Game Shifter - Igniting General Service (GS) staff potential

Course Objectives

The UN System Leadership Framework stresses that leadership occurs in many contexts and at all levels. Personnel of the UN system, regardless of their level, duties or location are therefore all called to lead and we acknowledge that the General Service staff have a great untapped potential for leadership.

As a response, the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) is launching Game Shifter leadership development lab created specifically for UNOG's General Service staff. Normally running from September to November, Game Shifter is a rigorous 12-week experiential learning programme, in which a cohort of 16-20 participants will work with a seasoned team of organizational psychologists, business strategists and change leaders to rediscover their superpowers, reframe their self-awareness and learn practical skills that will empower them to transform their professional trajectories. Teaching methodology will include 2 full-day in-person sessions, virtual check-ins and individual asynchronous learning assignments.

Sponsor support is a fundamental success factor of this programme, an element that sets it apart from traditional leadership development programmes. A strong partnership between the participant and their sponsor will offer tangible opportunities for Game Shifters to keep practicing their skills in the workplace once the programme is completed. Interested staff are highly encouraged to discuss their interest to participate in the lab with their manager to obtain their commitment to support them throughout, as well as following the completion, of this learning experience.

How to Apply: 

Nominations Process normally runs from July to August, and consists of:

• an intake form (see sign up links below) to be completed by the participant (See Information Packet here)
• Optional but highly recommended: a letter of commitment signed by the sponsor to support the participant on their Game Shifter journey (template attached)
• a short bio or updated PHP of the applicant

Who can enrol?

• Staff members from the General Service at any level. For non-UN Secretariat applicants, please make sure to get your training focal point's approval.
• Fixed-term or permanent/continuing appointment.
• Minimum of five years continuous service with the UN Secretariat

Nominations are considered on a rolling basis, until programme capacity is reached at 20 participants. 

If you are ready to ignite change in yourself and those around you, sign up via the registration link below:

2024 Registration link (Specific dates of the prorgamme can be found in the registration link):

For UN Secretariat staff: https://forms.office.com/e/6PBYnZW7tb

For non-UN Secretariat staff based: https://forms.office.com/e/VMekrKEXZX

Target audience

Staff members from the General Staff category

Remarks: 

Game Shifter is available for all UN entities, in three languages, English, French and Spanish. If you are interested in this activity, please contact us by sending an email to clm_mc@un.org. 

Duration

equivalent to 5 days spread over 2.5 months (mix of virtual and in-person sessions)