Does UN Pay for Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you interested in working for the United Nations (UN)? One of the most common questions that job seekers have when considering a role with the UN is whether or not they offer vacation time, and if so, how it works. In this article, we’ll explore the topic of UN vacation policies and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

Does the UN offer vacation time?

Yes, the United Nations does offer vacation time to its employees. The exact amount of vacation time varies depending on factors such as job level, length of service, and employment status.

However, all full-time UN staff members are entitled to at least 30 days of annual leave per year. This is in addition to public holidays and any other leave entitlements that may be available.

How does UN vacation time work?

Vacation time at the UN is accrued on a monthly basis. This means that for each month worked, an employee earns a certain amount of vacation days based on their position and length of service. For example, a staff member who has been with the organization for less than five years may earn 2.5 days per month, while someone who has been with the UN for more than 20 years may earn up to 3.75 days per month.

Can employees take their full vacation entitlement all at once?

Yes, UN staff members are generally permitted to take their full annual leave entitlement all at once if they wish to do so. However, this is subject to approval by their supervisor and may depend on factors such as staffing levels and workload.

Can unused vacation time be carried over to the next year?

In most cases, unused vacation time cannot be carried over from one year to the next. However, there are some exceptions for employees who have experienced exceptional circumstances such as illness or family emergencies that prevented them from taking their full vacation entitlement.

Are there any restrictions on when vacation time can be taken?

UN staff members are generally free to take their vacation time at any point during the year, subject to approval by their supervisor. However, there may be some restrictions on the timing of leave in certain situations, such as during busy periods or when a staff member is required to work on a specific project.

What other types of leave are available to UN employees?

In addition to annual leave, UN staff members may be entitled to other types of leave such as sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and special leave for personal or family reasons. The exact entitlements vary depending on factors such as job level and length of service.

  • Sick Leave: UN staff members are entitled to paid sick leave if they need time off due to illness or injury.
  • Maternity/Paternity Leave: Female staff members are entitled to up to 16 weeks of maternity leave, while male staff members may be entitled to paternity leave of up to two weeks.
  • Special Leave: UN staff members may be entitled to special leave if they need time off for personal or family reasons such as bereavement or caring for a sick relative.

Conclusion

In summary, the United Nations does offer vacation time and other types of leave entitlements to its employees. The exact amount and timing of these entitlements depend on factors such as job level and length of service.

However, all full-time staff members are entitled to at least 30 days of annual leave per year. If you’re considering a career with the UN, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these policies so that you can make an informed decision about your future.