Understanding United Nations Salaries and Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide
The United Nations (UN) is one of the world’s largest and most diverse employers, attracting professionals from across the globe. While its mission is rooted in international peace and development, many are curious about the salary structures and benefits offered to UN staff. This guide delves into the various types of contracts, salary levels, and key details about working for the UN. While it may be perceived that salaries are typically high, this is especially true for international (P level) staff. However, the majority of UN employees are national staff, and their salaries and benefits can be considerably lower.
UN Salary Categories
The UN employs staff under different categories, each with distinct salary structures. These include:
- Field Service (FS)
- General Service (G)
- International Individual Contractor Agreements
- Local Individual Contractor Agreements
- International UN Volunteer
- National UN Volunteer
- National Professional Officer (NO)
- Professional and Director Staff (P/D)
- Consultants and Individual Contractors
Who Determines UN Salaries?
The International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) oversees the salary structures of the United Nations system. The ICSC evaluates:
- The cost of living at duty stations.
- Market conditions.
- Parity with other international organizations.
For more information on the ICSC’s role, visit their official website: icsc.un.org.
UN Salary Calculator
The UN provides an official salary and benefits calculator to estimate compensation packages. This tool factors in:
- Duty station.
- Post level.
- Family/dependents.
Access the calculator here: UN Salary Calculator.
Key Benefits of UN Salaries
- Tax-Free Income (P Staff and Consultants):
- Most P staff and consultants enjoy tax-free salaries, making their take-home pay significantly higher than equivalent roles elsewhere.
- Post Adjustment (P Staff):
- Reflects the cost of living and hardship level of the duty station. A typical UN salary consists of Base Pay plus a Post Adjustment. For instance, a base pay of $75,000 USD combined with a post adjustment of $45,000 USD would result in a total of $120,000 USD.
- Additional Allowances and Benefits for P Staff:
- Dependency Allowance: For staff with eligible dependents.
- Education Grants: Support for children’s education.
- Hardship and Danger Pay: For staff in challenging locations.
- Pension and Insurance: Participation in the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund as well as comprehensive health and life insurance coverage.
- Relocation Grant: Available to staff entering a new duty station to cover costs of relocation.
- Annual Leave: Typically 30 days per year.
- Rest and Recuperation: R&R cycles are provided to staff in hardship locations. Staff are provided 5 business days off every 4,6,8 weeks depending on the duty station.
- Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA): A sum of money provided to UN staff members to cover the cost of their accommodation, meals, and other incidental expenses while they are on official travel or assignments away from their duty station. The UN sets different DSA rates for various locations.
- Rental Subsidy: may be payable under certain conditions when the rent represents a high portion of the net remuneration.
Those on a temporary assignment (TA) contract at the P level typically do not receive the education grant, dependency allowance, or rental subsidy. The relocation grant is also typically less than a P staff on an FTA contract. They also accrue annual leave at 2.5 days per month. For complete and accurate specifics, check your contract and speak to the PAS onboarding team.
Final Thoughts on UN Salaries
The United Nations’ salary structure is designed to attract and retain top talent while ensuring equity across its diverse workforce. Whether you’re considering a consultancy role or aiming for a professional-level post, the UN can offer competitive, tax-free salaries, generous benefits, and the chance to contribute to global development and peace.
For those exploring a career with the UN, understanding the salary structure is a crucial first step. Use the resources provided to make an informed decision and take the next step toward a rewarding international career.
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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.