Technical Competency
Preparation and Planning
Anchoring the Competency into Recruitment Processes
Step 1: Integrating it into existing frameworks and procedures
For those with no existing Competency Framework, this is relatively simple and is does not require integration or finding an equivalent within your own system. For those with Competency Frameworks, such as the UN, European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) and other agencies and organisations, you can find a table below of associated values, behaviours or competencies within other frameworks to allow you to incorporate and test this competency within an equivalent in your existing system.
| Murad Code Technical Competency | UN System (Old Values and Competencies, New Values and Behaviours) | Other systems |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and Planning |
Old: Planning and Organisation
New: Analyse and Plan |
EPSO: Decision Making and Delivering Results, Working Together
MSF: Planning and Organising IRC: Client Responsive Programming Oxfam: Structured Planning |
Step 2: Adding language into your vacancy announcement, job description and Terms of Reference
In order to anchor this technical competency within the recruitment process, and onwards into expectations in terms of job performance, it is important to include wording in your vacancy announcement, job description and terms of reference. Some model wording for this competency is included below.
In the job/position tasks and responsibilities section:
“Integrate survivor-centred approaches into project cycle stages (design, implement, monitor/evaluate).”
“Recruit and select teams or partnerships which secure the right set of competencies and flexibility to adapt to individual survivor needs and choices.[MC 7.3-7.4] “
“Allocate appropriate time and resources (budgeting and tasking) to undertake the work safely and effectively in compliance with the principles of the Code, including ensuring expertise and input as necessary. “
“Ensure scoping, analysis and assessments, security and risk management, monitoring and review, contingency and emergency planning all adequately provisioned in budget.
“Integrate contextual and gender analysis and awareness into design and planning (and monitoring) of safe and effective work.”
“Design flexible methodology which allows for individual survivor needs and choices, and to meet changing circumstances.”
In the qualifications/experience section - what we are looking for?
“Proven track record of project preparation and planning for SCRSV work which complies with Murad Code Principles.“
“Demonstrated ability to design and plan for SCRSV information gathering or use activities with survivor rights and needs fore-grounded.”
Step 3: Designing written tests or interview questions which assess this competency
One of the most useful ways of understanding a candidate’s competencies is to set either case scenarios or hypothetical examples to understand what they would do and how they would do it. You can also test technical knowledge through written assessments. These can all be tailored to the relevant field of work or specific job. A few broad examples are provided below, both as written tests and for interview questions.
See for example: Understanding Gender, Diversity and Context: Question 2 (Hypothetical); Working with People of Diverse Genders, Abilities and Ages: Questions 1 and 2 (Technical); Risk Recognition: Question 2 (Hypothetical), Question 3 (Sample interview); Informed Consent: Question 4 (Technical Test); Safe Communication and Interviewing: Question 1 (Hypothetical), Question 1 (Technical).
Sample written test examples
Hypothetical (can be based on relevant context and job requirements):
See other competencies which include preparation and planning scenarios in the hypothetic case study questions.
Technical:
What foundational knowledge, mappings, assessments and understanding are required as preparation before SCRSV information gathering and use work starts?
What systems, protocols/procedures, processes, emergency response and support should be in place as part of preparation and planning for working with CRSV survivors?
Chose a principle from the Murad Code and explain how you would plan and prepare for its operationalise in the field/during a project.
How do you operationalise Principle 5.2 of the Murad Code for a short mission in another country?
Sample interview questions
Please share with us a work example of when you design flexible methodology that was able to adapt to individual survivor needs and realities on the ground.
Give me an example of when thorough preparation helped prevent harm or problems later in a project or interview.
Describe a situation where you learned the consequences of not preparing adequately. What did you change in your approach after that?