What is NETI?

The New and Emerging Talent Initiative (NETI) is an entry point for dynamic professionals interested in an international career with UNICEF. As part of UNICEF’s global talent management strategy to achieve the organisation’s current and future goals, the NETI Programme focuses on attracting, selecting, developing and retaining talent from entry to mid-career levels to grow and to develop in the organisation. NETI participants work actively in multicultural environments within the development and humanitarian arenas while contributing to delivering results for children.

Programme structure

NETI participants are given an initial one year work appointment that begins with a one month induction at UNICEF New York Headquarters (NYHQ). During this one month period NETI participants familiarize themselves with UNICEF and get the chance to meet HQ colleagues from the functional areas in which they will work during their field assignment. Participants are then deployed globally to a field or headquarters duty station for the remaining 11-month period. During their assignments, the NETI participants receive dedicated support for their development at the induction at New York Headquarters and through the mentoring and external coaching components, which help develop their personal and professional skills and maximize their performance.

Since merit and performance are the key features of the NETI Programme, a rigorous and continued assessment process takes place throughout their assignments. At the end of the first year and based on a performance review, NETI participants’ appointments are extended for a second year in their specific duty station or, if necessary, separated from the NETI Programme. After about 18 months from the time of their initial appointment, a performance review panel is held. This final review includes a comprehensive evaluation where participants’ overall performance in the NETI Programme is reviewed, and their suitability to be included into Talent Groups and to be given priority consideration for vacant positions is also determined.

Interested candidates must share the United Nations values and ideals, and be able to listen to and understand the ideas and concerns of the people UNICEF serves. Similarly, interested candidates must be able to communicate, and work strategically and effectively with others to achieve results. Additionally, it is critical for candidates to be geographically mobile and willing to serve in emergency and hardship duty stations.

For more information about the NETI Programme, please click on the corresponding sections on the left tool bar.

Timeline for the NETI Programme