I submitted an application online and received an invitation for an interview within a month, and accepted the interview date they proposed, a week after the invitation. The interview was challenging relative to the tasks advertised. In addition, I was asked questions in the three languages listed on my resume and the interview lasted 20 minutes longer than expected. Interviewers were courteous and professional. They underscored their need to fill the vacancy immediately and I was told I would be given an answer within 10 days. Given the reputation of the organization, the sense of urgency, and their apparent professionalism, I expected better communication. The interviewers only responded to my second follow-up two weeks later. I was told to wait while HR provided feedback. Then, total silence...

I applied for an Associate Project Officer role at one of the programs of the ICMPD based in Malta. The process was rather quick. Consisted of one written assignment and one Skype interview with a panel of three. Six business days after the deadline I was contacted as being shortlisted for the position and asked to complete a written assignment. To doing so, they gave three options (time slots) spread out across the week. As selected and announced, they sent us the assignment by email and asked us to return it within 4 hours hours. It was designed to test one of the required skills for the job, namely drafting / writing skills and filtering / conveying relevant information. So they sent around 5 PDF files with background information on an event and asked to create a max. two page policy brief within four hours. The policy brief should also refer to specific key macropolitical policy documents that were relevant for the program (UN Agenda 2030, New Urban Agenda). After that, they selected some of the best for Skype interviews. The panel consisted of the two program manager, regional coordinator, and another team member. The questions were pre-arranged by a catalogue and strict time limits, not allowing for much human interaction. Practicing competency based interviewing will be key for success on this stage. They announced that the best from the interviews may be asked to submit further writing samples (of pieces they already have) - but I did not make it to that stage. To me personally, it felt like a cold working environment but this is up to everyone on their own to evalute. Sample questions are below - Good luck!