Pathways Pool: Frequently Asked Questions

Note: Since the revised Staff Mobility Policy is under review, answers to these FAQs may be subject to change.

What is the ‘Pathways Pool’ and why is this being implemented at IOM?

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 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, competencies, aptitudes and values.

What is the Horizon List and how does it differ from the Pathways Pool?

The Horizon List is very different from the Pathways Pool.

The Horizon List is a list of senior positions that may become available in the near future. It is based on newly created positions or positions expected to become vacant because the incumbent may be due to rotate or retire.

While the Horizon List is a communication and advertising tool, the Pathways Pool is an actual “roster” of candidates who have passed a specific assessment centre and are ready to be deployed in certain positions.

What roles are covered by the Pathways Pool?

As of April 2024, the Pathways Pool covers the roles of ‘Chief of Mission’ (at grade levels P4, P5 and D1), ‘Resources Management Officer’ (at grade levels P3 and P4). and ‘Supply Chain Officers’ (at grade level P3). Additional roles and grades can use the same process depending on organizational priorities.

My current role (at the relevant grade) is covered by the Pathways Pool (i.e., I am a Chief of Mission (at grade levels P4, P5, D1), a Resources Management Officer (at grade levels P3 and P4) or a Supply Chain Officer (at grade level P3). Am I automatically part of the Pathways Pool for my role and grade, without having to apply and pass an assessment?

No, all candidates regardless of occupying the respective role must apply and pass the assessment to be included in the Pathways Pool.

I have been a Chief of Mission, Resources Management Officer, or Supply Chain Officer in the past, but currently am not. Can I be automatically included in the Pathways Pool?

No, all candidates regardless of having occupied the respective role must apply and pass the assessment to be included in the Pathways Pool.

I am a national staff member, can I apply to join the Pathways Pool?

Yes, applications to the Pathways Pool are open to staff members in all categories who meet the requirements of the position. One of the requirements is a satisfactory or better performance rating. National staff members who consider that they have the right profile and experience to perform the roles are strongly encouraged to apply to become Pool members.

 I am an IOM personnel, but don’t hold a staff contract, can I apply to join the Pathways Pool?

Yes, if the Call for Applications is advertised to external candidates, applications are open to consultants, UN Volunteers, secondees or staff on loan who meet the requirements of the position. They are considered external applicants.

I am not an IOM staff member, can I apply to join the Pathways Pool?

Yes, if the Call for Applications is advertised to external candidates, both internal and external applicants will be able to apply.

My current role is not Chief of Mission, Resources Management Officer or Supply Chain Officer, can I apply to join the Pathways Pool?

Yes. Staff members in any role can apply to the Pathways Pool, as long as they meet the requirements of the position. Again, certain requirements apply, such as having satisfactory or better performance ratings.

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

Yes, you can, however, you should take the decision strategically and realistically.

Can I apply to other posts outside of the Pathways Pool?

Yes, you can. The normal recruitment process will remain unchanged.

What is the selection process for the Pathways Pool?

The Pathways Pool is replenished through an ad-hoc assessment centre. The Pathways Pool assessment centre is an HR management process that consists of assessing the skills of individuals by confronting them with simulation exercises, skills assessment and psychometric testing. It aims to complement more traditional assessment methods, such as application documents and assessment interviews with the end goal of improving HR decision-making.

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

Given the limited number of slots in the assessment centre and the articulated 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 again for the following assessment centre.

 How are the longlist and shortlist derived?

The criteria (including diversity considerations) for establishing the longlist and shortlist of candidates are the same as for the standard recruitment process, as outlined in IN/233 Rev 2 and relevant Procedures.

The longlist is made up of candidates who meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the position. The shortlist is derived from the longlist and is made up of candidates who meet or exceed some or all of the specific additional or desirable requirements for the position, taking into account the criteria of IN/233 Rev 2 and relevant Procedures.

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 depends on the number of candidates shortlisted. All shortlisted candidates will be tested and the number of shortlisted candidates depends on the organizational needs. However, normally approximately 12 candidates are assessed per grade.

In line with IN/233 Rev 2 Procedures, first-tier (such as all internal candidates, see definition in IN/233 Rev 2) and second-tier candidates (candidates who are not first-tier are called second-tier) can be shortlisted, assessed, and interviewed at the same time. First-tier candidates will, however, be given priority consideration over second-tier candidates. Staff members currently holding positions covered by the Pathways Pool are treated equally to other first-tier candidates.

I have gone through the assessment process for the Pathways Pool but I have not been successful. Can I apply again?

Yes, you can request feedback from DHR as to why you were not shortlisted or you were assessed as not ready yet, and you will be able to apply to re-take the assessment at the next available opportunity. In the meantime, you can work on your personal development and the shortcomings identified in the assessment centre, focusing on developing the skills and knowledge required for advancing your career in a certain job group. Staff members can contact the Staff Development and Learning Unit to request advice on learning and development opportunities, which will also need to be coordinated with the respective supervisors.

How is the selection process conducted?

DHR will review all applications and compile a longlist of candidates, who meet the established pre-set eligibility requirements. DHR and the Executive Office are responsible for making the final decision on the applicants who will be selected to go through the assessment process.

• To be qualified/cleared for the Pathways Pool, candidates will be appraised in a face-to-face assessment centre and precleared for (immediate) deployment. IOM will articulate what skills, attributes, values and competencies will define future success in the relevant roles and assess accordingly.
• 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 assessment process will include multiple role plays that simulate work scenarios of roles.
• The Director, DHR will review all final results and submit recommendations to the Appointment and Posting Board (APB) for final endorsement.
• Following the APB, the results 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” or “fully ready” are eligible to be placed from the Pathways Pool.
• Candidates who have received “ready with development needs” will need to work with SDL on their identified training needs. They may be placed from the Pathways Pool after undertaking trainings/development opportunities related to their area(s) for development.

What happens if my application is not successful?

It is highly likely that some staff members will not be invited to the assessment process given the limited availability of slots in the assessment centre. Upon request, staff members will be given feedback as to the reason they were not successful and will be encouraged to reapply.

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.

What are the eligibility criteria my application is measured against?

The eligibility criteria are those set out in the Call for Applications. IOM will be looking at your education, technical and substantive skills, management and leadership experiences, language skills (six official UN languages and Portuguese), 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, as outlined in IN/233 Rev 2 and relevant Procedures.

When will the assessment centre be conducted?

Depending on organizational needs, assessment centres are normally conducted on at least an annual basis, usually before year-end.

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

No. All candidates who will be rated as “star”, “fully ready”, or “ready with development needs” after the assessment process will be recommended for inclusion in the Pathways Pool. Those with development needs need to work with SDL on their identified training needs.

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

You are expected to develop and pursue a learning and development plan to address the development needs identified during the assessment. You may be placed from the Pathways Pool after undertaking trainings/development opportunities related to your development needs.

I am currently a Chief of Mission, and have applied to the Pathways Pool Call for Applications, but I am worried that I will not be successful. If I am not successful, does this mean I will not be able to compete for Chief of Mission positions going forward?

It depends if you are on rotation and hence your position is advertised. If you are due to rotate and you do not pass the Pathways Pool assessment, you will not be a Chief of Mission again right away. However, it means you should take the feedback from the Pathways Pool assessment to work on identified gaps and you will be able to apply again at the next available opportunity.

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.

Once I have been included in the Pathways Pool, do I still need to apply for Chief of Mission, Resources Management Officer or Supply Chain Officer roles?

Roles may become available as part of the annual rotation exercise or when ad hoc vacancies arise:

• During the annual rotation exercise, IOM staff members eligible for rotation, who are members of the Pathways Pool, will be able to express interest for those roles in the Compendium that are covered by the Pool. For these roles, members due for rotation will normally be given priority consideration and the positions will normally be filled through the rotation exercise. If the position has not been filled through rotation, other Pathways Pool members, who have served for a minimum of two years in their position, may also indicate their interest.
• When ad-hoc rotational position vacancies are made available as they arise by DHR, Pathways Pool members will be able to indicate their interest (i.e., bid) for these positions.

If I leave IOM, will I be automatically excluded from the Pathways Pool?

No. Upon separation from service or transfer to another Organization, IOM staff members who are members of the Pathways Pool may continue to be members. The same applies to staff members on Special Leave Without Pay.

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

The membership is generally valid for three years, at which point it will be reviewed and a decision taken on further inclusion of up to an additional two years (which will, among other things, depend on having shown interest in available positions).

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

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

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.

How does promotion apply following the assessment centre?

Once you have successfully passed the Pathways Pool assessment centre and are appointed to a position, your appointment will be made at the grade for which you were assessed. If you have passed the assessment for a level that is higher than your current grade, you will be eligible for placement at the higher grade.

 Is the assessment taking place once a year in person?

Normally yes, but DHR is also developing an online ad-hoc assessment centre to fill gaps outside of the annual assessment centre exercise.

Are the test scores eliminatory from the assessment centre?

The test results are taken into account together with other requirements.

I have applied for a P4 Chief of Mission position and been assessed as a “star” for both P4 and P5 positions. Can I express an interest for a D1 Chief of Mission position or do I have to re-take the assessment first?

Currently, P4 and P5 Chief of Mission roles are assessed together and candidates who pass the assessment are included in the Pathways Pool for Chief of Mission roles both at P4 and P5 levels. However, if you want to apply for a D1 Chief of Mission role, you do have to apply again for the Pathways Pool and re-take the assessment.

_{As of April 2024}