PERSPECTIVES ON INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM BECAUSE
Research & Toolkits
New independent research and toolkits tailored to the key stakeholders involved in rejuvenating the UN's workforce and attracting Young Talent.
The UNGA's Fifth Committee resumed session has begun and is reviewing Human Resources reforms including a proposal for paid internships as part of efforts to rejuvenation the Secretariat workforce. In anticipation of this discussion ReformWorks and Talentum completed an independent survey of 635 Millennials and GenZ in 117 countries who are pursuing an international career.
Our data uncovers unique motivations of international young talent, how they gain international experience and what they value most in their careers. Coupled with additional academic research, our study provides unique insights into questions of how to attract and retain young talent and whether investment in a paid internship programme is worth it for the UN and its member states.
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We are publishing 3 targeted research studies and toolkit for:
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Member state delegates and capitals engaged in the Fifth Committee's 2025 resumed session;
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HR practitioners in international organizations; and
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Universities and youth organizations supporting international young talent.
The first study has now been published and you can learn more or preview it below.​
Check out the 5th Committee Delegates' Study on Internships and Rejuvenation.
Preview or Purchase below.
Research Toolkit by Stakeholder Package
Rejuvenating the UN Secretariat: Data and Analysis for 5C Delegates
​Delegates need to determine whether internships are the best tool for rejuvenating the UN Secretariat's workforce, how much to invest in paid internships and where costs can be reduced without sacrificing the injection of new perspectives adn young talent into the workforce. This study provides research and data to answer those questions and assess the impact of different funding modalities on geographic balance.
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What Young Talent Really Wants: Data and Tools for HR Practitioners in International Organizations​
Our survey data indicates that if international organizations attract and retain Millennials and GenZ, they can broaden the diversity and skills (innovation, data analytics, digital literacy) of their workforces. But young people also have their own unique expectations about how to learn about international job opportunities and what makes a ‘good’ job and career. This package provides key insights from our data and practical information and case studies for how international organizations need to adjust their outreach strategies, present their value proposition and reshape organizational culture to retain young talent. It also includes an update based on the Fifth Committee resolution and their agreements on the rejuvenation of the UN Secretariat, internships and the Young Professionals Programme (YPP).
​This study and toolkit will be published in March 2025.
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Supporting International Career Aspirations: Insights and Tools for Universities and Youth Organizations
Universities and youth organizations are key players in preparing young talent for international careers and increasing their exposure and experience with international organizations. Our research highlights that they often have adhoc and personality-based relationships with international organizations, and consequently are not leveraged strategically either by HR practitioners in international organizations or policymakers in member state governments. Interactions also often rely on traditional outreach tools, like career fairs, which our respondents indicate are their least preferred way of finding out about international jobs. This package provides data and insights on what young talent wants and how universities and international organizations can work strategically with international organizations and governments in preparing and facilitating international careers for their students and members.
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The Research Toolkits are based on the Young Talent Study which was conducted in 2024.