Most NGO and UN interviews test two things: can you deliver the technical work, and do you live the organisation’s values? Prepare evidence for both.
Formats you may face
Answer with STAR
Prepare 6 to 8 STAR stories covering teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, handling conflict, working under pressure, integrity, communication with communities and delivering results.
Questions to practise
Why do you want to work for us?
Link the organisation’s mandate and a specific programme to your own experience and motivation. Show that you have read their strategy or recent reports.
Tell us about a time you managed a difficult stakeholder.
Choose a real example with a government partner, community leader or donor. Show listening, negotiation and the result.
How do you ensure accountability to affected populations?
Mention feedback and complaints mechanisms, community participation, safeguarding and adapting programmes based on feedback.
Describe a project that did not go to plan.
Be honest, focus on what you did to recover it and what you changed afterwards.
How do you handle safeguarding concerns?
Show you know the organisation’s reporting procedure, confidentiality and survivor-centred principles, and that you would act.
What are your salary expectations?
Research the organisation’s scale or the UN salary scale for the grade. Give a range and show flexibility.
Your preparation checklist
- Re-read the vacancy and list the competencies being tested.
- Research the organisation’s mandate, strategy, programmes in the country and recent news.
- Prepare STAR stories and one or two relevant numbers for each.
- Test your camera, microphone and connection for video interviews; have a quiet space and a backup phone number.
- Prepare 2 to 3 questions about priorities, the team, reporting lines and next steps.
- Know your availability, notice period and salary range.
After the interview
Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours if you have the recruiter’s contact. Recruitment in large organisations can take weeks; if the timeline passes, one polite follow-up is fine. Keep applying in the meantime, and remember that no genuine employer will ask you to pay for a medical, visa or training after an interview.
