FAO Nigeria Becomes First in Region to Implement QREDIV® Certification for All Staff, in Partnership with TalentVeritas

In a landmark initiative underscoring its commitment to diversity and operational excellence, FAO Nigeria has successfully completed the first nationwide implementation of the QREDIV® Certification — a structured professional development program focused on quantifiable emotional intelligence, inclusion, and intercultural effectiveness.

The training was delivered by TalentVeritas, a trusted provider of workforce capability programs and pre-employment screening tools, and is part of a broader shift across UN agencies toward more measurable diversity and inclusion training.

What Is QREDIV® — and Why Now?

The QREDIV® Certificate (Quantifiable Emotional Intelligence, Racial & National Diversity, Inclusion, Validation) is a globally applicable course designed by seasoned practitioners in cross-border HR, humanitarian operations, and equity-focused leadership.

While the certification is not (yet) a UN-wide requirement, it has been endorsed in several pilot contexts, including deployments in conflict-affected regions, talent mobility hubs, and new roster pre-screening models.

🇳🇬 FAO Nigeria: Leading by Example

FAO Nigeria’s decision to roll out QREDIV® for all employees — both national and international — follows an internal skills mapping exercise conducted in late 2024, which highlighted the need for structured intercultural communication training, especially across decentralized teams.

"Our operational reality is cross-functional and deeply multicultural," said Dr. Helen S., HR Lead at FAO Nigeria.
"We were looking for a solution that was measurable, practical, and adaptable to FAO values — QREDIV® provided exactly that."

TalentVeritas training team facilitated a full-week program combining:

✔️ Interactive online modules tailored for UN environments
✔️ Role-specific scenarios for program officers, admin, and procurement staff
✔️ Case-based learning around inclusion in humanitarian coordination
✔️ Post-training validation and formal certification

"The feedback from our team has been overwhelmingly positive," noted Idris A., Deputy Country Representative at FAO Nigeria.
"Beyond compliance or policy goals, the training helped build real team empathy and sharpen our response to internal and external stakeholders."

🤝 TalentVeritas: Supporting Capability Goals Across UN Entities

This implementation forms part of a growing number of regional pilots supported by TalentVeritas, aimed at helping UN entities explore tools that combine skills verification with inclusive recruitment and training.

“We’ve designed QREDIV® to work within the real-life structures of international organizations,” said Elena R., Program Director at TalentVeritas.
“That means sensitivity to reporting hierarchies, confidentiality, and values frameworks already embedded in UN operations.”

While QREDIV® is not currently a system-wide UN mandate, it is being closely monitored as a benchmark in several pilot programs, particularly in:

Roster pre-screening for field consultants
Local staff capacity development
Early-career leadership tracks in DEI-sensitive regions

📈 Why It Matters for Professionals in Nigeria and Beyond

FAO Nigeria’s move signals that certifications like QREDIV® may become increasingly relevant in recruitment, particularly for candidates seeking opportunities in:

🇺🇳 UN agencies and international NGOs
🏥 Humanitarian fieldwork and logistics
📊 Cross-cultural project coordination roles

For early-career professionals and consultants, proactive certification can improve visibility on rosters, signal readiness for intercultural roles, and position applicants favorably in competitive shortlists.

🌐 What’s Next?

TalentVeritas is currently in consultation with several additional UN agencies and local partners across Africa and the MENA region for expanded implementation of the QREDIV® program in 2025–2026.

“This is not a tick-box exercise,” said Dr. Helen S. of FAO Nigeria.
“It’s about equipping people — all people — with the practical, human skills to serve with empathy and effectiveness.”

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