DETERMINING WHO AND WHY

Determining Who and Why Joe Burwell, Walter Davis, Kimhoang Chu, Janet Duran, Tanisha Devers University of Phoenix Human Capital Management HRM/531 Tina R. Walker, MPA, MBA March 26, 2012

Determining Who and Why Planning for recruitment must be a dynamic and flexible activity with strategies that can change and continually respond to changing business needs and market conditions. The ability to change direction quickly as results and conditions change will determine the success of both recruiting plans and recruiting efforts. As well a detailed and well written job description is also an important part of the recruiting process. Job Descriptions and the Recruitment Process A solid job description helps to provide a job summary along with qualifications needed to perform the job, responsibilities, tasks and duties, the nature of supervisory relationships, working hours and conditions and finally the salary and benefits of the position. A good Job description can also help to avoid receiving irrelevant resumes by pinpointing the specifics that the company is looking for. The job description is used to inform applicants about the job opening, help employers and recruiters identify those candidates best suited for the opening, indentify employee training, clarify employee responsibilities for supervisors, evaluate job performance and finally the job description is important in the event of termination or other legal proceeding. The United Nations Team Assistant The United Nations is a voluntary association of around 190 states signatory to the UN Charter (1945), whose primary aim is to maintain international peace and security; solve economic, social, and political problems through international cooperation and promote respect for human rights. The team assistant position within the United processes communications such as drafting routine correspondence, creating memorandums, researches and compiles reference materials for use in meetings and conferences and also provides logistical support such as

assembling copies, determining meeting rooms and distributing reading materials as a support function during meetings and conferences. Components of the Team Assistant Job Description The core competencies for the team assistant position is professionalism; knowledge of office and administrative support including administrative policies processes and procedures. Candidates must show pride in their work and achievements while demonstrating professional competence and master of the subject matter. Candidates must be conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results as well as being motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Planning and organizing; Candidates must have the ability to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, identify priority activities and assignments while allocation the appropriate time and resources to complete their work. Teamwork; Candidates must work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals by soliciting input, genuinely valuing others opinions, ideas and expertise and show willingness to learn from others by placing the team agenda before any personal agenda (UNESCAP.org, 2012). UN Recruitment and Selection Methods Applicants must first decide if they are seeking to join the UN in a specialist or generalist capacity. UN job openings are posted on several different websites including the UN Jobs Monster website, the UN official website, the UN job list website and the UN jobs website. According to the UN website, The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of the candidates that wish to apply for this position except for a written test competency based interview. All applicants are also requested to complete a personal history profile that outlines their personal work history, goals and objectives and establishes future career desires.

UN Job Selection Criteria In its hiring process the United Nations is looking for competent and motivated persons with a strong belief in its purpose and mandates, who are willing to dedicate themselves to a rewarding international career in different locations around the world. The United Nations provides an opportunity to serve in a dynamic, multicultural environment in a variety of jobs in the support of global causes (UNESCAP.org, 2012). According to their employment website, the United Nations staff upholds the principles and core values of the Organization, including integrity, professionalism, efficiency and respect for diversity and seeks the same in those candidates that apply. The United Nations welcomes applications from nationals of all Member States and strongly encourages women to apply. Applicants with disabilities are considered by the United Nations for employment under all types of contracts in full compliance with the United Nations Charter. The United Nations offers a variety of ways to join its workforce. It also offers university students opportunities to serve as interns (UNESCAP.org, 2012). UN Recruiting Process Map 1. Applicants must first decide to apply for a UN position as a generalist or a specialist by joining as a generalist you are limiting yourself to the secretarial stream, peacekeeping force or other administrative duties. Specialists join as professional officers with a particular expertise and are not limited in regards to growth potential. 2. Browse available jobs Applicants should look at all UN job websites which list current vacancies and is updated often. These sites usually change on a daily basis and applicants are encouraged to check back often.

3. Applicants register for a My UN account By registering all applicants are able to fill out a Personal History Profile (PHP). This profile will be the applicants confidential online resume, and includes general information about the applicant, their education, and employment history. When applying for a position the PHP is the first and initially only thing the recruiter sees so all applicants are encouraged to double check their profile for spelling and grammar errors that may cause the recruiter to skip the applicant in the process (UN.org, 2012). 4. Competitive Examination Applicants are required to apply for and take the UNs competitive recruitment examination that is weighed heavily in the selection process. All who apply are required to have a minimum of a bachelors degree or for those outside of the U.S the minimum of a three-year first-level degree that is consistent with one of the available occupational groups listed on the UN recruitment website (UN.org, 2012) 5. Test Results PHP testing may take some time to score, however those applicants whose test scores are considered competitive will be invited for an interview that will usually take place several months after the examination. According to the UN recruitment process, the most qualified applicants are then recommended for employment within the U.N. and are placed on a reserve list for current and future openings. Conclusion Job descriptions are an integral part of the recruitment process. They are the roadmap for applicants and the guideline for the hiring manager or recruiter. A good job description can save a company time and money by removing all instances of repetition and any chance of hiring the

wrong candidate. As discussed above, hiring is a process and the steps that should be followed will help ensure an efficient and legal employment relationship.

References Cascio, W. F. (2010). Managing Human Resources. Productivity, Quality of Work Life, Profits (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Company. Explore a career with the United Nations. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.un.org/en/employment/ UN Team Assistant G-4 Job Description. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.unescap.org/jobs/PDF/Others/JO_12-07-UNISDR-G-4-INCHEONRecirculation.pdf