How competency-based interviews work
Panels seek specific evidence from past behaviour. Prepare several concise examples and structure each answer as Situation, Action and Result. Explain your personal contribution, decisions, challenges, outcome and learning.
Practice questions
- Tell us about a time you delivered a difficult result under tight constraints.
- Describe a conflict within a team or partnership and how you addressed it.
- Give an example of using evidence to change a programme decision.
- Describe a time you managed competing priorities and deadlines.
- Tell us about a mistake or setback and what you learned.
- Give an example of influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
- Describe how you protected quality, ethics or safeguarding under pressure.
- Tell us about adapting your approach to a different culture or context.
- Give an example of improving a process, system or service.
- Describe a time you communicated complex information to a non-technical audience.
Preparation checklist
- Review the vacancy duties, competencies and evaluation criteria.
- Research the organisation, programme and operating context.
- Prepare different examples for teamwork, results, communication, judgement, integrity and learning.
- Quantify results and be ready for probing questions about your exact role.
- Practise aloud without memorising a script.
- Never invent an example; discuss genuine challenges and lessons honestly.
UN competency-based interview guidance • UNICEF assessment guidance