Irish Aid Junior Professional Internship 2013

bakewell

Was selected for interview for the last round of recruitment for the 2012 JPI scheme with Irish Aid and have been informed I am now on the panel for upcoming positions. Anyone out there any idea what likelihood there is of positions becoming available anytime soon?

clonkers45

Not sure when you were interviewed as I know that there were a few intakes this year. But anyway I was interviewed arounf June time. Like you I was told that I was not being offered a placement at that particular time but that I would be put on a panel. In August I was contacted and informed that a position had opened up. I was in fact lucky as my predecessor in my job had left half way through her contract. So I would guess you would need that to happen again. There are about thirty of us so you never know.

Hope this is of some help.

bakewell

Thanks very much for your reply. I was interviewed in November so here's hoping. They suggested a few people were leaving around April/May???

sarkozy

I did this 2009-10 (Round 1). Since then, the system has changed. A panel is perfectly normal for public service recruitment. The gist I hear is some new positions are created here and there, though I'm not sure which of those are in the field, Limerick or Dublin. Also, there's those whose contracts are ending, and people who break their contracts depending on their personal experience of the role they get and whether they get an opportunity they can't pass up.

In my time, there were roughly 22 JPIs, so it makes sense there are about 30'ish. I hope the recruitment process is quicker than it was for me!

Stefan Thor

I'm currently writing my application for the JPI opening with deadline on 4th October. In relation to this I have a couple of questions which I hope you can help me answer:

1) Should I only submit the application form? No reference letters? No motivation statement?
2) I'm a foreigner (Danish), but I have studied in Ireland. Do they tend only to select Irish?
3) In the ToRs there is no specific job description. Is this normal or did I miss something?
4) Would it be a good idea to give them a call and ask them a few questions?

I'm 29 years old, graduated 2 years ago and have a bit of relevant experience working in development aid abroad. Does the average JP intern have more experience?

Thanks a million for answering my questions!

bakewell

Hi Stefan,

In answer to you questions:

1. I would submit anything you have that you feel would help your application. I had listed references (which they ask for) and they didn't even contact them.

2. If you are an EU citizen - you are entitled to apply. I know they have taken Polish JPI's so I do not think the fact that you are Danish would be any disadvantage.

3. You could be posted to any one of the different divisions within Irish Aid so your role could vary greatly. Therefore it is difficult for them to provide a job description. I would concentrate on trying to get across to them you're specific skills and experience and how this would help them in placing you with in a specific section beit development education, humanitarian assistance, livelihoods, gender etc....

4. You could call - and I'm sure they would be happy to talk to you but again as per number 3 -the application is more about you and what you can offer and how you could be assigned to a section/embassy. They will not be able to give you and indication of a potential job description. The interview is more like a discussion about you're experience and interests and knowledge of development/humanitarian issues. Basic understanding of issues such as governance etc. I had relatively little experience although the experience I did have was in a difficult environment which I think was of help. You're profile seems exactly what they are looking for.

hope this helps.

bakewell

and in you application make sure to write 'your' not 'you're' - sorry was in a hurry.

Stefan Thor

Hi Bakewell, Thank you very much for your quick reply. It was a great help and very much appreciated! I wish you good luck at Irish Aid. Kind regards, Stefan

Sunnies Washington

Hi There

Does anyone have any more information on the interview process for this? If i get through, is the first interview a competency based interview or is it more about my experience and what i know about irish aid?

With thanks

mcmo

Hi there,

Just wondering if you could provide advice or guidance about what the interview entails? Thanks very much

clonkers45

Hi MCMO

It has been a while since I did my interview so my information may no longer be relevant. It is largely a competency based interview based on the competencies which you said you possessed on your application form. They picked two of the four I had selected and quizzed me on those. You will likely be interviewed by a panel of people from different sectors so there will be people with different knowledge bases who will ask you about different aspects of your competencies. It is probably better to pick competencies that they will be interested in. Have a look at the most recent policy document 'One World, One Future' to see what they are currently interested in.

In addition to this I was also asked about what I knew about Irish Aid. Dont discount this. My supposed lack of knowledge of Irish Aid was given as a reason as to why I wasnt offered a job initially and was put on a panel. I did actually get a job in the end but I might have got one sooner if I had more knowledge of Irish Aid.

Anyway, hope this will be of some help. Good luck with the interview.

mcmo

Hi Clonker45,

Thanks very much for your detailed reply. May I ask what your job entailed? I know there must be a great variety in the jobs depending on the needs at the time. Do you know if most are based in Limerick, Dublin or abroad?

Thanks

clonkers45

MCMO

In relation to where you would be based, in my time there was a JPI in every overseas development mission (except Vietnam) at one time or another. There was also one based in Paris working on OECD related stuff. I did also hear of one in the past being based in Geneva but not sure if this is just an unfounded rumour. There was then I guess about 15 or so based in Ireland. The vast majority were based in Limerick with the only ones based in Dublin that I am aware of being those who were specifically recruited as communications staff.

The jobs themselves vary widely. In HQ you are assigned to a particular section where you will support the work of that section, be it nutrition, environment, civil society etc. Depending upon the section you get assigned to there will be more or less chance to get involved in programmes which is where I assume your interests lie. I was based in an overseas mission and while I had some specific responsibilities, I generally acted as support to the different advisers as necessary. The mission I was in was relatively small though so I dont know if things would have been different if I were in a larger mission.

belgowho

Anyone else doing interviews for new intake?

belgowho

belgowho wrote: »

Anyone else doing interviews for new intake?

bump

PJ12388

belgowho wrote: »

bump

I interviewed on the 20th but haven't heard back. How did you find the interview? Is there only one round? Do you know when we should hear results?

belgowho

PJ12388 wrote: »

belgowho wrote: »

bump

I interviewed on the 20th but haven't heard back. How did you find the interview? Is there only one round? Do you know when we should hear results?

Interviewed on 20th also but it could be a while before we hear. Interview was fine, straight to the point.
I asked about 2nd interview and chair said the panel would be formed now (if I heard him correctly) which could imply there is just the 1. Let's hope we hear soon!

PJ12388

@belgowho thanks for the information. my interview seemed quite heavy on competency / based on my own past experiences, with not a lot of focus on the actual work of irish aid itself. was your experience similar? i'm very excited to hear back from them

PJ12388

Also very curious about how many applied / how many interviewed / what the intake figures will be. i suspect that the amount of people applying cannot be that high, as there are not that many masters in the country in relevant areas and i did not see heavy advertising for the position.

belgowho

Mine was competency also which I probably faltered on somewhat as I tried to bring in my experience more.
Its a panel of 20. My guess is they interviewed 20 (I guess this as interview email was automated and stated all interviews will be latter half of week beginning 18th. Cant interview more than 20 people at end of a week..). They will rank and maybe take in 5-10? Only advertising I saw was on Irish Aid, Facebook.
Masters in Development is not an uncommon one to have. I think the experience though is what they're looking for (goes without saying really). 
Excited to hear myself!

PJ12388

I guess with the competency questions nobody will feel 100% satisfied - I also found them tough. If it's a panel of 20 and they are hiring 5-10 in the intake that would leave everyone with a good shout it would seem! I think even if they only take 5 there would still be a chance over the next 6-12 months to potentially be hired if you are on the panel so perhaps there is even a 50/50 chance within the year. May I ask, why do you think it may be a while before we hear? If not that many people were interviewed I'm not sure why it would take a long time for decisions.

Wish you the best of luck with the result in any case!

CommaEmma

Hi,

Did anyone get an email back yet? Received an email saying I've been placed on the panel - no mention of how many places will be filled.

I asked one of the women that were bringing interviewees up to the room how many were being interviewed each day and she said approx 6 by my interviewers. However there was a second room of interviewers so maybe the number was slightly higher this year? They are slowly increasing the Irish Aid budget too.

Congrats to anyone else on the panel!

belgowho

Well done, Emma. I missed this year unfortunately Do you mind me asking what your background/experience is? Can pm me if you prefer

Daisies

Hi all,

I got an email yesterday saying I was number 10 on the panel. I asked the lady who was bringing me to the room on the day if they had many to see. There was 20 to be seen on the Wednesday, 3 different panels.

Anyone have any idea as to how long it will take me to hear back regarding a placement?

PJ12388

belgowho wrote: »

Well done, Emma. I missed this year unfortunately Do you mind me asking what your background/experience is? Can pm me if you prefer

I also didn't make it and would be very curious to know the backgrounds of people who have been panel listed, if people would be willing to share? It would really help to guide what I should be doing for a better chance next time..


Well done to all those listed!

Daisies

PJ12388 wrote: »

I also didn't make it and would be very curious to know the backgrounds of people who have been panel listed, if people would be willing to share? It would really help to guide what I should be doing for a better chance next time..


Well done to all those listed!

I have no problem sharing.

I'm an optometrist for 10 years but I spent 1.5 years lecturing in Malawi (i.e. capacity building in a Key Partner country). I then completed a masters in international public health 2 years ago.
I think my biggest help was a friend who looked over my application and told me about using "Irish Aid speak" and how to properly answer the competency questions

CommaEmma

Hi,

No problem at all - I've a background in communications and I also have a MA in Conflict.

I think they were looking for a mixed set of skills but did stress that JPI's could be placed in any role despite their background.

Best of luck in applying for the next intake.

belgowho wrote: »

Well done, Emma. I missed this year unfortunately Do you mind me asking what your background/experience is? Can pm me if you prefer

Daisies

CommaEmma wrote: »

Hi,

No problem at all - I've a background in communications and I also have a MA in Conflict.

I think they were looking for a mixed set of skills but did stress that JPI's could be placed in any role despite their background.

Best of luck in applying for the next intake.

If you don't mine me asking Emma, did they tell you what number on the panel you were? Maybe see you there!

forgetfulme

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone has any updates on this process....I have some questions knocking around...
Have intakes taken place and people started or is this process still evolving? 
Are JPIs taken on in a big batch initially or gradually to fill positions as required? 
What is the balance between Ireland and internationally based work for a JPI?

varning

I noticed this thread earlier and it was like a blast from the past. A different lifetime ago I was in this boat, the whole development sector, and I just had to sign up to give fair warning to people. Whats the point of having experience if you don't share it for the benefit of others?

In a nutshell, my advice is "don't do it".

I worked in the development sector for a long time, ignoring the obvious staring me in the face for years and years. Luckily I turned things around and got out before it was too late.

First of all, consider this. In order to get this lowly paid internship position, you have to have several years "experience", practically mandatory to be in a developing country, most usually where you will have to pay for the pleasure in the first place. Its a "pay to play" industry.

You will often need more than one degree. Worth it, for the time and money involved? I don't think so.

Ask yourself what position you will be in after doing this internship? Are you going to walk into a job? Not a chance. As I'm sure is still the same, you will see that jobs in the development sector in this country often require ridiculous barriers to entry, such as "must have worked in three different war zones" etc. The fact of the matter is that after doing this internship (after all the effort to even become eligible), is that you will be staring down the barrel of more and more internships. Unless.....

Nepotism. The entire industry here (and elsewhere) is rife with this. Some of the personal stories of "who you know" are out of this world. Don't forget corruption too, tighter and tighter regulation from the likes of irish aid is only necessary because of how bad a state the industry is in to begin with. A whole raft of staff left irish aid not too long ago.

If you think the likes of the UN is going to work out, you better be prepared to deal with everything wrong here, multiplied by 50. The regulations coming down more and more mean that as a European, you are automatically disqualified from eligibility. NO B and NO A positions are more and more common. In other words, locals only. If youre lucky enough to get into the UN, be prepared for more and more shock at whats really going on. Literally years waiting to hear back about job applications, while knowing first hand that some jobs are being "created" with a particular person already in mind. If you see very particular, unusual requirements (must speak Swahili and dutch, for example), you know its already a done deal.

If you manage to squeeze into the industry somehow or other, be prepared for neverending contracts and very little stability. Did you die or get murdered in some other country on mission? Expect it to be almost covered up and kept hidden from the public. Thankless.

Ever fancy getting a mortgage or loan from a bank? Go in today and mention you work in the development industry, see their reaction. Doesn't matter how much money you are making.

On the plus-side, its certainly "impressive" to mention you work for the likes of the UN among strangers. It certainly has a prestige attached to it. But trust me, that stuff gets old. Its also nice to see many foreign places and work in unusual conditions. If you have little experience and want to try something new, go for it (but then you need lots of experience for this internship even). If you are well established in another profession and want to take a break, no harm in that too.

I wish someone had been around to tell me the real deal with all of this stuff when I started out, but you only find these things little by little as you go along, time going out the window when you could have been doing something far more beneficial.

To sum up, if I could go back in time, I wouldn't touch this stuff with a bargepole. If you are already neck-deep, constantly scrambling to keep up with ridiculous expectations, just drop it now like a hot potato and start over. Now is better than later. Although some people might make it all the way through and it works out, the odds are severely stacked against you and it can cause undue amounts of stress over long periods of time. Its not worth it.

There, I've said my piece, hopefully some find it informative. Good luck with whatever youre all doing

varning

I'll add one last bit. My last contract in the UN was the straw that broke the camels back.

You have to realise that these international organisations are essentially two-tier now. There are those who joined man years ago, and the new entrants (say, anyone within the last 10 years would be the "new "ones).

The conditions between the two are night and day. Older staff are guaranteed this and that, massive pay, massive pensions, bullet-proof conditions, extraordinarily excellent family conditions (such as spouse being given reference jobs if they move with you).

In contrast, the "new" staff have bugger all. Disposable work-hands. Literally everyone I started with in my last UN position ended up leaving because of the conditions. As one guy told me, his friend was in America working for a bank in a low/middling position, yet had far more stability than any of us. All that was left in the end were the older staff with their gilded conditions, and I have no doubt its gotten worse since then.

Even here in Ireland it is similar, there are those that joined up way back, able to take advantage of gigantic loopholes in tax etc. Those days are gone. A word to the wise!

PJ12388

Hi varning, are there any agencies you would advise trying to enter? Do you believe that all of the UN agencies are as bad as each other? What about Amnesty, Save the Children, World Bank, etc? I think the Irish Aid thing wouldn't be too bad - it's not great salary but it's enough to get by and basically an average salary for Ireland, plus could open up P2/P3 positions in UN after, no?

varning

Doing a year with the internship will certainly not be enough to get into p2 positions, nevermind p3. Now a person could get extremely lucky, but you don't want to base career decisions on luck.

p1 is basically non-existent now, bar a couple of programs they used to run in the likes of unicef (maybe they still do). The problem is the level of competition, coupled with exclusionary conditions such as locals only.

Unesco was wiped out after they challenged the US on isreal/Palestine, eliminating most of their budget.

World bank is notoriously corrupt in hiring practices, and perhaps even a level higher again in competition. They run a professionals program that is extraordinarily fierce, youre talking about people that prepare for it years in advance.

WHO seem to have a lot of p2 level stuff, but their basic requirements are sky-high, usually phd minimum plus international experience.

I could go on about all the different agencies, but they share the same characteristics. They are VERY difficult to get into, and require VERY serious planning years in advance to stand a chance that doesn't rely on luck.

All in all, the people in the likes of the UN are some of the brightest most committed people going, and to be perfectly honest, if these people put as much effort into other careers they would be top of the game. So that's why my overall advice is to seriously question getting into it in the first place when you could do so much better elsewhere for a fraction of the effort.

Not the most encouraging advice when you have your heart set on it, but like most things there is a serious lack of useful information provided to people at college level and onwards. Just be very careful about planning ahead and weigh the risks versus rewards for your efforts.

forgetfulme

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Does anyone have any info on how the JPI 2 year programme actually looks like?