Are you planning to work for the United Nations and wondering if you will get paid vacation time? The short answer is yes, UN employees are entitled to paid vacation time. However, the amount of vacation time you receive depends on your position and years of service.
How Much Vacation Time Do UN Employees Receive?
According to the UN Staff Regulations, staff members are entitled to annual leave of 2.5 working days per month of service, which equates to 30 working days or six weeks of vacation per year. This is in addition to UN recognized holidays.
However, if you are in a consultancy or a short-term position, your entitlement may be prorated based on your contract duration. For example, if you have a six-month contract, you will be entitled to three weeks of annual leave.
Can You Carry Over Unused Vacation Time?
UN employees can carry over up to 15 days of unused annual leave from one year to another. However, any unused leave beyond this limit will be forfeited at the end of the year.
Moreover, staff members who are unable to take their full annual leave entitlement due to operational requirements or exceptional circumstances may be granted special leave with pay or may be allowed to carry forward their unused leave into the next year.
How Do You Request Vacation Time?
To request vacation time, UN staff members must submit an online request through the HR Portal at least four weeks before their intended departure date. Supervisors usually approve requests within five working days.
It’s important to note that while requests for annual leave are usually granted as requested, they may be denied due to operational requirements or staffing shortages.
In Conclusion
In summary, UN employees are entitled to paid vacation time based on their position and years of service. They can carry over up to 15 days of unused annual leave and must submit requests for vacation time at least four weeks in advance.
Keep in mind that while vacations are important for rest and rejuvenation, as a UN staff member, you have a responsibility to serve the needs of the organization. Therefore, it’s essential to balance your vacation time with your work responsibilities.
If you have any further questions about UN vacation policies, you can consult the UN Staff Regulations or speak with your HR representative.