UN Rosters

A UN Roster is a list of candidates who have undergone a pre-assessment process and can be hired for positions within the UN system without going through another competitive selection. This system was created to save time and improve recruitment efficiency. In this article, we will explore how rosters are formed, their types, and how applicants can make the most of them.

What is a UN Roster? A roster is essentially a talent pool of candidates who have successfully passed the assessment stages. However, inclusion in a roster does not guarantee employment—much depends on the type of roster and the organization's level of engagement.

Types of Rosters Rosters are categorized into active, passive, and traditional types:

1. Active Rosters Organizations that use active rosters actively search for candidates to fill vacancies. If you are included in such a roster:

• You may receive direct job offers from the organization.
• You can also apply independently to suitable openings posted on official websites.

Keep in mind: the advantages of an active roster apply only within the organization where you passed the assessment. For example, if you're on a UNICEF roster, that benefit doesn't extend to other UN agencies—but it can still positively influence how your experience is evaluated.

2. Passive Rosters In passive rosters, the initiative lies entirely with the candidate. The organization retains your application in its database, but you must actively search and apply for job openings. An example of a passive roster is the UN YPP, where candidates need to remain proactive to catch recruiters' attention.

3. Traditional Rosters These rosters were introduced in 2009 as part of a recruitment reform aimed at reducing the need to re-assess candidates for identical roles. If you pass an interview, you may be placed on a traditional roster—often without being notified.

The main drawback of traditional rosters is their passive nature: if a suitable vacancy opens, there's a risk you might be overlooked.

Cluster Recruitment Cluster recruitment is a method where organizations group several similar positions into a single announcement—for example, 5 HR roles across various regions. This reduces recruitment time and resources. When you apply to a cluster vacancy, you're being considered for multiple roles.

Look for signs like "(3 positions/multiple positions/cluster)" in the job title—this indicates cluster recruitment. This method is becoming increasingly popular within the UN system.

Candidate Pools Candidate pools involve a more complex selection process than rosters. In addition to interviews, candidates go through training and preparation stages. Pools are typically used for internal positions.