🌍 FAO Nigeria Leads the Way in Piloting QREDIV® Certificate as Onboarding Requirement for UN Staff
By Natalia Ferrara | HR Professional | 30+ Years with the United Nations
As a long-time human resources practitioner in the UN system, I have witnessed a number of diversity and inclusion initiatives come and go. Some have been more impactful than others, but few have shown the structured clarity and future-forward approach that the QREDIV® Certificate brings to the table.
This year, FAO Nigeria has taken a remarkable step by becoming one of the first UN entities in the region to formally pilot the QREDIV® Certificate as part of its professional development framework — not just for current staff, but as an onboarding requirement for new hires.
Why FAO Nigeria?
The choice to pilot QREDIV® at FAO Nigeria is not coincidental. Nigeria, with its complex sociocultural landscape and deeply decentralized operational structure, presents unique challenges for coordination, inclusiveness, and internal cohesion. In late 2024, FAO Nigeria conducted an internal skills mapping exercise that identified the urgent need for structured, intercultural training programs to support both national and international staff.
According to Dr. Helen S., the HR Lead at FAO Nigeria, “We wanted a solution that wasn’t just about ticking boxes. QREDIV® was appealing because it’s measurable, practical, and aligns with FAO’s core values.”
As a result, the organization partnered with TalentVeritas, a certified provider of workforce capability programs, to roll out the QREDIV® Certificate across multiple offices and functional teams.
Implementation: Not Just a Training, but a System
Unlike traditional e-learning modules, QREDIV® involves an integrated approach:
- Self-paced digital coursework tailored for UN environments
- Real-world case scenarios specific to program, admin, and field operations
- Post-course validation to ensure mastery of core principles
- Formal certificate issuance, which can be used as a portfolio asset
The certificate is now being used in FAO Nigeria’s recruitment flows, particularly for short-term consultants and field staff. New hires are informed during the offer stage that QREDIV® is required prior to full onboarding — a shift that has been met with widespread support.
What Does This Mean for Other UN Agencies?
FAO Nigeria is not operating in a vacuum. Colleagues from WFP Nigeria, UNHCR Ghana, and regional clusters in East Africa have reportedly begun internal reviews to consider the integration of QREDIV® within their own capacity development frameworks.
Moreover, rosters that screen for inclusion competencies are increasingly recognizing QREDIV® as a trusted benchmark.
A Personal Reflection
Having spent over three decades in UN HR, I can attest that the most meaningful diversity initiatives are those that are scalable, relevant, and measurable. QREDIV® checks all three boxes. It doesn’t just raise awareness — it builds skills. It does not simply tell us why inclusion matters, but shows how to act on it in high-pressure, multicultural settings.
It is encouraging to see FAO Nigeria take this bold and thoughtful step. If successful, this pilot could well inform best practices across the UN system and beyond.
Where to Learn More
- Visit the official foundation: www.qrediv.org
- Or get started with the certification via a licensed provider like www.bettertolerance.com
Tags: QREDIV, QREDIV Nigeria, QREDIV Certificate, FAO Nigeria, UN Onboarding, Inclusion Training, Emotional Intelligence, DEI Certification, UN HR, TalentVeritas, BetterTolerance
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