1. Dual nationality
The positions are also open for people with dual nationality.
a. If you have the Dutch nationality and a nationality from one of the recognised Developing Countries you can apply to the NL as well as the DC positions. However, the moment you enrol in the UN system the nationality you opted for at that moment will be your nationality in any of your future UN posts. (Although you can change once). Please note: if you opt to apply with a dual nationality for a DC position you should have at least part of your academic education completed in a DC country from the list. Having obtained both a BA/BSc and MA/MSc from outside a DC country will not make you acceptable as DC candidate.
b. If you have the Dutch nationality and one of another country you can apply to a NL position. However, the moment you enrol in the UN system the nationality you opted for at that moment will be your nationality in any of your future UN posts. (Although you can change once).
2. Applying for more than one advertised position
You are free to apply to as many different positions as you feel qualified for, both within the same organisation and by different organisations. But be aware that competition is stiff (often 200+ applicants/position) and that you have to prepare a strong motivation letter/section specific to the position concerned.
3. Nationals of other EU countries
In the past, nationals of other EU countries could apply for Netherlands-financed JPO positions. However, this is no longer possible.
4. Age limit
Unlike some other donors the Dutch JPO programme does not apply age limits.
5. Working experience
In the advertisement’s a relevant working experience of 2 – 4 years is indicated. This working experience refers to paid jobs, but may also include internships and voluntary work. How much weight is given to the internships and voluntary work depends on the organisation.
All work experience since obtaining a Bachelor’s degree may be considered. Please indicate whether your jobs were full-time or part-time job. Gaps in your CV may be questioned.
The maximum of 4 years relates to the fact that the JPO programme has a strong learning/training component and is not addressing people with substantial relevant working experience. The programme addresses applicants with limited UN experience (max 1 year).
6. Application language
All application documents should be in English, including the motivation letter. The full selection process is executed by the receiving organisation: the Dutch Ministry or Nedworc are not directly involved in this process.
7. Motivation letter/section
As you can expect many competitors, a strong, clear, convincing letter of motivation, separate or as section of the application form, is crucial. This is often the first thing the HR section will look at. Try to link your interest, experience and educational background to the job description and content. Convince the reader that you are an excellent candidate for the position. Do not repeat in detail what can be read in the CV/PH form. Present yourself as an outstanding candidate (not necessarily ‘the best’).
8. References
Only the shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit letters of reference. So, no need to attach them at your first application. It is advised that, if you are shortlisted and invited for an interview to contact your referees to prepare a letter (and send them a copy of the advertisement). This will allow them to prepare a letter and have it ready as soon as it is requested by the organization.
9. Written tests and Interviews
Only a selection of the applicants will be invited for a written test and, after that, for an interview. Written test are normally electronic. Interviews are conducted on-line. There is no need for travel to Geneva, New York or any other place.
10. Duration of the selection procedure.
It will take 4 – 6 weeks after the application deadline before shortlisted applicants are interviewed. If you have after 6 weeks of the deadline not received an invitation for a interview you were not shortlisted.
The final selection after the interviews takes another 6 weeks.
The preferred candidate will be directly contacted by the HR/JPO department of the Organisation. Unfortunately have most organisations the policy to wait with informing the unlucky interviewed applicants until they are sure the post is filled, adding at least another month to the uncertainty.
Nedworc will indicate on the website that the post is filled (PF) as soon as we know the preferred candidate has in principle accepted the offer.
For the selected JPOs it takes at least 3, but on average, 5 months between your application and the moment you board the plane to start your new job. The above estimates are based on experience from the past 3 years.
11. Resigning from an existing job
Please do not resign from your present job as long as you have not received a written offer . The organisations would like to have their selected candidate as soon as possible, but they are aware of the fact that their preferred candidate may have a job with a legally required period of resignation.