Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Non-Staff Capacities

Consultants and Individual Contractors

Is there a time limit on the engagement of a consultant or Individual Contractor?: Individual Contractors /Consultants can only be engaged for the maximum limits as reflected in ST/AI/2013/4. Their service at all Secretariat entities is limited to 24 months in a 36-month period for consultants and 6 or 9 months in a 12-month period for individual contractors. Exceptional extension beyond these periods, e.g. 24 months in a 36 months period for consultants, requires approval by USG DMSPC.

Who can reduce the break in service period for Consultants and Individual Contractors?: Heads of Entities have delegated authority to reduce the break in service period for consultants and individual contractors.

How are fees for Individual Contractors and consultants determined?: For locally recruited IC/Cs local salary scales should be used. For international IC/Cs, the fee levels range from “A” to “E” depending on the expertise level.

*Can former or retired staff be hired as a consultant or individual contractor? *: Yes, former or retired staff may be hired as a consultant or individual contractor after a break in service of at least 1 month (or 36 months if the staff member separated on agreed termination). However, the former staff member may not be engaged to perform the function, he/she held as a staff member. Former staff may not be engaged if they were separated on account of dismissal, misconduct, abandonment of post, non-renewal or termination for unsatisfactory service or resignation in lieu of disciplinary action.

Can all entities employ UNV?: Yes, in accordance with the MOU between the United Nations and the United Nations Volunteers dated 11 September 2018 all entities may employ United Nations Volunteers.

Are there different types of volunteers?: Yes, there are International Volunteers, National Volunteers, Online Volunteers and Youth Volunteers. More information can be found at the UNV webpage.

Can UNV apply for staff positions after their service?: Yes, former UNV may apply for staff positions after their service. There is no requirement for a break in service period.

Are positions required for UNV?: In peacekeeping operations and special political missions, UNV require positions. Use of the position must be approved by the General Assembly. Volunteer assignments outside field missions require the availability of extra-budgetary resources.

Can UNV supervise staff?: UNV may not be used as a substitute for staff. They may also not be used for core posts involving significant administrative and financial functions requiring delegation of authority and approving/certifying functions or the supervision of staff.

Can all entities employ Government Provided Personnel (GPP)?: No, GPP may only be employed in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations or Special Political Missions.

What are examples of GPP functions?: GPP are used for specialized functions in areas where specialized expertise is required that is generally only found in government services and is therefore most effectively drawn from Member States. Such personnel typically provide advisory, capacity-building and mentoring support to national counterparts, for example Correction Officers training prison personnel or advising on prison infrastructure.

Are GPP free of charge?: While the national government remains responsible for the payment of national salaries and emoluments and must provide medical coverage, the UN pays for deployment and repatriation travel as well as mission subsistence allowance (MSA). The UN also covers GPP for service-incurred injury, death or disability.

What is the maximum time for the service of a GPP?: The maximum tour of duty is 24 months. This may be extended only under exceptional circumstances, such as e.g. natural disasters preventing rotation, inability to obtain visas for replacements or the inability to replace an officer with a very specialized skill.

Who signs the MOU with the Donor?: Heads of Entity have delegated authority to sign the MOU with the donor. However, ASG OHR/DMSPC has retained the authority to endorse the selected candidate.

Can an entity deviate from the standard MOU or the 14% administrative fee?: Any deviation from the standard MOU must be approved by the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA). Deviations from the standard administrative fee of 14% can only be approved by the Controller.

Can all entities use Non-Reimbursable Loan agreements?: No, non-reimbursable loans may normally not be used at UNHQ, UNOV and UNOG (with the exception of ECE or UNCTAD). Exceptional approval may be granted by ASG OHR/DMSPC.

Is there a time limit for non-reimbursable loans?: Yes, the duration of a non-reimbursable loan may normally not exceed three years. They may however be extended exceptionally up to a maximum of five years.

Can all entities employ interns?: Yes, all entities may employ interns. However, interns may only serve at family duty stations.

Is there a time limit on internships?: Interns can be recruited for a minimum of two months and a maximum of six months.

Are interns eligible to apply for staff positions following their internships?: Interns are not eligible to apply for or be appointed to posts in the professional or above category or at FS-6/7 levels for a period of six months following the end of the internship. This restriction was put in place by the General Assembly and therefore, heads of entity cannot approve waivers under their delegated authority.

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Last modified: 9 August 2022