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World Food Programme Future International Talent Pool — Frequently Asked Questions

Things you need to know when you consider applying for the World Food Programme (WFP)'s FIT Pool
, World Food Programme
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Photo: WFP/Giulio D'Adamo

How do I apply for the FIT Pool?

You can easily apply through the WFP FIT Pool page by clicking on the opportunity you are interested in under the “Currently Open Pools” heading.

Should you see nothing on this page, it may mean that we currently do not have an opening. We recommend you monitor the website to avoid missing the right opportunity. You can also sign up for job alerts after registering your profile in E-recruitment.

When are FIT Pool vacancy announcements advertised?

FIT Pool announcements are advertised regularly, based on organizational needs. We recommend you monitor the website to avoid missing the right opportunity. You can also sign up for job alerts after registering your profile in E-recruitment.

Can I apply for more than one FIT Pool announcement?

Interested professionals may apply for all FIT Pool announcements for which they qualify. We recommend reading carefully the requirements needed for the role and level you are interested in before applying.

May I apply to multiple levels ( P2, P3, P4) of a specific FIT Pool?

Candidates may apply to multiple levels of a given FIT Pool. We recommend reading carefully the requirements needed for the role and level you are interested in before applying as these may differ. 

If I apply to multiple levels, do I go through the recruitment process for each level separately?

If you apply to multiple levels, you will be going through the FIT Process at the highest level applied. Higher levels include evaluation criteria at each stage for candidates that apply to multiple levels in order to be assessed also for the lower level applied. Candidates are also asked in their online application whether they wish to be considered for a lower level. 

What are the differences between P2, P3 and P4 level?

The main difference lies in the progressively higher number of years of relevant experience. P2 level requires a minimum of 3 years, P3 a minimum of 5 years and P4 a minimum of 8 years. Overall requirements may differ, so we recommend reading carefully the minimum requirements needed for the role you are interested in before applying.

What are the steps of the FIT Pool application process?

All candidates that apply to a FIT Pool and pass the pre-screening application questions will be invited to take a technical assessment; screened against the requirements; invited to take the 2nd UN language test; invited to attend a panel interview and conduct a background checks. Kindly note that candidates move to the next step only if they successfully passed the previous one.

Will I be notified of the successful or unsuccessful outcome of applications?

All applicants are informed of the result of their application for each position and level applied at each step of the FIT Pool recruitment process irrespective of its outcome.

If I have a 2nd UN language certificate, do I undergo the language testing step of the FIT Pool process?

If you have a 2nd UN language certificate, you can submit it for verification. If the submitted certificate is found to be valid upon verification, you may not need to undergo the language testing stage. It is a minimum requirement to hold at least an intermediate level of a 2nd UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or working knowledge of Portuguese.

If I speak more than one 2nd UN language, do I have to prove proficiency for all of them at the language testing step?

During the

Language Testing stage of the FIT Pool recruitment process, candidates are required to prove their proficiency to only one of the 2nd UN Languages. However, you are still encouraged to update the information on any other 2nd UN language you speak and its proficiency level in your e-recruitment profile. 

Does being a member of the FIT Pool guarantee a job for me at WFP?

When we receive a request for recruitment, FIT Pool members that best meet the specific requirements of the post (e.g. language, special skills) will be put forward to the Hiring Manager. In this case, the Hiring Manager may opt to have an informal discussion with you. If you are selected, you will receive an offer of employment on a Fixed-Term International Professional contract. Kindly note that, while inclusion in the FIT Pool gives its members priority consideration for certain vacancies, it does not guarantee that they will automatically be recruited.

How long will my FIT Pool membership be valid?

All successful candidates will be placed in the FIT Pool for a period of 2 years. FIT Pool memberships may then be extended based on the function needs.

If I am a FIT Pool member for a specific FIT Pool, may apply to other FIT Pools and Leves I qualify for?

FIT Pool members may apply to any other FIT Pool for which they qualify including higher level positions of their FIT Pool of membership. We recommend reading carefully the requirements needed for the role you are interested in before applying.

If I applied but was not accepted to the FIT Pool, can I re-apply in the future?

If you applied previously and were not included in the FIT Pool, you are welcome to re-apply when new FIT Pool announcements are advertised. Note that FIT Pool announcements are advertised according to organizational needs.

Does being an internal or external FIT Pool member makes a difference?

Internal and external FIT Pool members are considered equally. Once there is a request to fill in a position through FIT Pool, all members that meet the profile (internal or external) for the specific role and duty station will be proposed to the Hiring Manager.

As a FIT Pool member can I refuse a position or give preference for duty stations?

Mobility is the essence of WFP and continues to be a core contractual requirement for the FIT Pool. Therefore, refusing the first offer could lead to exclusion from the pool. As a FIT Pool member, it is required from you to be readily available and mobile to accept the first position offered to you. However, exceptional personal circumstances, may be taken this into consideration should you be unable to accept the first position offered. 

What would the benefit packages be?

For more information, please visit UN salary calculation and UN salary and benefits

Who can I contact in case of any question related to the FIT Pool process?

Please contact hq.fitpool@wfp.org