Energie Flashcards
How did you contribute to strengthening partnerships with the private sector during your internship at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees?
During my internship at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), I played a key role in enhancing partnerships with the private sector through several initiatives:
Communication Campaigns: I developed and implemented communication campaigns targeting both businesses and the general public. This involved creating tailored content for various platforms, including email campaigns, social media, and the organization’s website. These campaigns were crucial in raising awareness and fostering engagement with the private sector. Customized Donation Pages: I created customized donation pages to align with the specific desires of businesses. This required skillful use of HTML and demonstrated a personalized approach to each corporate partner, catering to their unique preferences and ensuring a more engaging and effective fundraising experience. Direct Relations with Private Sector Representatives: My role involved direct interaction with representatives from the private sector. This direct line of communication was instrumental in building strong, collaborative relationships, understanding their needs and expectations, and ensuring their ongoing engagement and support. Collaboration with a Donation Campaign Management Company: I also worked closely with a company specializing in managing donation campaigns. This collaboration was key to streamlining the donation process and making it more effective and accessible for both the private sector partners and individual donors. Benchmarking and Best Practices: I conducted benchmarking to identify best practices in the field. My proposals to the team, such as publishing infographics on the use of donations during humanitarian crises, were aimed at enhancing transparency and trust with our partners and donors.
In summary, my contributions at the UNHCR included developing effective communication strategies, creating customized engagement tools, fostering direct relationships with key private sector players, and implementing best practices to strengthen and maintain robust partnerships with the private sector.
Can you give us an example of a situation where you had to collaborate closely with private sector actors to achieve a common goal?
During the Ukraine emergency, there was a resurgence of interest in France regarding humanitarian issues, primarily focused on Ukraine but also more generally. In this context, I had the opportunity to work closely with private sector entities to achieve our mutual objectives.
Operational Collaboration with a Campaign Promotion Company: On a daily basis, we collaborated with a company responsible for promoting our fundraising campaigns. This partnership was crucial for operational efficiency. Our primary goal was to achieve the best possible return on investment to maximize online donations. This required constant communication, strategy alignment, and performance monitoring to ensure that our campaigns were effectively reaching potential donors. Building Relationships for Direct Donations: We engaged daily with companies interested in making donations. For significant donations, we offered a more personalized relationship. A notable example was with Decathlon, to sponsor the UNHCR’s fundraising for Ukraine. We provided them with a link to a fundraising platform for the UNHCR, in exchange for associating their brand with our cause. This collaboration enabled Decathlon’s customers to make donations to the UNHCR through a QR code, effectively leveraging their wide customer base to increase donations. Working with Intermediaries for Micro-Donations: We also established partnerships through intermediaries, particularly for setting up micro-donation schemes. This approach was effective in engaging a broader range of donors, making it easier for individuals to contribute small amounts, which cumulatively had a significant impact.
In summary, my experience during the Ukraine crisis involved multifaceted collaboration with the private sector, ranging from operational partnerships for campaign promotion to personalized relationships with major donors like Decathlon and intermediated efforts for micro-donations. These collaborations were key to maximizing the fundraising impact for humanitarian efforts.
En tant que stagiaire au Haut-Commissariat des Nations Unies pour les réfugiés, comment avez-vous géré les différences culturelles et les défis de communication avec des partenaires internationaux ?
During my internship at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), managing cultural differences and communication challenges with international partners was a key aspect of my role. Here’s how I approached these challenges:
Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness: Recognizing and respecting cultural differences was fundamental. I made it a priority to understand the cultural backgrounds and norms of our international partners. This understanding helped in tailoring my communication and approach to suit different cultural contexts, ensuring respect and effectiveness in our interactions. Effective Communication Strategies: Clear and concise communication was vital, especially when dealing with partners for whom English was not a first language. I focused on using straightforward language and avoiding jargon, which helped in minimizing misunderstandings and ensuring that our messages were accurately conveyed and understood. Active Listening and Empathy: I practiced active listening to truly understand our partners' perspectives and concerns. This approach not only facilitated smoother communication but also helped in building trust and rapport with our partners, which is crucial in an international setting. Adaptability and Flexibility: Working with international partners required a high degree of adaptability and flexibility. I was prepared to adjust my working hours to accommodate different time zones and was flexible in adapting to various communication styles and preferences. Leveraging Technology for Communication: We often relied on technology to bridge the communication gap. Tools like video conferencing, translation apps, and collaborative online platforms were instrumental in facilitating effective communication across different geographical locations. Continuous Learning and Improvement: I took every interaction as a learning opportunity. Feedback from colleagues and partners was invaluable for understanding how to improve and adapt my communication and cultural awareness skills.
In summary, my approach at UNHCR to managing cultural differences and communication challenges involved a combination of cultural sensitivity, clear and empathetic communication, adaptability, effective use of technology, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. These strategies were crucial in ensuring successful and harmonious collaborations with our diverse international partners.
During your internship at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, how did you contribute to building strong relationships with various stakeholders?”
During my internship at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), I played a significant role in establishing and nurturing solid relationships with diverse stakeholders. My approach focused on three key areas:
Trust and Frequent Communication: I prioritized building relationships based on trust, which was facilitated by maintaining frequent communication with stakeholders. This involved regular updates, transparent sharing of information, and open channels for dialogue, ensuring that all parties were aligned and informed about our activities and goals. Efficient Service Delivery: I ensured the rapid execution of tasks such as quickly setting up donation pages and promptly responding to requests and queries. This efficiency was crucial in demonstrating our commitment to stakeholders and in maintaining their engagement and support. Quick responses not only streamlined our processes but also reinforced the stakeholders' confidence in our ability to manage resources effectively. Courtesy, Patience, and Educational Approach: When dealing with individual donors, I employed a courteous, patient, and educational approach. This was particularly important in explaining the objectives and operations of the organization. By doing so, I helped stakeholders understand the impact of their contributions and fostered a deeper connection with our mission.
In summary, my contribution to building strong relationships at the UNHCR was centered around establishing trust through frequent and transparent communication, ensuring efficient service delivery, and engaging stakeholders with courtesy and an informative approach. This multifaceted strategy was effective in maintaining and strengthening our relationships with diverse stakeholders, which is crucial for the success of any humanitarian organization.
During your internship at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, you worked on managing fundraising campaigns. How did this experience develop your skills in analysis and stakeholder relationship management?
Stakeholder Relationship Management:
Engagement of personal qualities: My role required the utilization of personal skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving to effectively engage with stakeholders. Definition and implementation of common goals: I was involved in setting clear objectives for each campaign and ensuring that all stakeholders were aligned with these goals. Adaptability to contextual changes: The dynamic nature of fundraising campaigns demanded that I quickly adapt to changing situations and stakeholder needs. Transparency, neutrality, expertise: Maintaining transparency and neutrality was key in establishing trust. My role also allowed me to demonstrate and further develop my expertise in fundraising and stakeholder engagement.
Analysis of Relationships:
Monitoring of campaign performance, reporting, accounting: I was responsible for tracking the performance of fundraising campaigns, preparing reports, and overseeing the accounting aspects. Benchmarking, identification of best practices, proposals for evolution: Part of my role involved benchmarking against industry standards, identifying best practices, and making recommendations for improvements to our fundraising strategies.
In summary, managing fundraising campaigns at the UNHCR honed my skills in both stakeholder relationship management and analytical assessment. I developed a keen understanding of how to engage stakeholders effectively, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain transparency and expertise. Additionally, the analytical aspect of my role enhanced my ability to monitor campaign performance, conduct benchmarking, and propose strategic improvements.
What skills did you acquire during your internship at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees that would be useful to the Banque de France?
Technical Skills:
Interaction with businesses and individuals: I developed strong communication skills through regular interaction with both corporate and individual stakeholders. Donation management: I gained experience in managing donations, which involves careful handling of funds and ensuring their effective allocation. Analysis of campaign performance: I honed my ability to analyze and evaluate the performance of various campaigns, a skill that is transferable to financial analysis roles. Educational approach: I learned to effectively communicate complex information in an understandable manner, a skill that is valuable in various client-facing and educational roles.
Interpersonal Skills:
Working for values: I adhered to the ethics of an international civil servant, including neutrality, independence, expertise, transparency towards the public, solidarity, and sustainable performance. Teamwork in a diverse environment: I worked collaboratively in teams, often in English, with colleagues from different countries. Working in an international context: My experience in an international setting has equipped me with a global perspective, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to navigate complex international environments.
In summary, my internship at the UNHCR provided me with a combination of technical and interpersonal skills that are highly relevant to a role at the Banque de France. These include stakeholder interaction, financial management, analytical capabilities, educational communication, adherence to ethical principles, teamwork in a diverse environment, and experience working in an international context
How have your past experiences, particularly at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, prepared you for this position?
The position of an executive requires:
Expertise: Knowledge of economic subjects in general and the ability to monitor technical, evolving, sometimes complex topics. Openness to the world: The capacity to make decisions and establish and maintain lasting professional relationships with a variety of stakeholders. Serving the public interest: Overseeing practices and representing the interests of the Bank. Reporting: Preparing notes for the management and General Council on relevant subjects.
My experience at the UNHCR:
Generally, I have quickly become proficient in technical subjects within an international context. Openness to the world: Worked in an international team and established partnerships with the private sector, including both companies and individuals.
How has your role at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees influenced your understanding of global financial issues?
My experience has broadened my understanding that development financing involves a collaborative effort among various entities, including the public sector, businesses, and individuals. This comprehensive perspective is essential for grasping the multifaceted nature of global financial challenges.
What was the most significant challenge you faced at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Paris, and how did you overcome it?
Ukraine Emergency:
I started my position just one week after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
There was a movement of international solidarity.
The team was overwhelmed.
Joining in the context of an emergency required rapid adaptation and versatility. I became a ‘jack of all trades,’ assisting wherever the team needed help. I had to perform administrative tasks that weren’t originally part of my job description.
Another Challenge:
During the first half of 2022, UNHCR registered thousands of new donors who were not particularly interested in humanitarian issues before. A major strategic challenge was to further educate these new donors to keep them engaged with the cause and continue supporting UNHCR, whether for Ukraine or the organization as a whole. UNHCR was relatively unknown until then and suddenly gained media presence. This unprecedented situation required creativity and an educational approach.
Can you tell us about a particular experience during your internship at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and what you learned from it?
Another Challenge:
In the first half of 2022, UNHCR registered thousands of new donors who were not particularly interested in humanitarian issues previously. A significant strategic challenge was to raise awareness among these new donors to keep them engaged with the cause and continue supporting UNHCR, whether for Ukraine or the organization as a whole. The situation was unprecedented: UNHCR was relatively unknown until then and suddenly gained media presence.
What I Learned:
The need to demonstrate adaptability and responsiveness, to connect current events with their impact on my work. The importance of clear communication with team members about set objectives and strategic definition. Translating this strategy into concrete action, targeting donors based on available data.
You worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. How has this experience influenced your view of public service and solidarity?
My desire to enter public service and commit to solidarity existed even before joining UNHCR. These were the reasons I pursued the opportunity there.
Public service in international organizations is unique. There is a certain disconnection from the field, especially in a humanitarian IO. The importance of information is paramount. Twice a day, we received updates on humanitarian situations around the world, allowing us to get an idea of the situation’s evolution on the ground and adapt our strategies accordingly. This experience changed my view of public service by showing how crucial it is never to lose touch with the local level. I believe this is also true for the missions of the Banque de France.
Regarding solidarity, I discovered that there are many different levers to serve solidarity. Mobilizing funds from the private sector is one way. At UNHCR, the organizational culture means that people working there are naturally committed. You feel ‘alongside the refugees
What is your experience with statistical analysis tools, and how have you used them in the past?
I have a long-standing experience with Excel, which I use to solve everyday life problems.
Proficiency in Google Analytics (GA), Salesforce, and Excel macros.
I have applied these tools in digital marketing, monitoring the performance of communication campaigns, and developing statistics to illustrate my academic work.
Can you tell us about a specific situation during your internship at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees where you had to use your analytical skills to solve a problem?
A significant challenge was donor retention – transitioning from one-time to monthly donors.
I managed a massive amount of data due to the influx of new donors. I developed an Excel macro to automate some repetitive tasks. Utilized data extracted via Google Analytics. Analyzed the average difference in the amount between the first and last donation, according to donor types. This analysis helped identify which donor categories were most likely to be retained (those who were increasing their donations in amount and frequency). --> This led to the development of targeted communications with A/B testing
Comment votre expérience à la Représentation permanente de la France auprès de l’ONU à Genève a-t-elle influencé votre compréhension des relations internationales et de la diplomatie ?
My experience at the Permanent Representation of France to the United Nations in Geneva significantly enhanced my understanding of international relations and diplomacy.
Exposure to Multilateral Negotiations: Working in this environment, I was directly exposed to the complexities of multilateral negotiations. Observing and participating in these discussions among various nations helped me understand the intricate process of achieving consensus on global issues, from human rights to security and development matters. Understanding of Diplomatic Protocols and Etiquette: This experience deepened my knowledge of diplomatic protocols and etiquette. These are crucial in maintaining respectful and effective communication among different nations, each with its own cultural and political backgrounds. Insight into Global Issues from a French Perspective: Representing French interests gave me valuable insight into how national policies are shaped by, and in turn, shape international relations. It highlighted the balancing act of advocating for national interests while working towards common international goals. Development of Cross-Cultural Communication Skills: Engaging with diplomats and representatives from various countries enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills. This skill is vital in diplomacy, where understanding and respecting cultural nuances can significantly impact negotiation outcomes. Real-World Application of International Law and Policies: My role involved applying theoretical knowledge of international law and policies in real-world situations. This practical application was pivotal in understanding the legal frameworks governing international relations. Networking and Relationship Building: Building a network of contacts and establishing strong professional relationships was a key part of my role. These relationships are crucial in diplomacy, where information exchange and alliance building can be instrumental in policy formation and decision-making.
In summary, my tenure at the Permanent Representation of France to the UN in Geneva provided me with a comprehensive understanding of international relations and diplomacy, equipping me with the skills and insights necessary for effective participation in the global diplomatic arena.
Can you give us a specific example where you had to demonstrate diplomacy and tact in your work at the Permanent Representation of France to the UN in Geneva?
My daily work involved communicating about the issues addressed at the Mission. This included managing social media, liaising with journalists, engaging with NGOs, and writing articles for the website.
I frequently met with journalists to provide them with information, aiming to promote France’s vision through these interactions.
In these roles, diplomacy and tact were essential. For instance, when dealing with journalists, it was crucial to strike a balance between being transparent and maintaining the necessary discretion about sensitive diplomatic matters. This required a deep understanding of the topics at hand and the ability to convey France’s stance in a way that was informative yet mindful of the broader diplomatic implications. Similarly, in communications with NGOs, I had to navigate diverse viewpoints and interests, ensuring that our engagement was constructive and respectful of different perspectives. These experiences honed my diplomatic skills, teaching me the art of effective communication in an international setting
