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2020 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROGRAMME (YPP)

Management & Administration Exam
SUGGESTED READING LIST
This reading list contains examples of the types of texts and readings that would be helpful when studying for
the 2020 YPP Exam in Management and Administration. This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many
comparable texts and readings that can also be helpful in preparing for the exam.

Text Comprehension and Analysis

The ability to interpret and understand various texts, including complex policy documents.

We suggest that you practice reading various UN reports and policies (examples found within this list), with a
focus on accurately recalling and identifying key information and findings.

Data Analysis and Numerical Reasoning

The ability to prepare, analyse and model data, as well as make decisions and inferences based on numerical data.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with reading and interpreting tables, charts, graphs, etc. that you
find in various UN reports.

Project Planning and Management

The ability to plan and manage a project through the use of relevant tools and skills.

Scheirer, Mary Ann. “Planning Evaluation Through the Program Life Cycle.” American Journal of Evaluation,
vol. 33, no. 2, 1 June 2012, pp. 263–294., doi:10.1177/1098214011434609.

UNDG Results-Based Management Handbook - United Nations

https://unsdg.un.org/sites/default/files/UNDG-RBM-Handbook-2012.pdf

Human Resources
The division of organizations tasked with screening, recruiting, and training employees, as well as the management of
employee-related operations.

Human Resources Portal – United Nations

(for example: Recruitment in the UN, Classification of posts and staff categories, Geographical Diversity
Strategy, Dual Reporting Lines and Working in a Matrix Structure)
https://hr.un.org

System-wide Strategy on Gender Parity – United Nations

https://www.un.org/gender/sites/www.un.org.gender/files/gender_parity_strategy_october_2017.
pdf

United Nations (2019) ST/SGB/2019/3 - Secretary-General’s bulletin: Flexible working arrangements

https://undocs.org/en/ST/SGB/2019/3

United Nations (2016) ST/SGB/2016/9 - Secretary-General’s bulletin: Status, basic rights and duties of United
Nations staff members
https://undocs.org/ST/SGB/2016/9

Finance and Budget

The ability to manage organizational funds and expenditures through relevant tools and processes.

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How to Read a Balance Sheet – Harvard Business Review

https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/how-to-read-a-balance-sheet

The Balanced Scorecard—Measures that Drive Performance - Harvard Business Review

https://hbr.org/1992/01/the-balanced-scorecard-measures-that-drive-performance-2

United Nations (2018) ST/SGB/2018/3 – Secretary-General’s bulletin: Regulations and Rules Governing
Programme Planning, the Programme Aspects of the Budget, the Monitoring of Implementation and the
Methods of Evaluation
https://www.undocs.org/ST/SGB/2018/3

Financial Regulations and Rules - United Nations

https://policy.un.org/policy-doc/29543

IPAS Accounting Manual – United Nations

https://www.un.org/ipsas/index.html

CEB Website – United Nations

https://unsceb.org/

Procurement
The ability to identify and acquire cost-effective goods and services for organizational purposes.

Procurement Manual – United Nations

https://www.un.org/Depts/ptd/about-us/procurement-manual

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