It is extremely gratifying to receive notification of 10 years of serving the UNFPA. For me it is also special time for reflections and of curse an obvious questions comes in the mind:
Why so many years at UNFPA?
Ten years of hard work, many times of adapting to the strategic changes in the organization and always proud to be part of the UNFPA family. When looking back, I see times when UNFPA CO in Mozambique became a Young people organization because of the innovated successful ASRH Programme “Geração BIZ”, being implemented in all 11 provinces of Mozambique and donors feeling proud to give more and more money to UNFPA CO in recognition of the valuable results being achieved for this very vulnerable group that today have being recognized in our SP and BM as one of UNFPA main target group. Furthermore, I see with great satisfaction when during the 2007 census the CO mobilized around 19 million US Dollars and some of donors explained why they are supporting Census via-UNFPA… “We are giving money to UNFPA because demonstrated good management of funds; timely submission of reports, integrity of its staff and other positive things that we heard with other donors who worked with UNFPA before” said a senior manager of one of UN donors in Mozambique. This declaration reminded me and make me always aware that integrity, transparency, accountability are important elements to foster trust in any partnership. This is what I am taking with me over the 10 years and will continue being through the remaining time with this vibrant organization that implement one of fascinating mandate.
Cheers
Cons
Poor mechanism to identify and recognize staff with exceptional performance in the field. Currently rely manly on the Representatives and PADs.
UNFPA Response
9y
Thank you for your passion and commitment to our mandate. We value your hard work and contribution to the organization over the years.
As an organization UNFPA is committed to continually improving our operations, systems and processes. To address this we have established an Innovation Fund which promotes and seed funds innovative initiatives in order to improve our operations, programmes and outcomes. We have also created an Internal Consulting Team with a focus on process improvement and change management in order to maximize our efficiency and impact.
Great organization with beautiful mandate: « ensuring sexual and reproductive and sexual rights for all ».
Cons
Support from senior management is weak. This can be discouraging
UNFPA Response
7y
Thank you for your feedback. As an organization UNFPA is committed to continually improving our operations, systems and processes. To address this we have established an Innovation Fund which promotes and seed funds innovative initiatives in order to improve our operations, programmes and outcomes. We have also created an Internal Consulting Team with a focus on process improvement and change management. By investing in management capability, we aim to maximize our efficiency and impact.
If you feel comfortable, feel free to contact us to discuss this further: recruiting@unfpa.org
UN benefits and career flexibility with other agencies, locations
The work is, and feels, important and motivating
Cons
Cronyism. Appointments as a result of donor or senior management influence
Common with other UN agencies in reality there are no promotional prospects. You need to leave if you want to achieve career progression
Staff morale
UNFPA Response
9y
Thank you for the feedback. Career development and, where possible, career progression (internal/external) of our staff is very important to UNFPA. In addition to the HR Strategic Partners based in the Regional Offices, an HR colleague works on career development issues to help staff achieve their career goals. Recently, UNFPA finalized a new Career Guide for UNFPA Staff Members http://www.unfpa.org/resources/career-guide-unfpa-staff-members. This publication provides a broad range of career guidance and advice for staff at UNFPA and beyond. It has been translated into French. In addition, three new trainings (Preparing Written Applications, Interviewing for Applicants, and Career Connections) are being piloted in English in July 2016.
Great salary and benefits, engaged staff, fantastic mandate
Cons
Too political, new senior management is not great, impossible to grow if not connected with the highest echelon of the corporate ladder (or not from the right regional group), mediocre/politicized change management processes
UNFPA Response
7y
Thank you for your feedback, we are pleased to see such strong support of our important mandate and of our staff.
UNFPA is investing in building management and leadership capability to ensure all staff feel empowered and respected through targeted training and coaching opportunities. Career development remains a key priority for UNFPA, to this end we have been running a series of webinars on career development opportunities and how make yourself stand out as a candidate. We have two dedicated colleagues working on career development to help staff achieve their career goals. UNFPA has a Career Guide for UNFPA Staff/ Former Staff Members http://www.unfpa.org/resources/career-guide-unfpa-staff-members which may be of help. This publication provides a broad range of career guidance and advice for current and former staff at UNFPA and beyond.
We have created a Change Secretariat with a focus on process improvement and change management in order to maximize our efficiency and impact. We are committed to continuously improving as an organization and feel confident that the changes processes underway will allow us to better deliver on our mandate.