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UN competency-based interview questions and answers

Updated June 2026 · Competably

If you've been shortlisted for a UN role, you'll face a competency-based interview. Here's how it works, which competencies are assessed, and how to structure answers that score, using your real experience.

What is a competency-based interview (CBI)?

A competency-based interview asks you to describe real past situations to demonstrate the specific competencies a job opening requires. The underlying assumption is that past behaviour is the best predictor of future performance, so panels ask questions like "tell me about a time when…" and then probe for exactly what you did, decided and achieved.

Which competencies the UN assesses

UN vacancy notices still list the established competency framework, so start there: core values such as Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, plus competencies like Communication, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, Accountability, Client Orientation and Commitment to Continuous Learning, with extra managerial competencies for supervisory roles. The UN has also introduced a newer Values and Behaviours Framework that is being woven into its processes. Always prepare against the exact competencies named in your vacancy.

The STAR method

STAR is the recommended structure for every answer: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Set the context in a sentence or two, state the task or challenge, then spend most of your answer on the specific actions you took, and finish with a concrete, ideally measurable result. Aim for roughly one to two minutes, and keep the focus on your own contribution.

Example competency questions and how to answer

These are typical competency questions, not official UN questions, but they show the pattern to prepare for. For each, pick a real example and run it through STAR.

• Teamwork / Respect for Diversity: "Tell me about a time you worked in a diverse or multicultural team." Focus on how you adapted, included others and handled differences.
• Accountability / Drive for results: "Describe a time you delivered results under significant constraints." Name the constraint and the specific decisions that were yours.
• Planning and Organizing: "Give an example of how you managed competing priorities or a tight deadline." Show how you prioritized and what you delivered.
• Client Orientation: "Tell me about a time you met the needs of a difficult stakeholder or beneficiary." Emphasize how you understood the need and responded.
• Communication: "Describe a time you had to explain something complex or handle a disagreement." Show clarity, listening and the outcome.

An illustrative shape for an "Accountability" answer: Situation, two suppliers withdrew mid-project; Task, I had to keep delivery on track; Action, I renegotiated timelines, reallocated budget and communicated the change; Result, we still met the target on time. Use your own real example, not this one.

Common mistakes

• Answering in theory ("I would…") instead of a real past example ("I did…").
• Saying "we" throughout, so the panel can't tell what you personally contributed.
• Long context and no clear result; the strongest answers land the outcome.
• Inventing or embellishing examples, which falls apart when the panel probes.

How to prepare

Build a story bank: list real situations from your experience and tag each with the competencies it demonstrates, so you can match a strong example to whatever is asked. Map your bank against the specific competencies in your vacancy, practise out loud to keep answers to time, and make sure every story ends on a clear result.

Questions about UN competency interviews

This guide is general best-practice advice and is not official UN guidance. Example questions are illustrative. Competably is independent and not affiliated with the United Nations or any of its agencies.

Related: how to fill out the UN P11 form · glossary of UN application terms · FAQ.