20 UNHCR Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, UNHCR knows that every candidate is different. That’s why they tailor their questions to get to know each person’s skills, experience and motivations for wanting to work with them.

If you’re preparing for an interview with UNHCR, here are some sample questions to help you get started.

UNHCR Interview Process

The interview process at UNHCR can be quite long, depending on the position you are applying for. For intern positions, the process may only be a written test and an interview, while for more senior positions, the process may include multiple interviews, tests, and assessments. The difficulty of the interview questions can also vary depending on the position. Overall, the experience seems to be positive, with friendly staff and a professional atmosphere.

1. Why do you want to work for the UN?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in working for an international organisation. It’s also a good opportunity for you to show how passionate you are about humanitarian work and why you’re interested in joining UNHCR.

Example: “I’ve always been fascinated by the UN, especially its ability to bring together countries from all over the world to collaborate on important issues. I think it’s amazing that we have an organisation like this where countries can come together to help each other solve problems. Working for UNHCR would be a dream come true because I’d get to do meaningful work while being part of such an incredible organisation.”

2. What is your experience in an international environment? How does working with people from different cultural backgrounds affect your daily life?

The UNHCR is a global organisation that works with people from different cultural backgrounds. Your answer should show the interviewer your ability to work in an international environment and how you adapt to new cultures.

Example: “I have worked for my current employer for five years, where I am responsible for managing a team of 20 employees. My team members come from all over the world, including Europe, Asia and Africa. In this role, I’ve learned how to communicate effectively with people who speak different languages and have different cultural norms. For example, some of my colleagues prefer to give feedback verbally while others prefer written communication.”

3. Tell us about a time where you had to deal with conflict and how you handled it.

UNHCR employees often work in areas of conflict, so it’s important that you can handle difficult situations. When answering this question, make sure to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “I was working as a social worker for the Department of Children and Families when I had to deal with a case where a father was threatening his daughter because she refused to marry her cousin. The girl was only 14 years old at the time, but her father insisted on following through with the marriage. I spoke with the father privately and explained how forcing his daughter into an arranged marriage could have long-term effects on her mental health. He eventually agreed to let her wait until she turned 18 before marrying.”

4. Give us an example of when you worked on a project as a team and how that helped achieve goals.

The UNHCR is a global organisation, so it’s important to show that you can work as part of a team. This question helps the interviewer understand how you will fit into their existing team and what your experience working with others has been like in the past.

Example: “In my last position, I worked on a project where we had to create a new system for tracking refugees. We were a large group of people from different backgrounds, but we all came together to make sure our department was able to meet its goals. In the end, we created an excellent system that helped us track refugees more efficiently.”

5. Do you have any previous experience working with refugees?

This question is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you have some experience working with refugees. If you do, share your experiences and how they helped you develop into an effective employee.

Example: “I worked as a case manager for a refugee resettlement program in my hometown. I was responsible for helping newly arrived refugees find housing, enrolling them in school and providing them with basic necessities like food and clothing. It was a challenging job but also very rewarding. I learned so much about the refugee crisis and developed valuable communication skills.”

6. Have you ever traveled outside of the US? Where did you go?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with international travel. If you have traveled outside of the US, share a story about one of your experiences and how it helped you develop skills that are important for working at UNHCR.

Example: “I’ve only been out of the country once, but I learned so much from that trip. My family and I went on a cruise through the Caribbean when I was in high school. We visited several islands, including Jamaica, Aruba and Curacao. While we were there, my parents told me not to leave our hotel without them or anyone else. However, I snuck off to explore the island by myself. It was risky, but I’m glad I did because I got to see some beautiful views.”

7. If you were interviewing someone, what would be one quality you look for?

This question is a great way to show your understanding of the UNHCR mission and values. You can use this opportunity to explain why you are passionate about helping refugees, or how you would help others understand the importance of supporting refugees.

Example: “I think one quality I look for in an applicant is empathy. It’s important that we have compassion for those who need our help, but it’s also important that we’re able to put ourselves in their shoes and see things from their perspective. This helps us make better decisions when working with refugees.”

8. How would you deal with a country who was not complying to their refugee obligations?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. It also shows the interviewer how you would apply your knowledge of international law to solve problems.

Example: “I would first try to talk to them about their obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention, which they signed. If that didn’t work, I would contact my supervisor or other UNHCR officials for advice on what to do next. In some cases, we have had to take countries to court over noncompliance. However, this is only as a last resort.”

9. How do you think policy affects refugees?

This question can help an interviewer understand your knowledge of the refugee crisis and how you might approach policymaking. Use examples from your experience to show that you know how policies affect refugees, including both positive and negative effects.

Example: “I think it’s important for policymakers to consider the impact their decisions have on refugees. For example, in my last position as a social worker, I worked with a family who was trying to get asylum in the United States. The father had been working as a translator for the US military overseas when he was captured by insurgents. He escaped but was forced to leave his wife and children behind because they were too young to travel.

The mother and children applied for asylum at the same time, but the process took so long that the youngest child turned 18 before they could be reunited. Because of this, the oldest daughter wasn’t eligible for asylum and was deported back to her home country where she was killed.”

10. Which humanitarian crisis are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to show your passion for the work UNHCR does. It also helps employers understand what you hope to accomplish in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific crisis and how you would help solve it.

Example: “I am most interested in the refugee crisis in Syria. I have been following the news about this situation for years now, and I think there are many ways we could improve the lives of those affected by this conflict. For example, I believe that providing more education opportunities for children who have lost their homes will help them develop into productive members of society.”

11. Describe a time when you felt like you needed assistance but didn’t ask for help.

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. When answering this question, it can be helpful to explain how you overcame the challenge without assistance.

Example: “When I first started working at my current job, I was tasked with creating an entire marketing campaign for our company’s new product launch. While I had done similar projects in the past, I hadn’t worked on one of this scale before. I felt overwhelmed by the task but didn’t want to ask for help because I wanted to prove myself as capable. Instead, I spent extra time researching and planning out the project so that I could complete it successfully.”

12. What qualities make a good leader?

The UNHCR is a global organisation, so it’s important that you can lead others from different backgrounds and cultures. A good leader should be able to communicate effectively with their team members, inspire confidence in them and help them develop professionally.

Example: “A good leader should have the ability to listen to others’ ideas and opinions. They should also be able to make decisions based on facts and data. I believe that leaders should be empathetic and compassionate towards those they’re leading. It’s important for leaders to set an example by being ethical and honest at all times.”

13. Are you comfortable traveling alone?

The UNHCR is a global organisation, and you may be required to travel alone for work. Employers ask this question to ensure that you are comfortable with traveling on your own. In your answer, explain how much you enjoy traveling. Share an example of a time when you traveled by yourself.

Example: “I love traveling, so I am very comfortable doing it alone. When I was in college, I took a semester abroad in Italy. I had never been out of the country before, but I loved every minute of it. I learned so much about myself and other cultures. I think my experience studying abroad helped me decide to become a teacher.”

14. What qualities do you think are important in this role?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have done your research on this role and understand what qualities are important for success. You can use this question as a chance to highlight any personal traits or skills that match those of successful UNHCR employees.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities in this role is empathy, because it allows me to better understand the needs of refugees around the world. I also think patience is important, since working with people who are often in crisis situations requires compassion and understanding. Finally, I believe communication skills are essential, as they allow me to work well with others.”

15. What makes you unique compared to other candidates?

This question is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are passionate about your work and have unique skills. You can use this question to highlight any personal experiences or professional accomplishments that make you stand out from other candidates.

Example: “I am an excellent communicator, which I believe is essential for working in this role. In my last position as a social worker, I helped refugees find housing and employment. One of my clients was a refugee who had lost his family during war. He was struggling with depression and anxiety, but he wanted to get back on his feet so he could support himself. We worked together to create a plan where he would volunteer at a local library while also taking online classes. After six months, he found a full-time job and moved into his own apartment.”

16. Why should we hire you over another candidate?

This question is a great opportunity to show your passion for the UNHCR and its mission. You can use this question to highlight any unique experiences you have that make you an ideal candidate.

Example: “I believe I am the best candidate because of my previous work experience in refugee camps. In my last position, I worked with refugees who were displaced by war. I helped them find housing, food and medical care. I also spoke multiple languages, which allowed me to communicate with refugees from all over the world. This experience has given me valuable insight into what it’s like to be a refugee.”

17. What skills and experiences can you bring to UNHCR?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong understanding of what UNHCR does and how your skills and experiences can help you succeed in this role. When answering, it’s important to highlight any relevant experience or skills you have that are also listed on the job description.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others and believe that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities. I would love to work for UNHCR because I feel like my previous experience working with refugees will be helpful as I understand the challenges they face when trying to find safety. I’m also very empathetic and compassionate, which I think will make me a great candidate for this position.”

18. How would you handle a situation if you found out a colleague was taking advantage of refugees?

This question is a test of your integrity and moral compass. It’s important to be honest in your answer, but also show that you can work with others to solve problems.

Example: “I would first try to talk to the colleague about their actions. If they didn’t change their behavior, I would report them to my supervisor or manager. In this situation, it’s important to remember that we’re all human beings who make mistakes. However, if someone is taking advantage of refugees, I believe it’s our duty to report them.”

19. What has been your greatest achievement so far and why?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are passionate about your work and have the drive to succeed. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of an achievement that relates to the job description or one that shows how you’ve grown as a person or professional in the past few years.

Example: “My greatest achievement so far has been my ability to help refugees find safety and stability in their new homes. I love working with people who are going through challenging times and helping them feel more comfortable and safe. It’s rewarding to know that I’m making a difference in someone’s life.”

20. What areas of protection do you feel need to be improved on?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the organisation and how you can improve it. You should use examples from your experience working with refugees or other vulnerable populations.

Example: “I feel that one area where UNHCR could improve is in its ability to provide education for refugee children. In my last role, I worked with an NGO that provided educational opportunities for refugee children. It was inspiring to see the impact this had on their lives. I would like to work with UNHCR to implement similar programs.”