Pathways Pool: Frequently Asked Questions

Note: As the Mobility policy is under review, answers to these FAQs may be subject to change. For any questions, please contact pathwayspool@iom.int.

1. What is the ‘Pathways Pool’ and what is its purpose?

The Pathways Pool is a group of pre-assessed candidates who have been approved as ready to perform the functions of certain job groups and at certain grades. This initiative aims at:

• offering a pathway to internal IOM personnel and external talent interested in advancing their career within certain job groups;
• enabling a streamlined and faster recruitment process for key posts in the missions;
• supporting talent attraction and retention and succession planning, by offering structured career pathways in certain job groups.
• recruiting in a forward looking way for the right skills, competences, aptitudes and values.
• increasing diversity and tapping into hidden internal and external talent, ensuring a broader range of candidates for critical roles.

2. What roles are covered by the Pathways Pool?

As of November 2024, the Pathways Pool includes roles such as: 

• Deputy Regional Director (Management) (D-1)
• Deputy Regional Director (Operations) (D-1)
• Chief of Mission (P-4, P-5, D-1)
• Head, Resources Management (P-4)
• Resources Management Officer (P-3)
• Supply Chain Officer (P-3)

3. Do different assessments apply to external and internal candidates?

Yes, the assessments are different. The Full Pathways Assessment is open to external candidates only, whereas the Fast-Track Pathways Assessment is only for internal candidates.

4. Are external and internal candidates placed into different Pools?

No, there is only one pool per role and grade, regardless of being an IOM staff member or an external applicant. However, from October 2024, there are different ways to get into the Pool, depending on whether you are an internal or external applicant, as follows:

• Full Pathways assessment – for external candidates.
• Fast-track Pathways assessment – for internal candidates.
• VN with enhanced testing – for both internal and external candidates.

5. What elements are included in the Full Pathways Assessment and the VN with enhanced ?

 

	Full Pathways Assessment	VN with enhanced testing
Application (IOM)	✓	✓
Performance appraisals	✓	✓
Preliminary assessments, e.g. written technical test(s) (IOM)	optional	optional
Pre-assessment psychometric tests, e.g., critical thinking, language, situational judgement (ODRL)	✓	optional
Occupational Personality Questionnaire (ODRL)	✓	No
360-degree feedback (ODRL)	✓	✓
Follow-up conversation (ODRL)	No	✓
Group and one-to-one interactive exercises, including observed team interactions (ODRL)	✓ (in person)	No
Competency-based interviews and/or panel presentations (IOM)	No1	✓
Reference checks / OneHR (IOM)	✓	✓
APB (IOM)

_{¹However, a competency-based interview may be carried out at the point of placement from the Pathways Pool after members have expressed their interest for specific positions.}

6. Can I apply to more than one grade or functional area?

Yes, you can. However, it is important to make this decision strategically and with a realistic understanding of your qualifications and experience.

7. I applied to the Pathways Pool. Can I apply to Vacancy Notices outside of the Pathways Pool?

Yes, you can. The normal recruitment process as per IOM’s policy on recruitment (IN/233) remains unchanged.

8. I think I meet the requirements but have still not been invited for the assessment. How is that possible?

Given the limited number of slots in both the Fast-Track Pathways Assessment and Full Pathways Assessments, and the diversity needs of the organization, it is possible that you will not be invited despite meeting the requirements. Should that be the case, we encourage you to apply during the following Call for Applications.

The Fast-Track Pathways Assessments for internal candidates are likely to have more assessment slots and may be conducted more frequently.

9.  How many individuals will be tested at each grade level, and will priority be given to current IOM staff members on positions covered by the Pathways Pool?

The number of individuals to be tested is generally limited, in line with the demand forecast of positions and the number of candidates shortlisted. The Fast-Track Pathways Assessments are expected to offer more assessment slots compared to the Full Pathway Assessments, and may be conducted on a more frequent basis.

Staff currently holding positions covered by the Pathways Pool, will be given priority assessment, scheduled to begin in Q4 2024, particularly if they are approaching their Standard Assignment Length, or due for Rotation.

10. I have gone through the assessment process for the Pathways Pool, but I have not been successful. Can I apply again and what else should I do?

You can request feedback from DHR by writing to pathwayspool@iom.int, and reapply at the next available opportunity.

You can work on your personal development and the shortcomings identified in the assessment, focusing on developing the skills and knowledge required for advancing your career in a certain job group. IOM staff members can contact the Staff Development and Learning Unit at sdl@iom.int to request advice on learning and development opportunities, which will also need to be coordinated with the respective supervisors.

11. How is the selection process conducted?

The Department of Human Resources Management (DHR) will review all applications and compile a longlist of candidates, who meet the established pre-set eligibility requirements. The Director DHR and the Executive Office are responsible to select those who will go through the assessment process.

• The assessment process will include different components (see question 5 above).Based on the results of the assessment process and on the recommendations of the Assessment Panel, DHR will rate the candidates as “star”, “fully ready”, “ready with development needs” or “not yet ready” for the grade level(s) for which they have been assessed.
• The Director, DHR will review all final results and submit recommendations to the Appointment and Posting Board (APB) for review.
• The APB recommendations will be sent to the relevant approving authority (Director General or Deputy Director General) for their final decision.
• Candidates who have been included in the Pathways Pool with the rating of “star”, “fully ready” or “ready with development needs” are eligible to be placed from the Pathways Pool, however candidates who have received “ready with development needs” will need to work with SDL on their identified training needs.

12. I have applied for the Pathways Pool. When can I expect to receive an update about my application status?

There will be regular webinars to share general information about the application and assessment process. Individual updates about a candidate’s application status can only be provided at the end of the process to ensure its confidentiality.

These are some estimated timelines:

• Full Assessment: 4 months from the closing of the Call for Applications to all candidates being notified.
• Fast-Track Assessment: 3 months from the closing of the Call for Applications to all candidates being notified.

13.    When will the assessments be conducted?

Depending on organizational needs, Full Pathways Assessments are normally conducted on at least an annual basis, usually before year end, while Fast-Track Pathways Assessments may be conducted more frequently throughout the year.

14. Is there a maximum number of members for the Pathways Pool?

No. All candidates who will be rated as as “star”, “fully ready”, “ready with development needs” after the assessment process will be recommended for inclusion in the Pathways Pool.

15. I have been included in the Pathways Pool with the rating “ready with development needs”. What does it mean?

You are considered eligible for deployment immediately, but will be expected to develop and pursue a learning and development plan with IOM’s Staff Development and Learning Unit to address the development needs identified during the assessment.

16. If the Pathways Pool Call for Applications is advertised and I do not apply, will I get another chance in the future?

Yes, you can apply again at the next available opportunity.

17. Are there other recruitment processes for roles covered by the Pathways Pool?

In exceptional circumstances, a Vacancy Notice (VN) with enhanced testing may also be issued to fill Pathways Pool positions. This may be when there is insufficient interest from the Pool members, or when a specific set of skills is needed. In such cases, both internal and external candidates will be able to apply. Those who go through the recruitment process and are selected or recommended and approved for appointment, but not selected for a specific role will also be placed in the respective Pathways Pool for the level of the VN for which they applied.

18. I have been included in the Pathways Pool for a certain role. Will I be automatically included in the shortlist should a Vacancy Notice for the same role (e.g., Resourcse Management Officer P-3) be published?

No, you will need to apply to the VN.

19. I have been included in the Pathways Pool. Does that mean I will be recruited for a position?

No, being included in the Pathways Pool does not guarantee a position, but it makes you eligible for potential deployment when suitable opportunities arise.

20. What assessment process is conducted for a VN with enhanced testing?

Please refer to question 5 above.

21. How long is the assessment centre result valid? How long can I stay in the Pathways Pool?

Membership is generally valid for three years, after which it will be reviewed to determine eligibility for an extension of up two additional years. This decision will consider factors such as demonstrated interest in available positions and participation in calls for expression of interest. 

22. Is there an age limit to apply to the Pathways Pool?

Candidates eligible for assessment must be available for at least one full assignment before retirement.

23. Do I have to work in a Non-family Duty Station?

The selection of qualified, diverse candidates for the positions covered by the Pathways Pool has been a challenge in the past years and the organization has had problems in finding qualified candidates to meet its rapidly growing needs, including working in non-family and hazardous duty stations. So candidates willing to work in those duty stations will be prioritized for assessment.

24. As part of the recent Recruitment Factory (Jan/Feb 2024) for vacancies on the Horizon List of senior positions, I was selected for a Chief of Mission position or placed on a roster for Chief of Mission positions. Do I still need to apply for the Pathways Pool assessment for Chief of Mission positions?

No. If you were selected for a Chief of Mission position or rostered for Chief of Mission positions through the recent Recruitment Factory (Jan/Feb 2024) for vacancies on the Horizon List of senior positions, you do not need to (re-)apply for the Pathways Pool assessment for the level for which you were selected/rostered. You have been included in the Pathways Pool for the relevant role and grade and will be able to express interest in Chief of Mission positions at the level for which you were selected or rostered.

25. As part of the recruitment process for vacancies on the Horizon List of senior positions, I previously and recently completed the 360-degree feedback exercise (360) and the occupational personality questionnaire (OPQ). If I received my feedback report from ODRL,  am I automatically shortlisted for future assessments?

No. Candidates that have previously completed the 360 and OPQ will not be automatically shortlisted for future assessments. They will have to apply again at the next available Call for Applications. This is because the shortlisting is not based only on the 360 and OPQ, but takes into account multiple factors such as the candidate profile (experience, background), the pre-assessment tests, and organizational considerations regarding diversity (e.g. gender, geography).

When you apply again, should you be shortlisted and invited to participate in the assessment, you will not need to complete the OPQ and 360 processes again if these were completed recently and the recent results will be used in the assessment.

External candidates, including IOM affiliate workforce (interns, consultants, UN Volunteers with less than 12 months of service, standby personnel)

26. What are the requirements to be eligible for the Full Pathways Pool assessment?

Full Pathways Assessments are open to external talent, including IOM affiliate workforce (i.e., interns, consultants, UN Volunteers with less than 12 months of service², standby personnel). To qualify for the Fast-Track Pathways Assessment, you must meet the relevant requirements detailed in the Calls for Applications advertised on IOM careers website. IOM will be looking at your education, technical and substantive skills, management and leadership experiences, UN/Public Sector Experience and history of volunteer engagement and other requirements depending on the role. Diversity considerations are taken into account as per the standard recruitment process, in line with IOM’s policies and procedures on recruitment.

_{²UN Volunteers with at least 12 months of continuous service in IOM are considered internal candidates.}

27. What does the Full Pathways Assessment include?

Key components include:

• Pre-assessment tests (e.g., critical thinking, language, situational judgment).
• Psychometrics, 360-degree feedback, and roleplay scenarios.
• Competency-based and integrated interviews.

Please see question 5 for full details.

28. When are the Full Pathways Assessments  conducted?

Depending on organizational needs, Full Pathways Assessments are normally conducted on at least an annual basis, usually before year end.

_{As of November 2024}