Type of Contract at the United Nations - UN Jobs #6

[@jauresbeugre]

hi thanks for all the UN videos.You did a good job.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Thank you, Jaures.

[@umarasghar1396]

Great video very helpful 👍

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Thanks Umar.

[@abdulquduskawsary3214]

Thanks and brilliant

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

You are welcome and thanks

[@vlogstorelate]

Hi Mario thanks for all your informative videos. I have a question regarding PSA 4 contract, can you please tell me the related rules to this type of contract? thanks for your great advice!

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Hello thebeingzineb, A PSA contract is usually for a fixed period, often for specialized work that requires specific expertise. These contracts are issued for temporary assignments or projects and at level 4, they expect significant experience and expertise. Yet, they don't include the same benefits as full-time staff contracts (like pensions or medical insurance), but the pay is often higher due to the temporary nature of the work. PSA contracts fall under the UN’s procurement and financial rules, and each contract is guided by the terms agreed upon between the contractor and the UN. So, they vary by location. If you need more info, lets me know.

[@vlogstorelate]

@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller Excellent insights/ I have proven UN experience (+5 years in different roles) and i speak 3 official languages of the UN + field experience in emergency context, how can I use that to my advantage to negotiate the pay? and how much will i then get paid for a PSA 4? thanks!

[@masudshambo839]

Mario do u have an idea on the likely number of applications can come for a job?

[@msimisidlamini8718]

Hi Mario. Do you have a video on Service Contracts ( SC5 for example)

[@nerdyguy5287]

I have been shortlisted to join written test for SSA contract position for P3 job level (required 3 years of experience, yes I watched your previous video); Thank you for making this video, very informative and useful.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

You are welcome Nerdy Guy. And good luck with the post.

[@karabokgasago7577]

How did it go ? I have been shortlisted for a written test & im so nervous

[@rbee2062]

​@@karabokgasago7577Hi. I hope you made it . 🎉

[@martinmburu2018]

​@@karabokgasago7577 How did it go for you please?

[@sushilneupane1630]

Hello mario can you explain s1 Security as undss in unhq?

[@magen4il353]

Hi Mario GREAT INFO , DEEPLY Appreciated, please tell me about contract for FS5

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Thanks. All FS are Fiend Service, it is close to an International P staff, but you are in the field, not at an HQ. Generally, you have the same benefits, but the salary and home leave vary. Let me look for the rule book for you.

[@magen4il353]

I appreciate you being so efficient, thank you for your help.

[@lynettekhanakwa804]

Hey Mario, Thanks for the videos. Quick question does an 11 months contract holder get a hardship allowance if they are posted in a level E country?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Yes, and you will get a mobility allowance if you have multiple moves. Let me read the rule on accelerated home leave, but you should also get that. You wouldn't get the rental subsidy to rent an apartment/villa, but if the lounging and food are provided, you will get it for free.

[@Nimistha]

Hi Mario, I would like to know about LICA positions. Is it equivalent to IICA 1 / NO-A / P1. Is it possible to negotiate for P3 if I have applied for P1 (not knowing the level at the time of application) as I have more than 10 years of experience in the field.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

You can't negotiate levels, only steps. For example, you can apply for a P3 and when you get the job, they may realize or you may tell them that you are over qualify or that your current salary is higher than what you would get as a P3. At that point, it is possible that they will agree to give you a high-step to match the salary or competency. But, they can't give you P4.

[@khanabadoshtraveliving]

Hello Mario, I have an offer for G5 in Bonn. what will be the benefits. Its for one year. can it be renewed ??

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

That's the UN hub for Germany, also 20 organizations. But, still, G5, you will have the local package and salary. What organization?

[@khanabadoshtraveliving]

UN One HR- The human resources branch Will there be taxes to pay? will i get the diplomatic passport? Will i get a chance to get an extension? @@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller

[@khanabadoshtraveliving]

Thank you so much for the videos and the replies.

[@khanabadoshtraveliving]

Its UN One hR, Any idea if I have to pay the tax??/ Also if insurance will be provided @@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller

[@abdullahahmad4308]

you need to mention about IPSA Contract

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

You are right, but they are mainly used as UNDP and are not really common in the rest of the UN system. That's why I skip them. But, you are right that I should have added them.

[@abdullahahmad4308]

@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller How much may be the salary at IPSA-10 level in the middle east (Jordan)? Do UNDP provide air ticket and settling in grant for the selected IPSA candidate and family members to join duty station? What about health insurance for the candidate and family members.

[@brunotomasine]

Hi Mario. Realistically, how difficult it is to get a new contract and stay at the in the same place/position? Let’s say I get a fixed term 3 years contract and want to continue after, how hard would it be? I know the 3 years is based on the budget even if they know it will be renewed, so they would “automatically “ renew you contract as well? Thank you again for the videos and responses.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Not easy since the UN is promoting relocation. Most of the people I know have done at least 5-6 moves in 15 years. You make 60k every time, but it is hard on your family. There are people that never move or move within the same city. That is often the case in New York and Geneva where you have a lot of organizations. But, if you want to move from P3 to P4 for example, you will likely have to move.

[@edgwap0]

Hi Mario, should you get a fixed term or permanent position, does this mean you will have security of tenure?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Hello, to get tenure at the UN, you will need 10 years fixed-term, with all positive reviews from your boss and the approval of HR. Permanent positions at the UN are rare these days.

[@edgwap0]

@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller thanks for the information, sir! But just a follow-up question, does this mean that you really need to sustain the quality of your work performance for your contract to be renewed or extended , or for you to get another post?

[@kachikwuomodia8501]

Hello Mario. Are fixed term appointments the same as permanent employment with the United Nations? If yes, how does it work because I can see the duration ranges from 1 to 3 years (confusing). I look forward to your response.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Hello, It is not the same. First, the duration is for budget purposes. Even if they know, it will be constantly renewed. For permanent posts, you need to have 10 years in the same organization and admin needs to vote to give it to you. It is rare and more a "we'll do everything we can to keep you."

[@kachikwuomodia8501]

@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller Thank you so much Mario for your reply! It has sorted out my confusion tremendously 👍🏾 Last week I saw two job adverts on UN Careers that interested me, namely one in New York as a public information officer/ web editor with OCHA : careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=185843&Lang=en-US and one as a Humanitarian Affairs Officer with OCHA at the DRCongo: careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=187483&Lang=en-US As an external applicant from Nigeria who doesn't speak French which of the job openings am I better off applying to?

[@AOsman-zn5so]

Hi Sir. Thank you for the great video. For a 3 years contract as a chief advisor at UNIDO, do these models apply?

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

Yes, even if the contract is 3 years, the first year will be probation. Also, the rule is more than one year to get your benefits, so 1, 2 or 3 years contracts are the same.

[@AOsman-zn5so]

@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller Ok thanks. Actually i am reading about the non staff status at the UN organizations. This seems to be serious issue. So as international consultant as non staff employee at UNIDO following applies: Individual service agreement - international consultant Annual Leave: 2.5 days for contracts of 6 months or longer Sich Leave: No - up to 2 days/month certified for contracts of 6 months or longer Pension: No Health Insurance Individuals / Dependents: No Maternaty / Parenity leave: No Hardship leave / R&R: Rest and recuperation and hardship allowance, relocation/ evacuation Remarks: Service-incurred death, injury, disability or illness compensation. This is a bit disapointing i have to say especially if the contract is for a long period of 3 years.

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

@@AOsman-zn5so I know, like the SSA contracts. You have a job at the UN and on a post like other staff, but you don't get the benefits. They are not supposed to leave a post "vacant" like that for long, but to save money or because it works they don't want to recruit someone, it can last years.

[@AOsman-zn5so]

@@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller do you See any room for handling to get a fixed term appointment instead? Or at least to get some benefits? By the way does the personal recruiting department negotiate the contracts usually?