Guide
UN contract types — staff, consultant, UNV, intern
The UN-system employs people on several different contract instruments. Understanding which contract a vacancy uses is essential — it determines salary structure, benefits, contract length, renewal rules, and immigration treatment. This guide covers the most common contract types.
Fixed-term appointment (FTA)
The standard contract for international professional staff. Issued for 1 to 5 years and typically renewable. Comes with full UN benefits — pension, health insurance, dependants' allowances, education grant — and creates an immigration status (G-4 visa in the US, Carte de Légitimation in Switzerland).
Temporary appointment (TA)
Short-term contract (typically up to one year, sometimes extended to two). Used when an agency needs to fill a gap quickly or test a new function. Lower benefit package than FTA.
Consultant / Individual Contractor
Time-bound contract for a specific deliverable, paid via lump sum or monthly fee. No staff benefits, no pension, candidate covers own taxes and (usually) insurance. Many UN consultancies are home-based or remote.
UN Volunteer (UNV)
Volunteer assignment placed through UN Volunteers Programme. Includes a monthly Volunteer Living Allowance, accommodation support, and limited insurance. Open to both nationals and international candidates depending on the modality.
Internship
Two to six months, typically unpaid (some agencies offer stipends). Open to current students or recent graduates. Internships do not count as UN service for future eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
What is a UN consultant?
A UN consultant is an individual hired on a time-bound, deliverables-based contract to perform specific tasks. They are not staff members and do not receive staff benefits such as pension, paid leave, or health insurance.
Are UN consultancies remote?
Many UN consultancies are home-based or remote, especially analytical, writing, and research assignments. Some require in-country travel or duty-station presence — always check the consultancy terms on the official posting.
How long are UN fixed-term appointments?
Fixed-term appointments are typically issued for one or two years and are renewable in principle. Renewal depends on continued funding, performance, and the agency's needs.
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