Career Development workshop for Swedish JPOs and SARCs launched successfully

The United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), organized and delivered the first edition of a Career Development Workshop for Swedish Junior Professional Officers (JPOs) and Special Assistants to the Resident Coordinator (SARCs). Twenty-three participants representing various United Nations agencies, organizations and funds across the globe gave the programme a 100% recommendation rate.

The course was designed to equip learners with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their careers within the UN system. It featured an outstanding team of speakers and facilitators, such as the former Resident Coordinator for Pakistan - Jan Vandemoortele and UNICEF HR Manager Nancy Raphael, who worked with participants through the week.

Classes were dynamic, interactive and addressed participants’ learning priorities. Topics included how to write and refine job applications, and suggestions on how to approach competency-based interviews. Simulation exercises allowed attendees to apply and practice their skills, enabling immediate feedback for improvement.

Insights from participants highlight the programmes’ success:

• “The course offered tangible skills essential for career development within and beyond the UN including negotiation skills, conflict resolution, networking, CBI etc. all skills that are essential for a career within the UN. Moreover, and what I found very valuable was that the course offered a 'safe space' for reflection, discussion and support increasing the motivation to stay within the UN system, at least for me.” 
• “The fact that we had facilitators with different and extensive backgrounds in the UN System and personalities we could relate to helped to see there are others who have survived similar challenges and remained optimistic and driven. Their advice was invaluable.”