Frequently Asked Questions

I have seen a number of different status messages in inspira. What do they all mean?

For those applying to a standard job opening, the following terms are currently in use:
Status shown to applicant What it means
Draft An application is being worked on by an applicant but has not been submitted. It is visible only to the applicant at this stage
Applied An application form has been submitted via inspira, but the pre-screening process (which checks candidates’ eligibility for a post) has not yet begun.

Can I update information in an application that I have already submitted?

The substantive part of an inspira application, including the Cover Letter and work experience and education details, cannot be edited after an application is submitted. However, you may change the contact information in your profile at any time, including your e-mail address or phone number, even after submitting an application. To do this, log-in to inspira, click on the relevant section of ‘View/ Change Personal Information’, edit and save. Recruiters and Hiring Managers will see up-to-date profile information when they view applicants.

What is inspira?

Inspira is the new IT system that was introduced in March 2010 to support Talent Management. Inspira is built on an Oracle PeopleSoft software platform but has been adapted by developers to meet the Organization’s special needs.
Inspira will integrate processes that have so far been supported by different and separate systems into one platform. E.g. Galaxy, Nucleus and e-PAS will all be replaced by Inspira. It will also provide a strong linkage to IMIS and to the new ERP system “Umoja” that is being developed.

Why the name ‘inspira’?

The name Inspira is unique to the United Nations. It was suggested by our colleague Saiful Ridwan, from the United Nations Environment Programme in Paris, and was selected through the world-wide contest conducted through iSeek.
Inspira comes from the Latin root ‘inspiro’ and means ‘animated, or imbued with the spirit to do something, by or as if by supernatural influence’, which captures the essence of the vision for Talent Management: the Organization’s mandates can only be achieved through the efforts and inspiration of our current and future staff.

Is there a manual on how to fill out the Profile and Application Form?

Yes, there is a How to get started with inspira guide available in both English and French as well as Quick Tips on Application process and How to Apply for a Job Opening Using inspira.
There are also Instructional Manuals for all participants and parties with a role in the Staff Selection System which are now available online in inspira – please click the ‘Documents’ tab on the upper right hand side of the browser.

Is there any way to import my data in Galaxy to inspira without typing all the information again?

No, as the systems are based on different software, the information cannot be transferred from one system to another. When it comes to employment history, a tip is to copy and paste from Galaxy into the fields in inspira. You may also want to save the PHP in Galaxy in a word document for easy reference.

I understand that inspira and Galaxy will run parallel for a while. Does that mean I have to keep updating the information in both systems?

When you apply to jobs posted in Galaxy you have to enter your data and send in your PHP in Galaxy, and when you apply to jobs posted in inspira you have to enter your data and send in your application in inspira.

I started entering my data in the Profile section but it does not save the information?

When you enter the information in My Profile you have to fill in all the required fields at once in order to be able to save. Once you have completed all mandatory fields please click “Save” in order to save your entries. In order not to lose data, it is recommended that you save your entries regularly, ideally after completion of each profile section.