Global Shared Services and Transformation of the UN System

Over the past two decades, organizations—including entities of the United Nations (UN) system—have adopted a range of Shared Services models in pursuit of greater efficiency and effectiveness. While early efforts focused primarily on cost savings through the consolidation of transactional, location-independent services, advances in technology have since broadened the scope to include analytical and support functions, unlocking opportunities for continuous improvement, innovation, and agility. Beyond the UN, such models have gained prominence as drivers of transformation; within the UN system, they have become central to the Secretary-General’s reform agenda at global, regional, and country levels. Drawing on both UN experience and lessons from other large, complex organizations, this mini case study examines the opportunities and challenges of Shared Services, offering insights into what it will take for them to deliver on their transformative potential. 

Case Study: 28 pages / 40–60 minutes reading