Based on pilot user feedback and experiences, the functionality of the new tool has been significantly streamlined and improved. It is now more user-friendly and follows the same basic workflow as e-PAS (establishing a work-plan, mid-point review, and end-of-cycle evaluation).
The following three-point support network has been established in order to ensure that users will be able to obtain all the help they need.
• Focal Points: A comprehensive focal point network has been established at all duty stations and offices. Contact your local administrative/human resources/executive office for colleagues who have been trained locally.
• Help desk: A dedicated 24-hour help desk located inBangkok,Thailandis available for all system or technical related issues. They can be reached by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ link located on every Inspira page.
The training materials can be found under the ‘Training Materials’ section of inspira.
The following training tools have been developed to meet the needs of different learning styles.
• e-Performance Quick Guide: A three-page reference tool with step-by-step instructions for each phase of the process. This guide will address the needs of most users who need minimal guidance.
• e-Performance Handbook: A comprehensive 33-page manual with step-by-step instructions, screenshots, navigation tips, process overview and guidelines for all actions. This guide will address the needs of novice users as well as more experienced ones.
The training strategy is self-paced learning by users through the use of training materials that provide step-by-step instructions for e-Performance.
e-Performance follows the same basic workflow of e-PAS (i.e., the Work-plan, Mid-Point Review, and End-of-Cycle stages). The interface of the new system is flexible, modern and user-friendly but, most importantly, much more stable than e-Pas.
The e-Pas system will remain available until 31 December 2012 to complete documents from previous cycles. Staff members and managers must complete all documents by this deadline. e-PAS cannot be used to create new documents from 1 April 2010 onwards.
All UN Secretariat staff will use e-Performance for the 2012-13 performance cycle which begins on 1 April 2012 and ends on 31 March 2013.
One of the new features of performance management is that it will link to staff development and learning management to allow for better career planning. The improved learning management system in Inspira will make it easier to enroll, track and keep records of learning programmes, including the mandatory courses in which you have you have participated. Moreover, the skills portal provides anytime, anywhere access to online learning programmes.
The second reporting officer is not required to make comments on the e-Performance/e-PAS document. The role of the second reporting officer is to ensure that the evaluation is completed in a timely manner and that it is fair (i.e. there is consistency between competency ratings, value ratings, comments, and the overall rating). The second reporting officer’s approval, without comments, is an endorsement of the first reporting officer’s evaluation of the staff member.
