Understanding Rest and Recuperation (R&R) in the United Nations

Rest and Recuperation (R&R) is a critical benefit provided to United Nations staff members and United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) serving in high-risk, high-stress duty stations. It is designed to support staff well-being by offering regular breaks from challenging working and living conditions. In theory, R&R is a chance to reset from your hardship duty station, visit your loved ones at home, or opt for a week of solo travel. For aid workers that are 20-30 hours from home, the trip has them just getting over jet lag by the time they need to turn around and head back to their station. Often times, they will stagger their visits home and travel instead. Now, having an R&R break is a privilege not everyone is entitled to. Despite the privilege, it can sometimes be lonely travelling by yourself so often. I suppose it is a matter of perspective.

Who is Eligible for R&R?

R&R is granted to:

Internationally recruited UN staff and UN Volunteers appointed to a duty station approved for R&R purposes.
Locally recruited staff members who are on travel status to an approved R&R duty station, provided it is in a country different from their parent duty station.

What Does R&R Include?

R&R consists of:

Five consecutive calendar days of authorized leave, not deducted from annual leave.
Travel time to and from the designated R&R destination.
Travel assistance:
- If UN transportation is available, eligible individuals receive free transportation.
- If UN transportation is unavailable, staff receive either a ticket or a lump sum equivalent to the lowest economy fare.
Flexible destination: While the UN designates an official R&R destination, staff can opt to travel elsewhere at their own expense. For example, if I was working in Juba, South Sudan the assigned R&R could be Nairobi, Kenya. The UN would cover my travel cost to Nairobi. Once I am in Nairobi, I can fly home or to another country, or stay in Nairobi for the week. Costs for accommodation and flights out of Nairobi are on you. You could also choose to fly directly out of Juba if flights are available (however, this would be at your own cost).

Why is R&R Important?

The primary purpose of R&R is to ensure the health and well-being of UN personnel. Working in conflict zones, remote areas, or other challenging environments can be physically and mentally exhausting. R&R provides:

A break from dangerous and stressful conditions.
Time for personal recovery and mental recharge.
Improved productivity and resilience upon return to duty.

How Often is R&R Granted?

The frequency of R&R depends on the level of hardship at the duty station:

Every 4 or 6 weeks in extremely dangerous locations and war/conflict zones.
Every 8 weeks at all non-family and restricted duty stations.
Every 12 weeks at non-capital duty stations classified as high hardship (D or E level).

Important R&R Rules

The R&R cycle starts from the date of arrival at the duty station, the return from the last R&R, or the return from other leave that interrupted qualifying service.
R&R must be taken within one month after completing the qualifying service period.
R&R cannot be taken in advance, carried forward, or combined with future R&R periods.

Final Thoughts on R&R

Rest and Recuperation is a crucial policy that acknowledges the demanding nature of UN work in hardship locations. By ensuring staff have periodic breaks, the UN fosters a healthier, more resilient workforce, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of its humanitarian and peacekeeping missions worldwide. If you are eligible for R&R and your home country is a significant distance from the duty station, consider combining your R&R leave time with your annual leave to make the visit home feasible.

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Please note: the views and opinions expressed on this blog are that of my own and do not represent the opinions of any agency mentioned.

Understanding Rest and Recuperation (R&R) in the United Nations