Central Review bodies (CRBs) play a vital role in ensuring that the UN staff selection process is efficient and transparent, yet many of us may not know much about them.
What are CRBs?
CRBs are bodies responsible for approving evaluation criteria for job openings before they can be published, as well as for reviewing and endorsing recommendations for filling a specific position. CRBs have the important role of checking that candidates have been evaluated using pre-approved criteria and that applicable procedures have been followed during the staff selection process.
There are 24 different CRBs, specializing in appointments and promotions of staff at different levels and in different locations. For example the Central Review Panel advises on the appointment and promotion of staff in the General Service and related categories in New York, whereas the Central Review Board for the Regional Commissions, reviews cases at the P-5 and D-1 level for the Regional Commissions. The Field Central Review Body reviews and provides recommendations of candidates for inclusion in rosters for job openings in peacekeeping operations and special political missions, who may subsequently be selected for specific job openings.
Ensuring global consistency
CRBs, regardless of location, are now unified by a standardized approach to their functions. All members apply the same Rules of Procedure, refer to the same manual and guidelines, and reference policies approved by OHRM/ DM.
The use of new technologies has also helped these efforts. The New York-based CRB Secretariat has provided web-based training to other duty stations and developed an online learning tool which guides CRB members step-by-step through their responsibilities. inspira is also used to review job openings, enabling members to login and complete their work from anywhere - even remote locations - and at any time of day or night.
Involving the Staff Union
CRBs are composed of members selected by the Secretary-General for each Central Review body in New York, Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi and the Regional Commissions. For the first time since 2003, the CRBs located at Headquarters also include members nominated by the Staff Union in New York. ‘We are delighted to have our colleagues participate and contribute to the important function of the CRBs’, Ms. Katia Tabourian, Chief of the CRB Secretariat in OHRM/DM, New York said of this development.
Find out more
Refer to the Secretary-General’s Bulletin on Central Review bodies, and the Administrative Instruction on the staff selection system for further information about the establishment and composition of the CRBs.