Applications for mentors and mentees for the 2025 cohort are now open!
Embark on a transformative journey with the IAEA Mentoring Programme, a dynamic initiative designed to cultivate mentor-mentee relationships and create opportunities for professional growth and learning. Mentors can be staff members at any grade level, as well as consultants and interns who are eager to share their industry knowledge. On the other side, mentees can be staff members at all grade levels, consultants, and interns who have a desire to expand their professional development capacity.
The Mentoring Programme runs from March to December, starting with a launch event on 26 February, where participants will be introduced, programme content shared, and expectations discussed. Following the pairing process, each mentor-mentee duo will craft a personalised program aligning with their unique needs and schedules. The comprehensive journey includes mentor/mentee trainings in March, along with four skill-enhancing sessions scheduled for April, May, October, and November. Additionally, two check-ins in May and October provide opportunities for reflection, while the program culminates with a graduation/closing event in December.
Seize this chance to elevate your professional development and make lasting connections in the process.
The deadline is February 7!
In 2024, the IAEA Mentoring Programme received 134 applications, successfully matching 73% of applicants and forming 49 mentor-mentee pairs across Agency departments, with 25 mentors and mentees from the 2023 cohort reapplying as mentors. Notably, 60% of participants were women, including 32 mentors, showcasing diversity in grade levels and nationalities. The mentorship pairs displayed diversity in grade levels, with most mentors holding P4 positions and above, while mentees ranged from interns to P3 and P2 levels and below. Beyond the traditional 1:1 mentor/mentee interactions, the programme’s commitment to professional development was evident through four specialised soft skills training sessions in Competency-based interviews, Decision-making, conflict resolution, and Reputation management. The initiative’s overarching goal to foster cross-departmental and inter-generational relationships was achieved, as reflected in participants’ positive feedback describing the programme as “rewarding,” “interesting,” “enriching,” “inspiring,” and “excellent.” For mentees, significant contributions to personal and professional growth were noted, while mentors refined their leadership and coaching skills.
Words of wisdom from the 2024 Mentoring Programme Participants:
Disclaimer: Candidates are pre-screened by MTHR with a scoring system that considers the comprehensiveness of the application and perceived fit to the programme. All final selection and pairing decisions are made at the discretion of MTHR.
IAEA Mentoring Programme
The Agency-run mentoring programme aims to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, the programme is open to men and women of all ages and in all categories, including general service and professional service staff, consultants and interns. The programme has been developed and is delivered
in collaboration with UN Nuclear Young Generation (UN-NYG) and the IAEA Chapter of Women in Nuclear (WiN-IAEA).
What is mentoring
Mentoring is a relationship between two people with the goal of professional and personal development. The “mentor” is usually an experienced individual who shares knowledge, experience, and advice with a less experienced person, or “mentee.” Mentors become trusted advisers and role models – people who have “been there” and “done that.” They support and encourage their mentees by offering suggestions and knowledge, both general and specific. The goal is to help mentees improve their skills and, hopefully, advance their careers.
Why mentoring
Mentoring is a voluntary relationship between two people (a mentor and a mentee) aimed at personal and professional development. In line with the IAEA core values, a successful mentoring relationship is based on integrity and professionalism and, by connecting staff from diverse backgrounds, promotes respect for diversity.
Benefits
Mentoring partnerships can be mutually beneficial and rewarding – on both professional and personal levels.
For mentees
Mentees benefit from the knowledge, experience, support and guidance of mentors to strengthen work-related skills, examine emerging challenges and identify approaches to tackle them.
For mentors
Mentors gain additional experience in staff management and development, build their leadership skills and gain new perspectives and insights relevant to their function from a more junior colleague.
For the IAEA
Mentoring relationships can shift our culture to a more transparent and less hierarchical one. Mentoring can also increase civility, staff engagement, and productivity.
How does it work
Read the 6 main steps:
Step 1
All IAEA staff members can apply for the mentoring programme by filling out the application form. This form is only available during the application period (December-January). You could
choose to become a mentor or mentee or both.
Step 2
After the application deadline, a careful selection is made, and selected mentees are paired with suitable mentors.
Step 3
Selected participants are notified of their mentor/mentee’s details and on the launch date of the cohort.
Step 4
Pairs should hold regular meetings – those who meet often fare best! We recommend that you meet every 3-4 weeks. Mentees are asked to provide brief feedback after each session.
Step 5
Throughout the mentoring programme various check-in and training sessions are facilitated by by WiN, UN-NYG and the Learning & Development team.
Step 6
At the end of the mentoring programme participants will be requested to provide anonymous feedback through a survey. The information provided will be visible and used only by the organisers to gain programme data and make necessary improvements to the programme. Former and current mentors/mentees can access their cohort’s documentation, materials and session recordings by clicking on the relevant cohort button below:
UN Together Mentoring and Networking Programme
Another mentoring and networking program available for you. You can participate as a mentor or mentee in the Together Mentoring and Networking Programme, which allows you to connect with UN staff members from various occupational groups, levels, contexts, and time zones. Thousands of inter-agency staff members have already taken part in this program since its launch in September 2020. Don’t miss out on the chance to broaden your network and develop new skills.
Who can join
All staff members, regardless of their category, level, or job network, are welcome to join this programme. This mentoring and networking opportunity is open to participants with Temporary, Fixed-term, Continuing, or Permanent appointments.
How does it work
Register through an 8-minute questionnaire on the Together platform. You can join as a mentor, mentee or as both. If you are interested in the networking feature please don’t forget to activate the networking partner role as well. Mentees search profiles to see who they’d like to meet Mentees request pairings with a colleague for networking or mentoring Mentees and mentors meet virtually or in-person to share experiences and information in either working or mentoring sessions. Connect with new colleagues to gain or give some inspiration!
Why should you try it – Mentoring
Fulfilling conversations
Take an hour or two a month and share your experiences and perspectives. These conversations just might energize and inspire you.
Spark your career aspirations
Reflect on your career goals and challenges with the help of a more experienced colleague. Request feedback and brainstorm about new paths.
Develop your management skills
Mentoring requires excellent listening skills, patience and experience with giving feedback – all top requirements for managers too.
Why should you try it – Networking
Boost your morale
We all feel sluggish from time to time. Search the Together profiles for colleagues in other offices or locations that you would love to chat with. Request a meeting and carve out some professional and social time for yourself.
Increase your productivity
We’ve all had that feeling – you meet a new colleague, share opinions and suddenly you’ve got new ideas or feel ready to tackle an old problem.
New insights and perspectives
Learn about what’s going on in other entities and duty stations. Things change quickly; keep yourself updated through new people in your professional circle.
What is the commitment
For networking, colleagues can connect for one or two meetings only, and these meetings should take place over a maximum period of two months.
For mentoring, participants can choose between short-term mentoring (3-4 meetings) or longer-term mentoring (5-6 meetings). Both the mentee and mentor can agree to increase the number of meetings as needed.
The registration and pairing process for the programme is ongoing. For more information, please click on the provided icon.
