development and project management and in international humanitarian relief, I worked in Kenya (3 years) and I have completed my 3rd year in Nepal where I am writing from.

I am really interested in working with UN and I would appreciate your helping me with the right IPR mail address and IPR application form.

Just mail me at erbayard03@yahoo.fr

Thanking you in advance,

Erick
guest
Guest
Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 02:29 pm:   

erick, you will receive an email from them only if shortlisted.good luck!
Erick Bayard
Member
Username: Erick

Post Number: 2
Registered: 02-2006
Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 12:46 pm:   

Manny thnx to all those people who helped me with clear information on IPR stuffs.

Cheers,

Erick
IPR-3 member
Guest
Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 01:33 pm:   

I "expressed interest" in the Compendium vacancies four times. No sign of interest in me from the other side... First we were told to be ready for the deployment in duty stations in July 2005, then in September 2005, then December 2005 - January 2006, now April-May 2006. I try hard to remain optimistic and keep believing that it is realistic and it won't last forever.

Is there anyone here who is close to the IPR staff and is reading these postings? Can he or she tell us if UNHCR does indeed recruit from IPR and whether it is realistic for the IPR members to expect jobs from UNHCR?

Generally, if there are such people here either from the HR office or the IPR unit, may we ask you to provide us at least some guiding information that would shed light on this dark issue. You guys really do not have to write your real names here (feel free to remain annonymous) or disclose more than allowed. But at least something that would simply clarify how the IPR thing works, what the follow-up procedures are (after expressing interest), how realistic it is, etc. Statistics from IPR-1 and IPR-2 would be helpful too. You will not be punished for this - the leakage of information is everywhere, even in CIA and Pentagon. All we ask you is to be a bit sympathetic towards us and just understand our dilemma. We are not asking for the absolutely secret or military information. You can definitely understand our problems and feelings, just like the same human beings. Any information would be very helpful for us.

Thank you
IPR-3 member
Another IPR-3 member
Guest
Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 03:22 pm:   

I could not say it better... An idea of the percentage of people who were hired from the roster in the past 2 years would be great, so we could know what to expect.
Sally
Guest
Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 04:39 pm:   

Thank you for raising these issues. You simply read my mind.

To the IPR management: indeed, just any information would be helpful and relieving in the atmosphere of total silence and uncertainty. I completely agree with my two colleagues who have posted the last two comments here (IPR-3 members 1 and 2). Please provide us with at least some information as to what we are supposed to expect. It is not much to ask. And indeed, as it was noticed above, if it is against the regulations, feel free to remain annonymous, but put yourselves in our shoes and try to understand us just like the same human beings. It would be greatly appreciated.

We know that UNHCR can turn to IPR and recruit from the roster when there is a shortage of internal applicants. We also know that the purpose of IPR is to provide the back-up for the timely filling of the vacancies when no internal candidate is found for a specific post. We know this very well, as it was written in the first announcement back in December 2004 and we all read it.

Yet, what we indeed would like to know is somewhat different - whether UNHCR does in fact ever look into IPR and, if yes, how often and seriously it considers the candidacy of people who passed the Entry Test, received their personal grades and expressed interest in compendium vacancies.

I have some additional questions. Consider that one of us is selected for a post. What is next?

- any interviews? (I am wondering if the test replaces the interview)
- if the interview is necessary, how long does it last? Is there any prior notification? If yes, how many days in advance?
- are the inquiries made with the previous employers? Who is usually being called and what kind of information is sought? Is it the HR person who is usually contacted for the inquiries or the former supervisors?
- are the references contacted too? What are they being usually asked?

What comes next after the interview and the P-11 record checking? Deployment itself? Any details how it works?

Generally, is there anyone from IPR staff or IPR-1 and IPR-2 who knows the answers to these questions and is very kind to enlighten us, the IPR-3 members? We would really be eternally grateful to you for any piece of information.

Sally
Reinhold
Member
Username: Rdekrell

Post Number: 6
Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 02:50 am:   

Eric, I am interested in similar information, can you assist. If so my email is rdekrell@hotmail.com.

Thanks either way.
information from internal source
Guest
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 11:52 am:   

This is a news from internal source: UNHCR does recruit from IPR, but very very rarely. The queue of rotated internal staff waiting for their new appointments is really long. Even they have to wait for a long time before getting posted. And very few IPR members are contacted (these are usually the duty stations where no internal candidate would go). The chances are very little, but not zero. At this point I would rather say they are just theoretical.

The vacancies that you receive from time to time to express interest are sent also to the internal staff. The fact that you receive the list of vacancies and compendiums does not imply that there is lack of candidates among the current employees. It is just the procedure to circulate it both through internal staff and IPR.

Generally, there is a huge confusion inside UNHCR about the IPR and its purpose. External applicants are contacted just as much as IPR. No one can explain why this IPR was necessary when there was no deficit of internal candidates. The IPR procedures are not clearly defined, many decisions as to how to proceed with IPR are taken on an ad-hoc basis and in the last minute, the IPR staff in HR department are confused and many of them do not know the answers. So, do not bother asking them questions - they won't know...

A friendly advise: don't rely on IPR and keep looking for jobs elsewhere. Otherwise, with this correlation of the number of IPR members and the lucky ones who were hired you will have to wait for decades, unless you are ready to wait that long.

And remember that IPR is constantly growing with every new generation, but the vacancies are not. Your IPR-1 fellows had more chances than you guys do now, but in absolute terms it was still marginal...

Good luck
Nidhal
Guest
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 05:54 pm:   

Just wondering if anybody got reply for IPR 2006??
Another IPR-3 member
Guest
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 11:49 am:   

Thank you for this information, internal source. It is good to know, even if it is not encouraging... Nidhal, do not expect an answer before the end of March...
rose agadez
Member
Username: Roseflower

Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 02:08 pm:   

hi all. is there anybody who applied for the IPR 2006? any news when the exam is supposed to be and if they have already contacted potential candidates?
Sameer Khan
Member
Username: Sameer_khan

Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 10:22 am:   

Dear IPR members:

Can some body kindly forward me the reading material for IPR Programme Exams, especially the "Case Studies". I will be grateful. My email is sukhan1977@yahoo.com

Vugar Seidov: The reading material you posted on your site is very helpful.

Many thanks
Sameer
Robert Jurgens
Member
Username: Rob

Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 07:59 am:   

well... it is just getting worse and worse. Now we can only 'express our interest' in these highlighted positions. There was only one like this in all massive biannual compendium. Does anybody know what is going on ?
Mari Koskinen
Member
Username: Mari

Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 03:10 pm:   

Hi there fellow IPR4 candidates.
I received a message from UNCHR yesterday saying that the exam will take palce on May 30th. They asked me to confirm (in the next five days!!!) if I have access to a computer and internet connection at the given date. They did not, however, confirm if I had been chosen to take the test. Now I'm wondering if they send this message to just some or all of the people who applied? Anyone know? Anyone willing to share their experiences and knowledge of the actual test?

Best regards,
Mari
candidate
Member
Username: Newguest

Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 03:52 pm:   

Mari, I have not received any information about the exam. Could you please share with us what does it exactly say?
Tim
Member
Username: Moon

Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 09:53 pm:   

Hi Mari,
This is the message i received from HCR regarding the IPR4 test:

Dear IPR candidate,

This is to inform you that we are starting the preparations for the IPR Entry Exam to which you may be invited once we are in possession of the
final screening results. At this point in time, we need to receive urgent feedback from you by cob Wednesday, 29 March 2006, confirming that
you will have - or will be able to make sure to have - access to a computer with internet connection equipped with Internet Explorer 6 or
higher and Flash Player Version 5 on Tuesday, 30 May 2006 when the exam is scheduled to take place (from 09h30 until 13h30 your time).

We kindly request you to respond by the deadline at the latest as this information is needed as a matter of urgency for our planning purposes.

Please send your response to HQIPR4@unhcr.org indicating both your First name and Family name.

Thank you and best regards,

(Name)
Head, Recruitment Unit, UNHCR

So i suspect IPR4 Test will be home-based. But what is this Flash Player thing?
Janset Erardag
Member
Username: Mona

Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 11:31 pm:   

Tim, I got the same e-mail and I tought it's just me or people like me who live in remote areas but I see it's everybody. This doesn't seem very proffessional unless they really prepared a fine security system for it or they may have changed the whole think and would only ask for opinions and not from the 500 pages. We'll see, I responded positively to the e-mail and wonder what will happen. Cheers.
Sameer Khan
Member
Username: Sameer_khan

Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Sunday, March 26, 2006 - 12:26 pm:   

Hi, I have received a similar message, however my other friends who applied hasn't. It seems they have already completed a pre-screening, but has still to make a final decision on candidates who will be allowed to take the exams. Any way the reading material they gave last time is so much that a security system and no security system will make no difference even if it is an open book. Having said so, I understand last time, in some cases if not all, the exams took place in UNHCR Offices.....
Sameer Khan
Member
Username: Sameer_khan

Post Number: 3
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Sunday, March 26, 2006 - 12:32 pm:   

http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash

Flash can be downloaded from this site...and many more other sites. If you encounter any problem accessing the site, just use a search engine (yahoo, google etc)
DLA
Member
Username: Danik

Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Sunday, March 26, 2006 - 03:51 pm:   

Hi friends,

I received same letter last Friday.

Can some body kindly forward me the reading material for IPR Programme Exams. My email is danikipr2006@yahoo.com

Dear Vugar Seidov, could you tell me how to get the reading materials you posted on your site?

Thank you, all the best, danik
Mari Koskinen
Member
Username: Mari

Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Sunday, March 26, 2006 - 07:31 pm:   

Hi,
It will be interesting to see how they're going to organize the testing if it's really a home-based one. This is getting more and more confusing... Well I guess we can only wait and see and hope for the best. Or if someone has any better ideas, I would love to hear them!

Love, Mari
candidate
Member
Username: Newguest

Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Sunday, March 26, 2006 - 09:00 pm:   

well, strange.... last year I took the exam (failed!), and this year they have not even invited me?
Tim
Member
Username: Moon

Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Sunday, March 26, 2006 - 09:44 pm:   

But can someone from the IPR3 group (last year's batch) tell us please if they have been given a job by HCR finally!
Robert Jurgens
Member
Username: Rob

Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 08:42 am:   

Well, I really think that none of us. Whatbs more, recently theybve radically limited number of posts in which we can bexpress our interestb. In the last Biannual Compendium there was only 1 (out of 30 published!!!) offered to IPR candidates (I am speaking about P2s). So, sadly, it looks that this binformation from internal sourceb was 100 % true.
Robert Jurgens
Member
Username: Rob

Post Number: 3
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 08:58 am:   

Well, I really think that none of us. Whatbs more, recently theybve radically limited number of posts in which we can bexpress our interestb. In the last Biannual Compendium there was only 1 (out of 30 published!!!) offered to IPR candidates (I am speaking about P2s). So, sadly, it looks that this binformation from internal sourceb was 100 % true
the real one
Member
Username: Torus

Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 11:04 am:   

Hello I also received the invitation for the home based test planned for May 3oth .
But after reading this forum and the previous one I'm getting more and more skeptical about the relevance of IPR. Does anyone has the email adress of one UNHCR HR top official so we can send him a link to this Forum. Perhaps it will help him understand the greater raising perception of "long con" of that test.
And agree that UNHCR must be more transparent on IPR test outcomes.
the real one
Member
Username: Torus

Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 11:14 am:   

reading materials in :
for reading materials:
http://www.personal.ceu.hu/staff/Vugar_Seidov/
more than 90 doc , hey Vugar how did you do learn all of this???

Does anyone who passed previous test may give some guidelines on best way to prepare the test : ie focus on humanytarian law , read newspapers , go intern to an UNHCR office blabla...
Mari Koskinen
Member
Username: Mari

Post Number: 3
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 09:37 am:   

Hi,
For some reason I get a totally blank page when trying to access Vugar's reading material. Can anyone help me?

Thanks in advance!
-Mari-
Josue Janey
Member
Username: Jane

Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Friday, March 31, 2006 - 08:23 pm:   

what is IPR1, IPR2, IPR3 and IPR4? Can you give me the difference between them?
Josue Janey
Member
Username: Jane

Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Friday, March 31, 2006 - 08:27 pm:   

You all IPR candidates and those who got succes in last IPR test,

The IPR entry test is based on Analytical skill, Ethical/ Professional conduct, Programme case study. Would you mind writing one exampel question for each topi?
Best kind
Ali
Member
Username: Angel_heart

Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 05:23 pm:   

Hey all ..as some of new users here i received on march 24th the same email asking for confirmation for the test on may 30th via internet
check the first forum about IPR Entry Test is very useful:
http://forum.aidworkers.net/messages/19328/27160.html?1134146683
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Saturday, April 08, 2006 - 09:43 pm:   

I will try to address some of the questions raised here:

Last year, a close book exam took place at UNHCR offices worldwide. No chance to cheat during the exam whatsoever. This year you guys (IPR4) are much luckier. However, do not be overexcited about this fact. The opportunity to consult the reading materials while typing your answers at home will not increase your exam grade in absolute terms compare to the answers of your predecessors in 2005, because the passing criteria is based on the curve anyway. The year before us (in 2004), it was also a take-home exam and only the best answers were considered as passing. It means that, even though the passing criteria for all these years remained 50% of the answer, the weight of this 50% passing line has varied from year to year. The grading criteria for a home-based exam is always stricter than for a close-book. You guys will be competing between yourselves.

Robert Jurgens, are you from IPR2?

Tim, there are rumors that very few IPR members from the previous years got the job. The priority in placement is always given to the internal candidates (current UNHCR staff with expiring contracts). And there is a really long queue of internal candidates waiting for their new appointment. Only when it turns out that no one wants to go to crazy and dangerous areas (mainly non-family E-category duty stations) somewhere in the middle of nowhere, does the UNHCR turn to the desperate IPRs who cannot say NO under the threat of being removed from the roster. This is how it works.

The REAL ONE: the IPR management does read this forum, so no need to forward this link to them. But do not expect them to answer to your inquiries. Perhaps, it is their policy. They did not answer to our queries last year either, and do not expect them to answer to yours this year. However, I assure you, the IPR management does read this forum and is very well familiar with our concerns.

And do not go to the UNHCR office. Just read the materials. Read it 5-10 times. Read it when you eat. Read it when you sleep. Read it when you sit in the toilet. Read it when you have sex with your girlfriend. Read it, read it, read it. And learn it by heart.

Josue, IPR3 is 2005, IPR is 2006, etc.

Gagulya
Mari Koskinen
Member
Username: Mari

Post Number: 4
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 09, 2006 - 07:01 pm:   

Hi Gagulya,
What is the reading material you're talking about? Where cn I find it? I've been trying to ask the people on this message board for some suggestions but have not got an answer. Someone guided us to the web page of Vugar Seidov but I just got a blank page when trying to access it... I haven't heard if others have had the same problem.
I would very much appreciate your help even though actually getting a job with the UNHCR seems to be almost impossible, I would anyhow like to be well prepared for the test.

Thanks a lot in advance!

Love, Mari
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 09, 2006 - 07:49 pm:   

Mari, try this:
www.personal.ceu.hu/staff/Vugar_Seidov/UNHCR/

I checked, it works.
G
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 11:32 pm:   

Robert Jurgens, indeed it is getting worse and worse. All the yellow-highlighted positions require Arabic or French :-( This limits our chances.
Robert Jurgens
Member
Username: Rob

Post Number: 4
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 08:26 am:   

Well, it is a pity, really. If they have such huge number of internals to relocate why are they organizing this IPR exam every year and not ,for example, every second or third according to their needs. It is so, so much better to have fewer but highly motivated candidates waiting on the roster than a frustrated and disillusioned crowd. It does not make any sense to me.
Ibrahima Sanogo
Member
Username: Isanogo

Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 04:19 pm:   

Does anyone have an update on the current IPR? I received the email asking to confirm my participation, and then nothing so far.
Tim
Member
Username: Moon

Post Number: 3
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 10:51 am:   

I have also not heard a single thing from them. Reading from last year's IPR forum, i think they may not be writing to us soon.
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 4
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 02:00 pm:   

Ibrahim and Tim - don't expect any update from them at this point. The necessary information will come in due course. For now, just read the materials and learn important things (definitions and key words) by heart.
Mari Koskinen
Member
Username: Mari

Post Number: 5
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 03:44 pm:   

Thanks a lot Gagulya! Now I got to the material. Now I just need to study it... It doesn't really feel too motivating at teh moment after reading all the messages on this site and due to the way that the UNHCR handles this whole process.

-MARI-
Tim
Member
Username: Moon

Post Number: 4
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Monday, April 24, 2006 - 05:21 pm:   

So finally they have sent the invitations! But again no details regarding what to read in preparation - I guess we just have to continue reading the materials from Gagulya & Co. But now it appears that it wont be home based again! Anyway, lets wait and see.
Ali
Member
Username: Angel_heart

Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, April 24, 2006 - 05:22 pm:   

Hi all !!! to IPR's 2006 check your emails ..news are there ...but i have a doubt , my country is not listed ....should i propose any other or they will give me options ?
Mari Koskinen
Member
Username: Mari

Post Number: 6
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Monday, April 24, 2006 - 05:49 pm:   

To all of you who are interested in the mail from the UNHCR it reads as follows:

"Dear IPR candidate,

We have the pleasure to inform you that you have been retained to sit for the UNHCR Entry-test to the International Professional Roster (IPR).

This year's Entry test is scheduled to take place on 30 May 2006 and will be jointly administered by UNHCR and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC). Within the comings weeks you will receive a convocation letter from UNSCC outlining the details of the test as well as the contact person and street address of the venue. In the meantime, we kindly ask that you select from the attached list the location (city and country) where you would like to sit the test and revert by latest Friday 28 April 2006, to HQIPR4@unhcr.org with the subject heading '2006 IPR Test Location'.

EXAMPLE:
Name: John SMITH
City: Paris
Country: France

You may notice an asterisk(*) next to certain countries, in this regard you may still select among this group of countries, however, please note that these countries are only listed on a tentative basis and you will be informed separately should we not be able to identify a test location in that specific country.

Please note that for reasons related to the administration and logistics of the test, the location (city and country) selected by the candidate will be viewed as final and therefore any future requests for changes to the initial selection will not be considered.

We wish to take this opportunity to remind all candidates that UNHCR is not responsible for the travel arrangements nor any costs associated with travel to or from the test center.

Candidates who pass the test will be informed accordingly and their names will be included on the IPR.

Finally, please accept our best wishes for success in the UNHCR Entry test to the International Professional Roster. "

And then there was a list of locations attached. But as Tim wrote, still not too much information :-) Let's just wait and see what kind of information the letter from the UNSCC includes.

BR, Mari
ZAKI RAIS
Member
Username: Zaki

Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 02:58 am:   

Hi guys, just received the same e-mail and wish all of us the best of luck. i think that the best way to share and be prepared in this forum is to start studying the kind of questions we can get and try to answer them all together. We need to first identify the questions.
the real one
Member
Username: Torus

Post Number: 3
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 10:31 am:   

Dear IPR candidate,

We have the pleasure to inform you that you have been retained to sit for the UNHCR Entry-test to the International Professional Roster (IPR).

This year's Entry test is scheduled to take place on 30 May 2006 and will be jointly administered by UNHCR and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC). Within the comings weeks you will receive a convocation letter from UNSCC outlining the details of the test as well as the contact person and street address of the venue. In the meantime, we kindly ask that you select from the attached list the location (city and country) where you would like to sit the test and revert by latest Friday 28 April 2006, to HQIPR4@unhcr.org with the subject heading '2006 IPR Test Location'.

EXAMPLE: Name : John SMITH
City : Paris
Country : France

You may notice an asterisk(*) next to certain countries, in this regard you may still select among this group of countries, however, please note that these countries are only listed on a tentative basis and you will be informed separately should we not be able to identify a test location in that specific country.

Please note that for reasons related to the administration and logistics of the test, the location (city and country) selected by the candidate will be viewed as final and therefore any future requests for changes to the initial selection will not be considered.

We wish to take this opportunity to remind all candidates that UNHCR is not responsible for the travel arrangements nor any costs associated with travel to or from the test center.

Candidates who pass the test will be informed accordingly and their names will be included on the IPR.

Finally, please accept our best wishes for success in the UNHCR Entry test to the International Professional Roster.
Jeyran
Member
Username: Jeyjey

Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 11:12 am:   

Hi guys, congrats to everyone who received the invitation! Now let's just hope that it will come through soon so that we won't waste our time.

Jeyjey.
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 5
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 11:28 am:   

Dear last year's IPR-3 (2005). Any luck with anyone? Any offer or interview?

Asking this year's IPR candidates (2006): is it clear whether it will be a take-home or in-class test?
Kancharakuntla Prabhu Charan
Member
Username: Prabhuk

Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 11:38 am:   

what is this ipr and what is this about? im a new member and would like to know about this.
Prabhu john charan
Member
Username: Prabhuk

Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 11:47 am:   

hi is anyone interested in discussing a science topic
Prabhu john charan
Member
Username: Prabhuk

Post Number: 4
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 11:48 am:   

on biodiesel please
Jeyran
Member
Username: Jeyjey

Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 11:56 am:   

Hi Gagulya, I guess we'll all get reading materials soon. Have you taken this test last year? I did, but failed, very hard work to pass. I wonder where from to learn the key point etc. by heart as you say in your previous email. I'm absolutely lost, don't know where to start.

Jeyjey (Bakili Balasi)
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 6
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 11:59 am:   

Kancharakuntla Prabhu Charan (a.k.a. Prabhu john), did you first read the announcement?
Jeyran
Member
Username: Jeyjey

Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 12:01 pm:   

Hi Gagulya, I guess we'll all get reading materials soon. Have you taken this test last year? I did, but failed, very hard work to pass. I wonder where from to learn the key point etc. by heart as you say in your previous email. I'm absolutely lost, don't know where to start.

Jeyjey (Bakili Balasi)
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 7
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 12:05 pm:   

Start from the very beginning, deer (and dear too)
Orda "International Instruments" sub-folderi var. Onu oxuyarsan. Ve sub-folderin altinda "UNHCR. ..." bashlayan materiallar var. Onlardan bashla.
Got it?
Gagulya Zavokzalni
Josue Janey
Member
Username: Jane

Post Number: 3
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 01:27 pm:   

will we do the same test? I dn't think so because there are those who are interested in computer sciences, protection, administration and so forth and so on. if you have ideas about it, please inform me.
Jane
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 8
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 03:43 pm:   

but definitely not biodiesel...
Tim
Member
Username: Moon

Post Number: 5
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 05:47 pm:   

From what i understand, we will all do the same test, whether you are interested in programmes, admin, accounts, stealing or loafing its the same test! So better listen to Gagulya and start cramming. As for biodiesel, may be Pharabhu you should rather be thinking about "biodiversity in refugee settings".
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 9
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 07:13 pm:   

It is gonna be the same test, the same questions for everyone, regardless of your choice. This is how it was last year.
So, read everything and not just what is interesting for you.
Josue Janey
Member
Username: Jane

Post Number: 4
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 05:47 pm:   

So if we will have the same questions, it means that I am not obliged to answer to all questions. Everyone will choose the questions about his/her fied ( protection, computer, administration, ...).
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 10
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 05:08 pm:   

No, you will all have the same questions. And you will have to answer to all questions irrespective of your field.
It is posible, that in one or two sections you will have a choice between two questions (A and B). However, all the questions will be the same and the requirements will be the same for everyone.
francesca bonomo
Member
Username: Ugo

Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 05:44 pm:   

anyone taking the test in Paris?
Josue Janey
Member
Username: Jane

Post Number: 5
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 08:46 am:   

Francesca, Yes I will take test i France and I will answer in French. And you?
francesca bonomo
Member
Username: Ugo

Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 03:51 pm:   

Lucky you Janey, I wish I could express myself in french;;;

they asked for availability of own computer with flash, do you guys know whether they actually proide computers instead?
hae a good weekend on your books

F.
This side of the pond
Member
Username: Cosmocrat

Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 12:42 am:   

Hello y'all,

I have been "lurking" for awhile but coming out to see if there are any test takers in DC. I don't mean to hate, but being from the West coast I am slightly annoyed to have to fly out to the East coast, on memorial day weekend no less.

One month till test day! good luck

Kosmo
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 11
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 11:30 am:   

Exactly one year ago (well, on 28th April), we took and passed the test. Nothing since then :-(
Ali
Member
Username: Angel_heart

Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 04:58 pm:   

Hey !
Kosmo I can understand u .I will fly from Peru to Ecuador for taking the test :-(
Melanie Tate
Member
Username: Melnz

Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 01:23 am:   

And I have to fly to Australia from New Zealand! Is anyone else taking the test in Australia???
From_inside_hcr
Member
Username: From_inside_hcr

Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 09:51 am:   

Good morning et bon jour,
Please try to have a look at the 1951 convention and its 1967 protocol as these instrument are crucial in HCR work. Maybe you can as well get some information about durable solutions(Repatriation, Locally integration and resettlement) UNHCR as of 2006 entered a new area related to IDP's so please try to gather more information about that. sorry IDP means internally displaced persons(people)
francesca bonomo
Member
Username: Ugo

Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, May 01, 2006 - 05:14 pm:   

thank you insider, it would be nice to know whether the study material has drastically changed from last years...
anyone received any tips?
Yong Hee LEE
Member
Username: Yong

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 03, 2006 - 01:29 am:   

I agree with insider. IDP is increasingly getting more attention.
Hello all, I am taking the exam, for the first time, and I found this site very useful. Please accept my sincere gratitude everyone of you.

Just a little thought to share. I believe what we will have to keep in our mind all the time -before, after and during the test - is that working for HCR is not about getting a professional job, it's all about Helping, Caring, Protecting the most vulnerable people on the earth and People who will have such supreme roles are selected fairly, responsibly. Therefore the fact that you do not pass the test or are NOT recruited does't mean you failed or are NOT qualified, it simply means there exists more Caring, better qualifed persons who can help/protect people in desperate situations. That should make us happier for we have a better world awaiting ahead of us and we are part of this better-world-process?

Cheers!
Yong from Corea
This side of the pond
Member
Username: Cosmocrat

Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 03, 2006 - 06:40 am:   

Yong,

While I commend your idealism I would caution you on several fronts (and I welcome everyone's comments of course)
If I don't pass the exam, based one what I am reading, it is because I didn't score above a certain score, and thus was eliminated based on my statistical ranking. The person who maybe scored higher than me may or may not be "more" caring. If we make it this far we are all, I hope, caring people. Likewise if i score higher than the next person, obviously I am not more caring. I just scored better.
Secondly, I would caution you not to put humanitarian work on a pedestal, so to speak. If you actually get to work in the field, you see pure acts of evil, by human beings. Are you ready for that? On the other extreme, have you met people in Geneva, where they sit in their cozy air-conditioned offices (at least the new buildings), take their 8,50 SFr lunch w/ wine for 1.5 hrs, and go home across the border in France at 4? Not really judging, just saying that humanitarian work - and its organizations - have their fair share of selfish people, bad bureaucracy. Heck, how did the last Commish got laid off/quit?

best of luck to everyone. Memorise those terms and articles.

Kosmo
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 12
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 05:46 am:   

I couldn't agree more with Kosmo. I wish what Lee wrote was at least partly true. Sadly, the reality is different. When I see who actually works in UN and how they sneak in, I get really mad. I don't mean to generalize and speak about the entire UN staff. Not at all! Most of the UN employees are professionals and qualified. But there is a big group of people who get there God knows how - with no competitions or tests, merely through connections and excessive help from friends/relatives. No smell of equal opportunity principle. If they were at least good, it wouldn't be that bad. But the truth is that I would not hire them even for a secreatrial work and would not entrust them even to affix stamps on the envelops! Many of them hardly speak English,have poor experience, not so impressive background. Just a small example: there is a program within UNDP for Georgia. Out of 9 staff, 7 (SEVEN!!!) are from Bulgaria! Nothing personal and no offense against Bulgarians or Bulgaria, but I just can't understand how it is possible for seven people from the same country to work in the same office??? I would really love if anyone convince me that there was no protectionalism/promotionalism (if not corruption) in this case. Take the UN headquarters in New York. It is just undescribable how little some of them work and how long sometimes it takes for them to complete one short assignment. And the monthly pay is equal to our annual salaries, while the amount of work completed by them within one year is done by us in one month!
So, dear Lee, working in UN is very honorable and comfortable. But it has nothing to do with professionalism or skills. It is all about personal connections and promotionalism. Sadly true.
Yong Hee LEE
Member
Username: Yong

Post Number: 2
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 01:23 am:   

Dear Kosmo & Gagulya,

I sincerely appreciate your comments.
In the meantime, has anyone rec'd any further notice with "links" to possible preparation docs?
Thanks in advance.
Ibrahima Sanogo
Member
Username: Isanogo

Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 03:43 am:   

Yong is right. Together ee can make a difference with the right attitude. Let's just look forward.
Ibrahima Sanogo
Member
Username: Isanogo

Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 03:44 am:   

Yong is right. Together we can make a difference. Let's just look forward.
the real one
Member
Username: Torus

Post Number: 4
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 03:52 am:   

AHHHHHHHHH UNHCR and UN

the truth is that 90% of the test attenders do that for money and material advantages, if above that your work can help than ...Ok.

I have work for short term for UNHCR and other UN organization and I confirm Gagulya there are only 4% of qualified people, when you dig further on their entrance into UNHCR you ALWAYS find that "he knew" someone or "is in love" with someone or "daddy knows" someone...

Sincerely UN systems deceived me a lot, it's a big club with influential sphere. Though a UN officer must not be bound to his country , you ALWAYS noticed that they promote their fellows citizens.
I also saw a service with 5persons out 8 from the same country, and all of them from the sub region.

If i do the test is for to be like those I have seen, gaining my annual salary in a month, traveling every time, and having extended hollydays...
Yong Hee LEE
Member
Username: Yong

Post Number: 3
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 05:17 pm:   

Hello everyone!
I hope all of us have done enough of studying this week and look forward to a relaxing weekend ahead of us.
After hearing some of comments from few of us my conviction becomes stronger that UNHCR, UN system, overall all organizations are NOT perfect; they are all prone to errors, mistakes and abuses. Then, its our duty to make them a bit better & a bit more "perfect". We are fortunate that we belong to this reform process by taking IPR test and some of us can make a direct difference inside system while those of us are outside can support it.
Please accept my apology if my comments offend anyone's feelings, but I am sure that you understand afterall the power of optimism and "bright side" on human nature.
I trust all of us have a pleasant weekend.

Yong
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 13
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 04:09 am:   

Dear Yong Hee Lee,

To make difference and change things in UN, we must first get in and start actually working there. For this, you need first to pass the exam and, second, be the luckiest man in the world to get the actual placement. Past experience with IPR shows that you can stay jobless years after you pass the test. I don't mean to discourage your committment before the test, but sadly, passing the test doesn't guarantee anything. I wish you guys good luck at the test, but do continue looking for the jobs elsewhere until the day when you sign the contract with UNHCR... Don't rely on the PASS letter from UNHCR.
KARIM
Member
Username: Karim

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 04:52 am:   

The last few responses are very negative and I hope I will not have unfortunate experience of being placed with some of you in the future.

I was an intern last summer with HCR in West Africa and two out of the five international staff members were hired through IPR > the experience was great contributing to my interest in a professional career with the organization.

Letbs keep this forum encouraging and good luck to all of you.
maria callas
Member
Username: Teresa

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 08:09 am:   

Hi
I'm a new one on the list and going to take the test on the 30th May as well.
Has anyone received the material that we are supposed to study for the test? I mean are they going to send the material still or are you all preparing for the test by reading the old materials from previous years?
supriya
Member
Username: Super

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 10:55 am:   

Hi I am new to this list as well and will be taking the test at the end of May. Please let me know if there is any information on study materials.
Yong Hee LEE
Member
Username: Yong

Post Number: 4
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 12:25 am:   

hello!
I have NOT yet rec'd the study material either. I believe we will receive it in the next two weeks.
Jeyran
Member
Username: Jeyjey

Post Number: 4
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 02:24 pm:   

Hi guys,

I have not received any study material either. Hm...I wonder if they don't think that it would be too late for us to read such a big material!!
It's better to read the old stuff for now.
sufi lala
Member
Username: Sufilala

Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2005
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 02:46 pm:   

wow i just received a very cryptic email all about logging onto the unhcr site to find the test venues...
no details about which materials to revise from, but one assumes same as last year?
very interesting to hear from Karim above, thanks for the contribution & encouragement!
From_inside_hcr
Member
Username: From_inside_hcr

Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 02:48 pm:   

Please check your e-mails you should be receiving soon some updates related to the exam
maria callas
Member
Username: Teresa

Post Number: 2
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 04:24 pm:   

But you who have been studying for the exam already, do you think we (who haven't studied yet)have any chance to pass the test? Working every day doesn't leave much time to study, even the material would come soon... I'm beginnint to be skeptic after reading the messages here... you people who took the test before, how much did you study for that? Approximately?
maria callas
Member
Username: Teresa

Post Number: 3
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 04:28 pm:   

And still, what role does it play, from which country you come from? Does it? How familiar you guys are with the material - do you know already most of it - are you all for eample working with the simiral kind of issues daily so that the material is already more or less familiar to you?
This side of the pond
Member
Username: Cosmocrat

Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 05:38 pm:   

Hello,

Karim, Supriya, sufi, maria. Welcome to the forum. I hope that I am not one of the people with whom you do not wish to work. :-)
The UNHCR is purportedly one of the most meritocratic agencies, the fact the IPR itself exists is indicative of which. OTOH I accept the fact that nepotism exists everywhere, just to what degree. And while I still have a sense of idealism w/ UN agencies it is fallable. I do my own part, as all of us should, in my community to make it better. Getting into HCR would be excellent but not getting in is not the end of the world, nor should I be bitter about it. (see Gagulya)
I have received the convocation password but not study materials. I didn't think we were getting any. I have done significant academic research on say Zaire and Bosnia so while i don't do refugee material everyday I think I am knowing my way around for now...
gio
Member
Username: Googolina

Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 11:21 pm:   

Hey guys
I have received todays'email as well and it is written that no study material will be sent. And that if we want to have some more info we should get familiar with the HCR's web site
Googolina
hope is high
Member
Username: The_face_of_peace

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Tuesday, May 09, 2006 - 12:15 am:   

you bring back hope in my frozen heart, now I see that there are still people who are going to fight the evil and save the world by their purity.
(LOL)
I have had very few contact with UNCR since now, but I prefer to think that there is hope and that we will be different from those who tarnish the UNCR and Un image by their dirty game.
But to tell the truth Ibm not sure that we will be able.
I have received the letter saying that there is no study material and it disappointed me:
We are asked to do a test without any reference and they say in the paper, you will be judged on the quality UNCHR see essential (what are these quality).

I donbt see it very fair, perhaps itbs one of this new trends in hiring procedureb&.

Ibm just hoping that this test is not a way of justifying budget and that this time we will see in this forum that at least 1 person was taken and began job.

Good luck to evry one.

PS: true human and Guylgual, You are probably more or less true in your appreciation of UNCR, yes salary is a very strong motivation but there are also others things like the feeling that your job is helpfulb&.
Mari Koskinen
Member
Username: Mari

Post Number: 7
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Tuesday, May 09, 2006 - 07:50 pm:   

Hi guys,

I haven't received any new e-mails after the one saying that I have been selected to take the test. I wonder what's going on and if I should be worried about not getting any news. All of this has been quite confusing and not very couraging... But I guess all I can do is wait and try to prepare the best I can AND keep looking for other opportunities in the meanwhile.

Could someone send the message they received. Thanks!
-Mari-
This side of the pond
Member
Username: Cosmocrat

Post Number: 4
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, May 09, 2006 - 08:34 pm:   

Mari,

After you sent in your email confirming your location you should have just gotten an email w/ a password to take to the exam. This happened about 48 hrs ago. If you have gotten all the emails so far and have responded regarding your location you should email them and see what is going on.

Kosmo
Charlotte
Member
Username: Chachy80

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 02:29 pm:   

Hello guys,

I'm new to the forum too...I was expecting reading materials and am amongst those that just discovered the reading list from last year... Same question: will I have enough time to revise everything? Is anybody there taking the exam in LONDON? If someone can give me some tips on how selective I should be that would be really appreciated. Thanks.
Mari Koskinen
Member
Username: Mari

Post Number: 8
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 04:43 pm:   

Thanks Kosmo. I have received all the information so far except for this latest one... I hope they'll give me some kind of an answer when I e-mail them about whats going on. May 30th isn't faraway and I'm a bit worried about a possible technical or other type of error blowing the whole thing.

-M-
gio
Member
Username: Googolina

Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 05:57 pm:   

Hey Charlotte
I will be taking the exam in London, give me your email so that we can get in touch!
Googolina
Charlotte
Member
Username: Chachy80

Post Number: 2
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 06:51 pm:   

Hi Gio,
Great to hear you're in London too. Here is my email: c_battisti@yahoo.it! How do you feel about the test?
Guest
Member
Username: Guest

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 08:37 pm:   

hi mari and all other desperates waiting for further notice... I have not yet received any password and convocation either. i really start getting worried that the transmission system failed however, my computer did not send me any failure message. I just wrote to HCR again and forwarded them my previous message. Wish all of you good luck on the 30th!
monsoon
Member
Username: Monsoon

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 12:58 am:   

Hi

Can anyone tell me which reading material they are referring to from last year?

Thanks
monsoon
Member
Username: Monsoon

Post Number: 2
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 01:10 am:   

Hi

Could you please advise which reading material/list from last year you are referring to? Anyone?

Thanks

Monsoon
Guest
Member
Username: Guest

Post Number: 2
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 01:46 pm:   

monsoon, check the earlier mesages. there is a link to a former candidate's webpage where you can find all the documents.
Ali
Member
Username: Angel_heart

Post Number: 4
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 09:34 pm:   

Check this:

www.personal.ceu.hu/staff/Vugar_Seidov/UNHCR/

good luck for all !!
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 14
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 12:56 am:   

the link doesn't work
monsoon
Member
Username: Monsoon

Post Number: 3
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 02:56 am:   

Guest and Ali

Thanks, but the link actually does not work.

Monsoon
Ali
Member
Username: Angel_heart

Post Number: 5
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 02:34 pm:   

Monsoon Sorry i supposed it worked
Anyway i download a PDF document : UNHCR Handbook on Procedures and Criteria for Determining Refugee Status
Please send me your email and i will send the document
aliciacristinagb@gmail.com
Jeyran
Member
Username: Jeyjey

Post Number: 5
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 03:09 pm:   

Hi Gagulya,

Do you think the link will start working somehow?
Thanks!
J.
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 15
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 05:16 pm:   

Bakili balasi, mene mektub yaz
Guest
Member
Username: Guest

Post Number: 3
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 08:39 pm:   

hi all.
question: have you all already got the convoncation/password or are there also people waiting for it? i start getting really worried. since i sent my replay concerning the test location on april 24 i have not heard from them any more.
Guest
Member
Username: Guest

Post Number: 4
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 08:49 pm:   

dear all.
question: have you all already received the convocation or are there other people like me who are still waiting for it? i really start getting worried that computer world somehow failed.
Yong Hee LEE
Member
Username: Yong

Post Number: 5
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 11:50 pm:   

I am under the impression that, according to Convocation, the nature and scope of test will be very general, testing the skills and competences acquired over the years at school, work and field etc. Anyone shares the same impression?
This side of the pond
Member
Username: Cosmocrat

Post Number: 5
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 06:44 am:   

Yong,

Anything is fair game, so i'd study anything that if I were a refugee, I want me as a field officer to know. Makes sense? ;)

Kosmo
Yong Hee LEE
Member
Username: Yong

Post Number: 6
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 10:36 pm:   

Thanks Kosmo, it does make sense!

yong
monsoon
Member
Username: Monsoon

Post Number: 4
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 03:57 am:   

Hi Ali

Thanks, I do have access to that particular information... I thought it would be something different.

Thanks again

monsoon
Yong Hee LEE
Member
Username: Yong

Post Number: 7
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 06:08 pm:   

The list of venue is out. pls check it out.
This side of the pond
Member
Username: Cosmocrat

Post Number: 6
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 11:10 pm:   

Yong,

Thanks for the heads-up. However I will definitely check back in the few days. Reason being, first off, for the US they have only the NYC location, which was initially listed as tentative. The DC location is blank, which was previously listed as definite. Looking at the UK and Switzerland they don't have locations yet, and those are in essence H locations. I was none too happy when I first saw that there was no DC location because I bought tickets to DC and have accomodations there, but I would hold off before jumping to conclusions for now. I would not be pleased if I have to head to NYC instead of DC, i can tell you that..

Kosmo
Jeyran
Member
Username: Jeyjey

Post Number: 6
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 01:25 pm:   

Hello there, anyone taking the test in Ankara? Cheers! J.
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 16
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 12:03 am:   

Guys from last year (IPR-3):

no more compendiums to express interest in vacancies? Haven't received anything for a long while...
Michael Gibson
Member
Username: Test_taking_guy

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 02:25 pm:   

Yong,

Re: your May 12, 2006 - 11:50 pm, that's the impression I get as well. I have to say I'm kind of relieved because I saw the pile of study materials someone posted from last year's test, and there was no way I was going to read all that between now and test day.

A question for the group, especially those who took the test in previous years - any study tips? I'm checking the UNHCR site about their mandate and work, as suggested in the convocation letter, but I wonder if there's anything in particular I should concentrate on. Thanks.
Cheets
Member
Username: Cheets

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 03:38 am:   

I've been following the discussion on this thread very closly and I must say I'm learning a lot!

I'm finishing up my undergraduate degree (Bachelors) in Canada so I will apply for the IPR test next year. Does anyone know where the location for the test is in Canada? Is there one in Vancouver?
Yong Hee LEE
Member
Username: Yong

Post Number: 8
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 04:43 am:   

Hi Michael,
The test should not be entirely academic if I had understood the convocation letter correctly. Of course, it should occupy a big chunk of the test yet the rest-non accademic-is equally important. I am focusing more on Procedural part-pratical and everyday activities of UNHCR at the field level. I think of myself as a protection officer in Darfur and prepare the test on that assumption. I hope it helps on D-day.

Hey Cheets, Ottawa is the location city in Canada this year.
This side of the pond
Member
Username: Cosmocrat

Post Number: 7
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 12:11 am:   

If there are any DC lurkers out there we should all get a beer afterward. I am the short skinny asian guy. I don't suppose there will be many there? (unlike say, a Java convention...lol)
Good luck everyone.

Kosmo
KARIM
Member
Username: Karim

Post Number: 2
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 12:22 am:   

Hi everyone...
I hope the preparation is going well for everyone.
Since English isn't my first language I am curious if the computer based exam will offer spell check? This is a requirement for us who are non-native English speakers.
In addition, the Convocation letter stated, Part II that we will be tested on or data analysis skills and drafting (among other things) would anyone have any recommendations how to study for this...
queen
Member
Username: Queen

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 06:08 pm:   

hi all, anyone taking the test in Kenya? Does anyone have any material that i can check out?
Queen
Guest
Member
Username: Guest

Post Number: 5
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 08:32 am:   

I see, guys you are studying very hard.
Sameer Khan
Member
Username: Sameer_khan

Post Number: 4
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 08:40 am:   

I ll be taking exams from Kenya (at UNON).
Jack Slow
Member
Username: Man_no_rest

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 05:21 pm:   

could anyone paste the address location in Washington DC? I bothed my password.
Thanks
Margaret Ayot
Member
Username: Munira

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 02:33 am:   

Dear all,
Thank you for posting your Messages on this forum. There were times I really needed answeres to some questions and you answered them one why or another. Good luck to all of us who are taking the test May 30th. See you in DC Kosmo and others.
Jeyran
Member
Username: Jeyjey

Post Number: 7
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 09:42 am:   

Hi there,

My last question before the exam: Anyone knows the pass mark? I guess it was 50% last year, is it the same this year?

Good luck to everybody tomorrow!
J.
Mari Koskinen
Member
Username: Mari

Post Number: 9
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 09:11 pm:   

I think they adjust the pass mark every time according to how well people do generally. If the test turns out to be "easy" (everything is relative) the pass mark goes higher up and if it turns out to be a total nightmare which only a few people do well in, the pass mark goes down. I would suppose that they want around a certain number of people. This of course goes only up to a certain point since I don't think they will take a bunch of people who did really poorly on the test even if the majority did not so well.

Correct me anyone if you have better info. This is just my experience from other tests.

Good night and good luck :-)
-Mari-
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 17
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 11:00 pm:   

Mari, you got it right.
Guys, please write down all the questions (somewhere on the paper) and then post them here. Just want to know what kind of question they will ask this year.

thnx
Hans Bastian Hauck
Member
Username: Baz

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 02:09 am:   

wow. i just started preparing for this ipr tonight, meaning monday night, with less than 24 hours to go to the exam. i must say, i'm impressed to see how much you people seem to care and study for all this! i have none of these materials mentioned - never saw them, links don't work, and it's too late anyhow... will be reading unhcr.org and rely on my common sense, i guess... anyways, good luck to all you studious ones out there! if anyone detects a working link to useful factsheets, briefing notes etc within the next few hours, please post it here, i guess i won't sleep tonight...
Yong Hee LEE
Member
Username: Yong

Post Number: 9
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 06:41 am:   

12 hrs to go
Regardless of the outcome of the test, it has been a great experience preparing for the test at all stages.
Not only have I learnt significantly about international refugee laws, human rights law and legal instruments, but also I've expanded the sphere of my knowledge about the world affairs. It is definitely worth taking the test. I will recommend it to many.
Et dernier mot,
Bonne chance a tout le monde et j'espere d'ecouter de bonnes nouvelles !!
Yong
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 18
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 02:23 pm:   

so, guys, how was it? There are rumors flying in the air that last year it was way much difficult than now. Anyone taking the test both this and last year? Jeyran - what are your impressions?

What were the questions? - just curious.

By the way, more than a year has passed since we took the hardest test in 2005. Still nothing...
MJG
Member
Username: Test_taking_guy

Post Number: 2
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 09:15 am:   

Gagulya, I'll try to give a bit of a rundown later on what was on the test. (I'm at work now.)

In the meantime, did anyone get the water tank question? If so, can you tell me what it was? I wrote down something about checking condensation, but that was just grasping at straws.

Thanks.
Charlotte
Member
Username: Cha

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 12:28 pm:   

Hello everyone,

for the water tank question....Unfortunately I think I solved it last night...and not during the test...:-)...I think you/we should have taken half the lenght of the cilinder (1 meter), get half the diameter (2 - to have the ray) in order to calculate the volume...from the volume then we needed to subtract the ring (1 inch)... I prepared on lots of international law topics / humanitarian law / Refugee Status Determination...my brain didn't quite switch to the mathematical and logic side during the test...
Sameer Khan
Member
Username: Sameer_khan

Post Number: 5
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 02:48 pm:   

Water tank.........

take a stone or some thing and hit the tank. When the voice change, you will know to the water level. Can use a stick (knowing that tank height =2), which you can divide in different equal parts to find the approximate level. (atleast this what I and at least three other people wrote and found out about it when we were comparing answers)

By the way...the two persons who blasted a bomb should be given refugee status or not....
Charlotte
Member
Username: Cha

Post Number: 2
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 03:07 pm:   

I wrote they shouldn't...
Mari Koskinen
Member
Username: Mari

Post Number: 10
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 04:50 pm:   

Hi guys,
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who's mind blanked out at the question of the water tank... I still don't know what they where looking for: a mathematical solution or a practical solution (like throwing stones on the tank and listening to the sound or something like that). Well, otherwise the test was ok although I think that Part C with the five assignments ranging from the damage assessment to sexual exploitation etc. wasn't too easy. Does anyone agree with me? I think the choices were a bit odd in some of the questions... How did you justify your choices? I tires using some principles from the code of conduct and adding bits and pieces of some other info to my best knowledge (hard to say how that turned out).

I would love to hear some comments from anyone.
Love, Mari (one of the about 20 Finns who took the test in Finland)

Ps. I think the exclusion clause applies to the bombers since grave crimes cannot be justified with political motives and international protection should not be used as a tool to escape prosecution... something along those lines.
enrico
Member
Username: Enrico

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 07:50 pm:   

I took the test in DC > The water tank question was a strange one and given there were three parts I looked at the question as a way to sort out how we would come to the decision. I put something like talking to the NGO partner, measuring the water level together and then collectively coming up with a solution. I don't know if this was correct.
About 90% of the materials I studied for was not even on the exam.... So common sense was key. I hope I did well but I guess I'll just sit tight and wait.
Any one have any clue when we will find dout?
MJG
Member
Username: Test_taking_guy

Post Number: 3
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2006 - 07:31 am:   

Re: the water tank, I said to check in the morning for condensation. (I thought we weren't supposed to be able to open it.) I think hitting it with a rock or stick makes more sense, though.

The people who threw the bomb should definitely NOT get refugee status, although they are free to apply for political asylum.

For the woman who lent the ladder, I put that she was technically at least partially responsible according to Principle 1, but not morally responsible, whereas the two guys were responsible on both counts. Therefore, I recommended assessing her a token fine of one grain of food, and having the two guys split the remaining damage.

Gagulya, as you can probably tell from the above, the test was a mixture of real-life situations and logic. There was also a bit of math, which surprised me a little. There was a bit at the beginning of the second part that asked some specific questions about UNHCR (what is a refugee, what is persecution, etc.), but most of it was very general in nature. At the beginning there was one of those personality assessment things - the "no right or wrong answer" tests that everyone tries to figure out the "right" answer anyway.
MJG
Member
Username: Test_taking_guy

Post Number: 4
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2006 - 07:51 am:   

Enrico,

I asked when we would hear something, and they wouldn't say or even make a guess. I read someone above say they still have not heard from last year. Has anyone from last year heard, positive or negative?

BTW, one question they did answer was how many people were taking the test - around 1400 worldwide.
Jeyran
Member
Username: Jeyjey

Post Number: 8
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2006 - 08:59 am:   

Hi guys,

Nice to read all these comments. I have to say that it was one of the most weird exam I had ever taken in my life. Especially the personality assessment part. I mean it was a bit hard to distribute accurate points. Plus I think they tested our memories to, coz exactly the same statement poped up few times. Finally, as MJG points out, if there is no "right" or "wrong" answer I have no clue how they give us this 30 mark?!

Gagulya, as you can imagine now, all questions were based on case studies testing our logic. A deep knowledge of UNHCR as last year was not required at all.

MJG, I agree with you on the people throwing bomb would NOT get refugee status and this ladder case, two guys are responsible because of both being careless. Do think they required us general definitions of the terms such as persecution, protection in the A part? Or we should have related these definitions to the passage?

Question: I just wonder if there was ONLY ONE "right" or " wrong" choice in answering in part C? Because I guess if we backed up our choice with a reasonable reason, then we would be justified for a mark. Any idea?

Also any idea when we will get the results?

Thanks all! Good luck again!
J.
MJG
Member
Username: Test_taking_guy

Post Number: 5
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2006 - 12:35 pm:   

Jeyran,

I think terms such as persecution, etc. have specific definitions, but as I recall, we were supposed to relate them to the passage somehow.

I think the idea of Part C was not only to come up with the "right" choice, but to make a convincing case for our choices. For example, I almost put that the two guys were solely responsible for the ladder incident, but I didn't think you could completely rule out the principles stated at the beginning, so I felt like all three shared responsibility under the parameters given. But like I said above, Cecilia didn't "really" share in the responsibility, so I just gave her a token punishment. I'm sure someone could have made just as convincing a case that only the two guys were responsible.

Some were pretty obvious, though, such as the staff members accused of accepting sexual favors in return for supplies. There was no way you could let those people stay in close proximity to their accusers.

BTW, what did you think of the guy (allegedly) driving the UNHCR vehicle drunk? I said that the allegations went beyond "unconventional behavior", and that he should be confronted immediately, and his driving priveleges revoked until the truth could be determined.

As for the results, look at my previous post. I don't think they have a clue. (But if someone has any other info, by all means pass it on.) For one thing, so much of this test was subjective that it's going to take a long time to grade, and they have 1400 of them... so don't hold your breath.
Mari Koskinen
Member
Username: Mari

Post Number: 11
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2006 - 01:21 pm:   

The code of conduct specifically says that no UNHCR employee should engage in any illegal behaviour and should respect the laws of the country. Now as I see it, drunk-driving is illegal and the guy who did it, should be confronted immediately.

I also thought about part C and whether or not it has only one right answer to each case/question. I don't think so, but then again I'm not sure at all.

I agree with you Jeyran that the test was kinda weird. I don't think it really tested knowledge about refugee issues (except of course for the definitions which would require at least basic knowledge). I don't know what they want...

As to the personality test, they ALWAYS have the same kind of statements over and over again. They don't really test your memory as much as they test how you relate the same statement to different statements and how you give your points. It might also test your consistency in part. The personality tests are always really weird. At least this one didn't have statements like "I enjoy putting my feet to muddy soil and seeing the mud burst through my toes" or "I like caressing bronze statues" (these examples of actual statements in a personality test that I took last year as part of the Junior Professional Officer test!!!!!!!!!!!!).

I hope they don't take forever with the results but I'm afraid they will :-(

We'll just need to be patient I guess.
-M-
Peter Lam
Member
Username: Mandella

Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2006 - 09:26 pm:   

Hi all,
I thought part one was pretty subjective. It all depends on your cultural background and whoever grades it will also be influenced by their cultural background. They will be better off giving everyone 30% on that part. As to the other parts, the some were reasonable, others were just a kids game. They don't make sense in real refugee life situations. Like the tank question for example, it happens all the time in the camps, and the only way to know is to open the bloody thing or hit it with something to know if it were empty. Those who said hit the tank are right in the real life situation of camps, but you could be wrong by those behind the desk in Geneva. Overall, we should wait. We are not running anywhere. After all, it is not a guarantee for anything.
Thanks,
Mandella
Cheets
Member
Username: Cheets

Post Number: 2
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Friday, June 02, 2006 - 06:34 am:   

Guys, for those that took the test and are talking about the questions, can you please post the question (from your memory) so that others that didn't take the test can follow along and prepare ourselves for next years test (when I'm hoping to write it)

Thanks!
This side of the pond
Member
Username: Cosmocrat

Post Number: 8
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Saturday, June 03, 2006 - 02:36 am:   

gotta love the way these lurkers starts surfacing after the exam! Thanks for your input and constructive dialogue! (I am being sarcastic btw)
I've been offline to study and hanging out w/ friends for the last bit and having a good time.
here are my two cents.
i) Yeah, tank question was strange. Realitically I should be able to transfer some water to a jerry-can or something to check the difference. Actually I have seen pictures of those tanks in a photo exhibit of a Chadian camp. They didn't look metallic..alas it may be just something to throw us off.

ii) Personality test was a bit corporate. UNHCR, of course, has its own corporate culture too. But ultimately an organization cannot have just one type of employees. I wouldn't worry about that too much.

iii)Overall the questions were very fair. The results will probably be very tight and not much variance. I am inclined to think that they spent more effort on screening in the first round and the test is just to make sure you know what you are talking about. For those who didn't take it, you have limited space for each response. It is counted by characters rather than words, which is somewhat unconventional...and that is probably because the code they have only knows how to count characters when they are too lazy to put in an extra line of code to count words instead. The drafting exercise, where you summarised a report within 1000 characters was good I think. I think that will be the difference maker for a lot of test-takers.

iv) A lot of the questions are to determine to what extent you follow things by the book and whether you can think on your feet. We say that most plans don't survive first contact. I would rather work with someone who can "roll with the punches" and prioritize in a crisis situation. If the fire broke out and looting and anarchy ensued, are you positioned for extraction and intel? are you provisioned for survival? Can you take control of a situation and report to headquarters? This will come with experience but I sure hope my fellow workers aren't going to base everything on the rulebook.

Cheets, feel free to send me a private message and we can talk more. I am not sure what you want, I wouldn't worry too much about it. and yeah, Go Oilers! (I grew up there and was there the last time we won.)
Lise Noblet
Member
Username: Dijonrouge

Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Saturday, June 03, 2006 - 03:05 pm:   

Hello everyone,

To those who took the 2006 IPR, don't be too optimistic. Just to remind you that those who passed the 2005 IPR test are still waiting to be appointed in the field ! A long way to go...
Lise Noblet
Member
Username: Dijonrouge

Post Number: 2
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Saturday, June 03, 2006 - 03:09 pm:   

Where are you Wow and Vugar ? Any news fron the HR department ? Still waiting for a job with UNHCR ?
As far as I am concerned, I have decided to forget them and the 2005 test. I'm soon leaving Europe for Afghanistan where I'll be working for an NGO.It only took me three months to find a job in the field... Nothing to do with UNHCR.
Mari Koskinen
Member
Username: Mari

Post Number: 12
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 04:30 pm:   

Hi Lisa, how did you find the job? What's your profession/education? Good luck on the field, I'm hoping to work on the field some day as well, with the UNHCR or another agency. I just took the 2006 IPR and I'm not too optimistic about ever getting a job through that channel although I guess you never know :-)
-M-
abc def
Member
Username: User2006

Post Number: 2
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 06:10 pm:   

I have been shortlisted for a phone interview for an IT postition in Africa with the UN. Most of my experience is from the private sector and would appreciate any information and tips about the process. my email address 100roses@gmail.com
thanks!
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 19
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 03:12 am:   

No news from UNHCR for more than a year after we received the PASS letter and got overexcited. It is really depressing. We should have not relied on it and looked for other jobs elsewhere. This can really take forever.

Persecution and prosecution are different things.

Also, two different things are international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Regarding the bomb throwers. Refugee is a refugee and terrorist is a terrorist. If a Kurd who faces persecution in Saddam's Iraq arrives in Germany, applies for the refugee status there and then starts throwing bombs, his place is in German jail. After serving term and "paying all bills" to society, he goes out of the prison clean and... remains refugee. Because extraditing him to the country of origin will still mean exposing him to persecution for the reason of.... etc. etc. etc. as stipulated in the Geneva Convention. The exclusion clause applies to those who commited not just a crime, not even a serious crime, but PARTICULARLY SERIOUS CRIME. And what this "particularly serious crime" means is up the the court to decide and constitutes usually a very lengthy and complicated judicial review. Therefore, the countries rarely use this clase to kick out the "bad-guy" refugees. It is always easier to keep the person in the jail in your ountry than expose yourself to international criticism for the refoulement.

Enjoyed it? You should have not. This knowledge really doesn't mean anything when you take the test, pass it and then desperately wait for one year in vain...
MJG
Member
Username: Test_taking_guy

Post Number: 7
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 01:57 pm:   

This side of the pond (btw, aren't we all "this side of the pond"),

I suppose I'm guilty of what you're talking about (although I did post a few times before the test). I won't speak for the others, but not having taken the test last year, I really didn't have much to contribute before. Now that I have taken it, I'm happy to share my experiences, either for those who take it next year, or for those who took it this year and want to compare answers. If that's useful for someone, great. If not, I don't see the harm.

abc_def, good luck with the interview. I have a friend who has been going back and forth to Darfur with OCHA doing computer work, and it has been a mixed bag. They work 15 hours a day (there's nothing else to do), he's been on three-month contracts, but he thinks he may have a shot at a fixed-term UN post here in Geneva, which he wouldn't have known about if not for this. So who's to say? The main question I would have is whether or not it is a fixed-term position. If it's short-term, watch out.
MJG
Member
Username: Test_taking_guy

Post Number: 8
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 01:59 pm:   

BTW, is there ANYONE out there who took the test last year and has heard anything at all - pass, fail, on the roster, not on the roster, job interview, whatever? I can't see them going to all this trouble for nothing.
abc def
Member
Username: User2006

Post Number: 3
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 08:11 am:   

MJG,
thanks for responding. If you know more about what kind of work he's doing please let me know. I know it would be different from site to site, but I'm just curious what's IT like in the UN in Africa. Do they have Unix or just running Microsoft OS?... Well, I'll find more about this in my interview...

But I wonder as an IT person, how much focus on the interview would be about the UN core values, humanatarian issues... about not IT stuff. I do understand to work for an organization like the UN, I need to be able to fit in and understand their work. I guess I'm just curious/nervous about how the interview will be....
MJG
Member
Username: Test_taking_guy

Post Number: 9
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 10:47 am:   

abc, I'm not sure what kind of systems they use. I know most of the computers at the Palais des Nations (Geneva UN headquarters) use Windows, but there are also a few Mac users who work on publications.

One thing the UN is big on these days is mobility. You have to be willing to go wherever they send you. I would watch for this at the interview. I'm sure they'll find some way to broach the subject. They may not ask you directly. It may be something like "do you like to travel, or would you prefer to stay in one place?" If they ask something like that, you always like to travel. Other than that, I'm afraid I have no idea what to tell you for the interview.

Is this for a fixed-term position? If not, be ready to be unemployed at the end of your contract. It might not happen. In fact, I know people who have been working in UN organizations for more than 15 years with short-term contracts, but it's always a precarious situation. Short-term contracts might be a good way for someone at the beginning of his career to get his foot in the door of the UN system, but if you've got a halfway decent job now, I wouldn't leave it unless I had a fixed-term contract.
abc def
Member
Username: User2006

Post Number: 4
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 02:29 pm:   

MJG,
Thanks for the info. I don't think it's a short term contract position... I'm not married and don't have a dog or anything so I'm willing to go wherever work sends me!

I am just hoping I don't get a watertank type of question :-)
per stafanson
Member
Username: Iprcarpenter

Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 03:10 pm:   

Anybody out there work their way through an MA in Development as a carpenter?

how about...
1.make sure flow of water is turned off at base of tank (outflow).
2.attach 3 meters of clear plastic tubing to outflow of tank. make sure other end of tubing is firmly capped. open outflow.
3.hold plastic tubing next to the water tank, with the capped top well-above the top of the tank. remove the cap....where the water finds it's level in the plastic tubing will correspond to where the water level is inside the tank...

just a thought.
Rukaya Mohammed
Member
Username: Yakruk

Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Friday, June 09, 2006 - 05:37 pm:   

I just wrote the IPR 2006 and I want to know if any one has an idea how long it takes for the results of the test to be announced.

Cheers, Ruki
This side of the pond
Member
Username: Cosmocrat

Post Number: 9
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Friday, June 09, 2006 - 08:55 pm:   

MJG (and others): I am not hating, i am just making light of the situation. As I have said in an earlier post getting in or not doesn't really matter. I hoped to see a community here of sorts, the development world is really small afterall..

abd def: everybody works on contracts. In fact, some VERY high ranking officials have worked with gaps in their contracts, at least in Geneva. (don't ask me how I know). Once again this is off the record, but different UN agencies use different systems. I have seen Novell and Windows, Domino servers and some Exchange servers. More Apache than IIS. You ought to know what you are doing if you are interviewing. good luck.
abc def
Member
Username: User2006

Post Number: 5
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 10:16 am:   

Iprcarpenter:
What a great response. I already have memorized it! It makes me feel so much more confident for the interview. I really hope that they ask me the watertank question - it'll be an easy point.

Thanks Cosmocrat for the info. I thought the UN only used Lotus Notes as their email client, and not Exchange. Are they using Oracle or MS SQL Server...?

Thanks!
bebe_de_hcr
Member
Username: Bebe_de_hcr

Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 12:47 pm:   

Ruki: I think it won't be earlier than July 1, 2006. At this moment UNSSC is recruiting consultants for checking the test. Have a look at the following:

Consultant position at UNSSC (several positions, local recruitment)

Activity title: Marking of Entry-tests to the IPR 2006
Contract Duration: 12 - 23 June 2006 (10 days)
Remuneration: USD 230/day upon successful completion of the assignment
Location: UNSSC, Turin
Deadline for applications: 26 May 2006

Terms of Reference

Project Background

United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) is contracted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to implement the UNHCR Entry-test to its International Professional Roster (IPR) 2006.

One component of the Entry-test consists of an ability assessment, whereby applicants have to construct responses to essay-type of questions. The marking of the ability assessment will be undertaken together by UNSSC and UNHCR personnel who will use standardised marking rubrics.

Accordingly, the UNSSC is inviting consultants to perform marking services according to the specifications below.

Job Description

Under the overall supervision of the UNSSC Project Manager, the Consultant will work in team under the technical guidance of the UNHCR Team Advisor. The Consultant will serve as Test Marker and is responsible for the marking of essay-type of test answers. In particular:

o To mark test answers;

o To report the results on a relevant form;

o To consult with the Team Advisor on issues related to tests;

o Other duties as assigned by the UNSSC Project Manager.

Deliverables

o Consultant is expected to mark an equivalent of 20 tests or more per day as determined by the project manager.

Requirements

o University degree in law, political sciences, social sciences, administration and other relevant fields. Experience in academia an advantage;
o Experience in marking test answers, particularly IPR or similar tests would be highly desirable;

o Experience within the UN system and/or other international organisation is an advantage;

o Proficiency in English. Working knowledge of French language desirable.

How to Apply

Please submit a P-11 form duly completed no later than 26 May 2006 by email to the following email address: recruitment@unssc.org

Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.
Rukaya Mohammed
Member
Username: Yakruk

Post Number: 2
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 04:44 pm:   

bebe_de_hcr: Your response was very helpful. I will keep my fingures crossed till July first.
Cheers, Ruki
MJG
Member
Username: Test_taking_guy

Post Number: 10
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 10:45 am:   

TSOTP,
No problem. I have to admit that I, like most people probably, came to this site for purely mercenary purposes, but find it an interesting bunch of people and will try to check in from time to time.

bebe_de_hcr, thanks for that very interesting post. As I mentioned above, they told us there were 1400 people taking the test worldwide, so if each grader scores 20 tests per day for 10 days, that means they'll probably hire seven graders, and should have no problem finishing by their deadline, 23 June. Although as with any UN organization, I'm sure they can find hundreds of reasons to delay reporting the results, for the first time I'm actually optimistic that we may hear something in the not-too-distant future. I've seen all the negative comments about how people still haven't heard from last year, etc., so I don't want to be too pollyanna-ish, but maybe HCR has learned something from last year and has their act together this year - I can dream, anyway.
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 20
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 01:15 pm:   

Rukaya Mohammed, don't expect any answer to your email. They never reply.

MJG, I took the test last year and passed it together with many other applicants. Nothing happened ever since. I am in touch with many guys from 2005, and I don't know and haven't heard of anyone who got posted. I am afriad, none of us got the job. So, guys, take a deep breath and cool down. Two-three weeks of delay with the results of your test is nothing compare to more than a year of sitting and waiting in vain for all of us who passed it past year.
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 21
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 01:17 pm:   

This Side of the Pond,

If you are working there, could you tell me what is going on there with this IPR. I can send you a private email and promise to keep everything "between us".
Soccer
Member
Username: Soccer2006

Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 06:24 pm:   

This Side of the Pond or any UNHCR insider:

I am curious about one element of the hiring process at UNHCR (not necessarily through IPR). If you are interviewed for a position by a panel of 5 people from Geneva, do you expect to hear back one way or the other (whether you got the job or not)?
I know if you submitted a resume applying for a position and never got contacted then forget it, but if you were interviewed for an hour, I assume they should say "sorry you did not get the job". Is this is a true assumption?

I really appreciate your help in answering this question.
MJG
Member
Username: Test_taking_guy

Post Number: 11
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 12:46 pm:   

Soccer, I don't know about UNHCR, but I've interviewed with several UN organizations, and once I get to the interview stage, I've always heard back, yes or no, but sometimes it takes a while. FAO took more than a year, for example. Other people I know have had similar experiences with other organizations. I would say as a matter of protocol there's nothing wrong with dropping them an e-mail and asking what's going on.

If someone does know something about UNHCR hiring practices, I've got another question, which Soccer sort of alludes to. Concerning the jobs they have advertised on their Web site, they don't say anything specifically about having to be on the IPR roster. Is this a requirement? If so, I wonder why they list them publicly like that. If not, I wonder what the point of the roster is.
Soccer
Member
Username: Soccer2006

Post Number: 2
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 02:16 am:   

Thanks MJG. And you think someone would respond to your email????????????????????????????????????
Forget it!
Well the good news is that this means that I am still in till I hear otherwise!!
The jobs that the IPR candidates on the roster see are the ones that are never advertised on the website. So you are basically competing with UNHCR employees and you get access to positions that no one else sees.
MJG
Member
Username: Test_taking_guy

Post Number: 12
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 06:52 am:   

Soccer, thanks for the HCR hiring info.

I have to disagree with your first statement, however. I don't know about UNHCR, but in several situations in other oranizations, including a job I eventually got (sorry, won't say where), I was in regular e-mail contact. Of course, it was usually something like, "Sorry, no news." But I usually had a pretty good idea of whether or not something was still in the works.

But if you don't feel comfortable doing so, I wouldn't. Other than satisfying your curiosity, there's nothing to be gained. And like you said, you're still in the running until you hear otherwise. Good luck, and let us know what happens.
queen
Member
Username: Queen

Post Number: 2
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 11:15 am:   

I took the test this year, apparently a large number, maybe 80-95% of people taking the test were UNHCR employees already and i talked to someone who mentioned that from 2005IPR test, 5 of his collegues got the jobs within 1-2 months after the results were out. So maybe the employees of UNHCR in other forms of contracts get first priority.
abc def
Member
Username: User2006

Post Number: 6
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 06:53 pm:   

MJG,
You said you've interviewed with several UN organizations. Were they day-long interviews or one-hour interviews?

Some organizations do one-hour interviews and I just can't understand how they can really get to know the skills of a candidate in one hour and make a decision. I wonder how common 1-hour interviews are. It just seems too short... To really succeed in such an interview you have to be strategic and answer quickly and give short responses... No pauses to think or slowtalking because then you loose time to let them know who you are...
MJG
Member
Username: Test_taking_guy

Post Number: 13
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:50 pm:   

abc_def, they are all different. At CBTBO in Vienna I went through an all-dayer, going from office to office. In fact, it became somewhat of a joke because all the candidates were being shuffled through the same offices, and it became obvious as we kept passing each other in the halls what was happening.

I did a phone interview with FAO in Rome. A friend of mine did a videoconference interview with them from the States.

I've done several interviews here in Geneva (the organizations shall remain nameless). They're all a little different, and there's no overriding theme. I would say that in general, interviewing in the UN system is not that different from private sector, except that a lot more organizations have tests (not always so formal or on so grand a scale as HCR), and, it always takes a....... lotttttttt.......... lonnnnnnngggggerrrrr....... for them to make a decision. If you're in a hurry, don't look in the UN system.
C Megias
Member
Username: Ole_ole

Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 06:28 pm:   

Hello everyone!!!

For those of you belonging to IPR 2005, I am sure you remember me; it is a long time that I do not write anymore, byt really, it made me sad to still going on talking about something that i took with so much hope and ended like the Rosario de la aurora (in Spanish, impossible to translate); I also past the IPR last year with a high mark even, and since then I have received like 15 mails asking me to express my inetrest in P2 positions (my grade)in the most varied places; I have promptly responded to all those mails, but nothing, zero, niente, nada de nada, not even something to tell me do not worry and keep waiting. I did not even answer their last mail. These people from the UN are really incompetent, thieves,everything works under the table...I am very sad but thank god I am now working in something (better)else.
I would say that, unless that you are working already with UNHCR with a normal contract, it is impossible to wait any result; no offer woill get to your mail inbox. It is sad but it is the truth; otherwise, how many of the IPRs out there from last year got an offer?????
sorry to say this, but better look for some other option
abc def
Member
Username: User2006

Post Number: 7
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:18 am:   

From my limited experience of looking for a job with the UN, I have to say that I have nothing but respect. The whole experience for me was professional. There are very limited job opponings and just too many candidates so they are not able to provide good feedback to everybody they want. I studied IT and my competition pool is a lot smaller. For humanatarian work I believe the competion is a lot harder - people from so many different majors, and even lawyers, MBA and PHD graduates are your competitors. When I travelled in Africa I met someone who studied law working for an NGO on a rabbit project and creating a cartoon manual to teach the local people how to take care of the rabbits, and how they reproduce...

Well, back to my original point. The competition is hard. And we're competing with people from everywhere in the world - with people with lots of international experience or who speak 10 languages or more. Have you guys checked out the UNV website to become a UN volunteer? That looks pretty interesting but its also very competitive to get in. But if I don't get this post I interviewed for I think I will give up on this UN route and look for a job elsewhere. My interview was pretty easy but I did not do a great job - I was coming down with a fever and I was not focused enough... I did not realize how short one hour is. I think it's easier to find a job in the private sector because the non-profit sector has actually a lot more competition...
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 22
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 06:06 pm:   

C Megias, I am also from the last year IPR. Nothing yet... A lot of emails inviting to express interest with no fruit.
MJG
Member
Username: Test_taking_guy

Post Number: 15
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 01:34 pm:   

Does anyone know when we're supposed to hear some results? I was looking at last year's thread, and it was about a month and a half after the test. (Apparently, they had said it would take about a month.) I guess they're (as GWB so eloquently put it) covering their asses by not saying how long it's supposed to take this year.

If anyone hears anything - positive or negative - would they be kind enough to share it with the rest of us? I'll certainly do so if I hear something.

Thanks
Josue Janey
Member
Username: Jane

Post Number: 6
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 07:54 pm:   

I got positive answer from UNHCR but I don't know where I would work or pass interview. And you
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 23
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 01:14 am:   

Josue, what do you mean by getting the positive answer? Did they inform you that you passed the test? As far as I know, this year's IPR candidates have not received the results yet. Could you write more about what kind of positive answer you have got from UNHCR? Thanks a bunch!
Jeyran
Member
Username: Jeyjey

Post Number: 9
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 01:38 pm:   

That's right, Gagulya, we haven't received anything yet. Guess they will inform us this week. Josua, I also wonder what you mean by positive answer. Did you get an email? Thanks!
Josue Janey
Member
Username: Jane

Post Number: 7
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 06:23 pm:   

Hello!
Don't wait for the answer from UNHCR. They inform someone who passed and the others...You know, the entry test is the way to eliminate some of the candidates because those who have been retained for the test are automaticaly candidate for IPR. If you come rom the country which contributed much for instance Scandinavian countries or Canada, you will be retained. I joked I did not get any answer from UNHCR...No one from poor countries will pass.
Jeyran
Member
Username: Jeyjey

Post Number: 10
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 12:07 pm:   

Gosh! Josue, I almost lost all my hope which is very little anyway! Good sense of humour, have to say!

J.
Gagulya Mehelleushaqi
Member
Username: Gagulya

Post Number: 24
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Saturday, July 01, 2006 - 03:14 pm:   

That's not true, Josh. A lot of people from 3rd world countries passed last year...
Jeyran
Member
Username: Jeyjey

Post Number: 11
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Sunday, July 02, 2006 - 09:52 am:   

Plus, lot of people who didn't pass got an email with the score last year...

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