I recently tried to monitor the hits on this blog. Not surprisingly, there are those, like me who have sat the United Nations NCRE exams out there who scour the web looking for any clues, any information they can find on that may enlighten them on the latest happening.
I have come to learn that patience is the name of the game. People say its bureaucracy, others may mistakenly believe that the United Nations may have forgotten all about them. But lets face it; they may be slow in responding but they are well aware of everything. As the 2009 NCRE exams have concluded, I thought I might share more of my tips for those candidates still waiting on word from the United Nations.
After your exams, wait patiently
After your exams go get a nice cup of coffee, relax and refocus all your energy on whatever it is that you are currently doing. Be sure to regularly check the examination page on http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/examin/ncrepage.htm to monitor the progress of the exams. The UN will almost always try to meet the deadlines it posts on this site and if it is not able to meet it, it will post an updated date. I do not know what factors force them to change dates, but changes are expected and your patience is important.
When convoked, be prepared
The successful candidates after the written exams are listed on the NCRE website and contacted at least a week later by email. In this email, the UN will send information you would need such as the date, time and venue of your interview. Included will be a file on UN Competencies, a very important document.
When convoked, do not attempt to will the UN into action by trying to contact them. It is always often met with silence. They will contact you and if you are like me, you will be assigned a very helpful contact who will assist you all the way until you arrive for your interview either in New York, Geneva or any location that they will interview you in. Sometimes, the interview may be conducted via video conference or phone; I am of the opinion that this option is often available to candidates with close proximity to a UN office and where the technology is available. I was initially convoked to Geneva but visa delays forced me to New York instead. Because my assigned contact was based in New York, I was glad to meet her in person, thank her for her hard work and she took me to the interview room.
The wait between when you are advised and when you leave can be long. I was advised of my convocation early in November of 2008 and was interviewed in January of 2009. Liaise closely with your UN contact on all issues regarding your travel. My authorization for travel and e-tickets were provided 3 days before I left for New York.
During the interview
As I have mentioned, be prepared to talk a lot about yourself. For me it was a bit of an unnerving experience because I personally find it very difficult to talk about myself. But study the UN competencies really well and try to think of real examples of where you may have applied some or all of the competencies. Stay positive, avoid flattery and be honest. Practical examples are important. At the end of my interview, we spent 15 minutes on questions about the United Nations. 4 open ended questions will be asked you may pass on only one without being penalized. I missed 2 of those 4 questions. I passed on the first, did not know the answer to the second but answered the last two questions really well.
Join the NCREFORUM
This is a yahoo group on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ncreforum, was formed in 2005 by candidates who were on the roster. The stories you read here will surely give hope; most of us are not alone. Aside from that those on this forum are quick to let others know when opportunities arise or take time to explain in great detail issues that affect candidates who have made it on the roster and are waiting for placement from the United Nations. I surely found some very inspiring stories on this forum. It’s membership is, however, only open to those who are currently on the roster. You will gain valuable insight interacting with its members who have been in this situation before.
But basically my message is, the wait can be long; quite long at times. So patience is the name of the game.
US citizen here, applied to take the HR exam and my status is still “under consideration”. Not much time left before the exam, it’s not possible that they made a mistake or forgot to update the website or contact me is it?
Congrats to everyone on being convoked. Sadly I was not. I take solace in knowing time is on my side, since I am a recent college grad. My question is for those of you did get invited. what advice do you have for a 23yr old looking to make themselves into a better candidate for future NCREs?? Any tips would be GREATLY appreciated.
Hellow everyone! I was convoked (on Oct. 23rd) for Journalism from US. I am going to New York on Dec. 1st to sit for the exam. Looking like I am the only one for Journalism (Chinese) here? Any suggestion on how to best prepare for the exam? Thanks!
VM,
I would definitely contact them ASAP. Your application number would come in the pdf of the letter that they sent.
Good luck!
Hi DB & Richa, i’m too convoked for Admin from Nepal. Would be nice to be in touch if you wish.
Ana! Where are you from? I have applied for legal affairs from US but have not heard back yet.
Hi, I am taking the legal affairs exam. Any suggestions as to the particular textbooks you guys are using?
Thanks. Good luck to everyone!
Great, cheers Lynnold. Any help with focussing my study is well received. 🙂
Does anyone know of anyone in Legal Affairs who has been convoked for the exam yet? I’m still waiting to hear…. 🙁
I applied for Human rights at NY, US. I still have under consideration as of today (October 28, 2010). What does it mean? It is over or there is still a chance? Should I email and ask them if I am still in waiting list or something considering the fact that they already have the list of people taking test on this website (http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/examin/nceexamctr.shtml#nyc). Please let me know.
By the way, how do I find my application number. Thanks.
JLS and those sitting for Human Rights. Incidently, I work for OHCHR but in IT. I have been attending a week long Orientation program and it seems to me that the work of the office is basically concentrated on 6 thematic areas. This website summarizes the 6 thematic areas. http://www.humanrightsnexus.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=216. It may be a good idea to spend some time understanding Human Rights in the context of these areas so I thought I might share it with you all.
Hey guys, got selected to sit in the exam for Admin for Antigua and Barbuda. Going to Honiara, Solomon Islands.
On the applicaiton number is says 18xxx ADM. is that an indication of the people who applied perhaps? I applied like a week before the closing date so I would I guess be near the end.
Thanks Richa. To u too.
Hi, I am sitting the Human Rights exam in London – I have a question about the exam format: the sample exam doesn’t say if you answer all the questions or choose some? And the essay: you use all 4 questions to structure your essay? Thanks
Hey Winters, Thanks. I shall do that and all the best for the exam.
hey samuel I also got my invitation in the Security field. I believe it is a good idea if we help each other preparing for the exam. My name is Antonio Frank and my email address is antonio_frk@hotmail.com
Do you have suggestions on readings? I am reading a book on safety and security, other about terrorism and safety and another about law enforcement.
Any idea how the examination place can be changed at this point (who to contact), if it is possible? I’m working outside my home country and picked the nearest option to my current location in the application, but could save a lot of money if I could change the place of this exam to my home country. I read that it should be done six weeks prior to the exam, but I only received the “invitation” to the examination on the 22nd (less than 6weeks to the examination).
another USC convoked for Human Rights…how many of us are there? Anyone else planning for San Fran?
Yes,
I am an American citizen and was convoked for human rights. I guess they added it late because I applied in early September.
Good luck to all
Hi I am also taking the human rights exam in London!!!
have just started my revision and would like to share with other people who are also seating on this exam.
I have requested to join the facebook group but I haven’t had a response.
My personal email address is laubernal1979@gmail.com in case someone wants to contact me and share tips to study or simply have a chat about it.
laura