The examination will consist of a written examination and an interview.

• The written examinations:

  The written examination consists of the following two parts:
  

  • a general paper which tests drafting skills (forty-five minutes); and
  • a specialized paper (three hours and forty-five minutes) which tests the substantive knowledge of the particular occupation that the candidate is applying for.

  In cases where the number of candidates sitting the written examination is high, the essay section of the specialized paper will be eliminatory.

  The written examination questions are given in English and French, the two working languages of the Secretariat. Candidates must write their answers for the general paper in English or French. However, they may write their answers for the specialized paper in English, French or any of the other four official languages of the Secretariat, i.e., Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish.

  The written examinations will take place during February 2009. The exact date and time will be announced in the convocation notification.

  Travel expenses to and from the site of the written examination are NOT borne by the United Nations.
  
  

• The interview:

  On the basis of performance in the written examination, the Board of Examiners will invite selected candidates to the interview, which will normally take place in the second half of 2009.

  The interview will be conducted in English or French, the two working languages of the Secretariat.

  The travel of candidates to and from the location of the interview will be at the expense of the United Nations in accordance with its rules.
  
  

• Successful after the examination:

  Following the completion of the interviews, the Board of Examiners will recommend to the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Resources Management of the United Nations the most suitable candidates.

  Successful candidates will be placed on a reserve list of qualified candidates.

  The decisions of the Board of Examiners regarding the results will be final and are not subject to appeal. The Board does NOT release individual results.

  Successful candidates may be called upon to serve at the U.N. Headquarters in New York or at other duty stations in Africa, Asia, Europe or Latin America.