7 Problems Expats Faces in UN Jobs

While working for the United Nations can be an exciting and rewarding experience, there are a few things expats should keep in mind before going into this line of work. The UN is a non-profit organization that strives to build a better world where people live in peace and harmony, free from hunger and poverty.

The organization was founded by 51 countries in 1945 after World War II. When working for this international organization, it is important to keep in mind that the UN’s first priority is not necessarily the satisfaction of its employees. Keeping quiet about problems and continuously accepting lower salaries can be disheartening for expats. Meanwhile, it is something you will have to deal with if you want to continue working in this line of work.

However, In order to make expats’ lives a little easier, seven problems they might face while working for the UN have been listed below.

1. Low salaries that will never match market value no matter how long you work for the UN. In some cases, it can take up to 15 years before an expat’s salary reaches an approximate market value.
2. Cost of living in New York is high, but salaries are not adjusted to the cost of living standard the city has to offer.
3. Expats can be transferred anywhere in the world, at any moment they are needed for a mission or simply because there is another job available somewhere else.
4. While working for the UN, it is difficult to get a loan from a bank since your salary is not guaranteed and you can be fired anytime without any warning or explanation.
5. Retirement age in the UN is only 55 years old, compared with most private companies where retirement age can reach 65 years old or higher.
6. Expats are constantly working for the UN without getting any time off to rest; visit family members back home or simply go on a vacation.
7. The health insurance provided by the UN is far from being satisfactory, especially considering the high cost of living in New York City.

The above-mentioned problems are only some of many that expats are facing when working for the UN. However, if one is willing to work hard, keep their complaints to themselves and simply go along with the system, then this job can be quite rewarding.

Working for an international organization that has a hand in making some of the world’s most important decisions every day is truly inspiring. At least this is what most expats who have worked for the UN say about their jobs.

Despite its many benefits, working for the UN does have certain challenges that should be taken into consideration before taking a job offer with this international organization. It is important to know what one is getting themselves into before deciding if they want to work for the UN or not.

For those who are interested in working for the UN, it is recommended to look up all the information available on this subject before sending an application. The next step would be to contact expats currently working for the organization by means of social networks or simply ask them questions about their job. It should also be noted that since every country has its own UN office, it is important to know where the organization was founded before applying for a position.

For those who are currently working for the UN, you can meet them as an expat to share any additional information that could be of help. Furthermore, it should also be noted that by sharing your first-hand experience with others you are helping them pave the way towards a better life.

Again, working for an international organization is definitely not easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding as well. That’s why many expats are willing to work for this kind of job that offers so many opportunities. Not only is that, but it’s another reason why there are so many foreigners working for companies like the UN all over the world.

Applying for United Jobs as an Expat

As an expat wanting to secure this kind of jobs, there are many things to put into consideration. Before you apply for any position in the UN, we have compiled some of the requirements and things needed to do in this section. Without further ado, let’s quickly walk you through the methods and procedures.

·         Administrative and Support Staff

Applicants for vacancies advertised in the UN Job Listings under “General Support” should send their application electronically by following the instructions provided in the job advertisement. All other applicants should send their application electronically by following the instructions available on their home page.

·         Professional Staff

 Applicants for vacancies advertised under “Professional Jobs” must follow specific application procedures, depending on whether you are being considered for recruitment via an open competitive examination or through a direct hire procedure, as outlined in the relevant vacancy notice.

·         Consultants

Expats applicants for vacancies advertised under “Consultant Vacancies” must follow specific application procedures, as outlined in the relevant advertisement.

·         International Civil Servants

Applicants for vacancies advertised under “Staff Members” must send their applications electronically by following the instructions provided in the job advertisement.

Other staff member: Applicants for vacancies advertised under “Staff Members” must send their applications electronically by following the instructions provided in the job advertisement.

·         Term Staff Member

Applicants for term positions should apply directly to the individual agency, although recruitment agencies may also be engaged, depending on the terms of appointment.

·         Limited Duration Appointment

Applicants for Limited Duration Appointments should apply directly to the individual agency or contact the HR Service Centre.

·         New Appointment

Applicants for new appointments should follow the standard procedures as outline in Section 3 of the United Nations role. However, in case of doubt concerning which procedure applies, applicants should contact their local HR Officer for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions about UN Foreign Retirement Pension

Why does Canada contribute to part of the UN Foreign Pension?

Well, from the information above, we can tell you that Canada contributes because they belong to, and support the work of the United Nations. In addition, it allows Canadian retired UN staff access to better benefits and services when they retire in either New York or Geneva.

Does Canada contribute to the UN Pension Fund?

Of course Yes, Canada (and all permanent members of the Security Council) contributes 0.0022% of its regular budget allocation for each staff member who is a member of the United Nations pension systems and who was in service on December 31st of the previous year. The contribution rate has been 0.0022% since 1 July 2003. Moreover, the first contribution was made for the first half of 2003.

How much does Canada contribute?

The amount to be contributed changes each year depending on the UN’s regular budget allocation, but it is currently about $4 million per year. Contributions are paid quarterly, in arrears. So, have this in mind if you’re thinking of working for the United Nations in Canada.

How much does a staff member contribute?

The United Nations sets a rate for its employees’ regular and supplementary pension contributions each year – currently 2.55%. Contributions are paid monthly, in arrears. The United Nations’ contributions can be found on their platform. But ensure you know how it works before you play your part.

How long will it take for a UN member to receive a pension from?

Well, as research disclosed, if the UN staff member is enrolled in the Regular Pension Scheme, and they have at least 5 years of pensionable service as of 31st December 2014, they are eligible to receive an immediate pension benefit, which started in January 2015. More so, if the UN staff member has less than 5 years of pensionable service as of 31 December 2014, they may be eligible to receive a deferred monthly pension benefit at age 65.

What are the United Nations Services?

In no doubts, there are many type of services provided by the United Nations. This organization provides its staff with an array of financial services through UNJSPF. Some of these services include; savings plans, flexible benefits, salary exchange programs, tax equalization, and many other things to mention a few.

Conclusion

Working for the United Nations could be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. But, it all requires a daunting process to secure the job. In this case, we advise you to understand the recruitment process before you start submitting your documents. Refer to this guide for more information.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

In order to improve conditions for UN employees and their families, a United Nations Pension Fund under the direction of the UN Joint Staff Pensions Board was set up in 1948. The pension fund is based on voluntary contributions from staff members and employers. Each participating country makes payments according to a schedule determined by its income level, population size, and other factors.

As of today, the UN foreign retirement pension has evolved into one of the UN’s most important benefits, particularly for UN staff members recruited from developing countries. Those who retire overseas receive a monthly UN pension equal to half their basic salary, plus reimbursement for medical expenses not covered by the host country.

However, the UN provides a number of international organizations, both UN-affiliated agencies, and UN Peacekeeping Missions. And for this reason, a UN foreign retirement pension is available to staff members of UN-affiliated agencies or UN Peacekeeping Missions who have given at least 5 years of service to the UN.

Have you been surfing the internet to know more about the UN foreign retirement pension? Look no further, as we’ve got you covered here. As a staff of the United Nations, you deserve some foreign retirement pension, right? Of course, but it might require a daunting process to get the right things fixed.

But, worry less as we’re here to guide you on how it works. In this article, we have compiled the interesting facts about United Nations foreign retirement pension. Not only is that, but you’ll also understand how it works, the benefits of working for the United Nations, and many other things to mention a few. Does that sound interesting? If you answered yes, read further to get the full details.

10 Interesting Facts about UN Foreign Retirement Pension

For you to understand the United Nations foreign retirement pension, it’s quite essential to know the interesting facts attached to it. But before that, let’s quickly walk you through the meaning of the UN foreign retirement pension. Without further ado, take a look at what it entails below.

What is UN Foreign Retirement Pension?

As research disclosed, the United Nations Foreign Retirement Pension is known as a retirement benefit provided by the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) under article 28 of the regulations, rules, and pension adjustment system of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF). Below are the interesting facts.

1.       Pension is higher than Private Sector

As with other UN staff members, UN retirees who have reached the age of 65 receive an UN monthly retirement pension. Moreover, this is based on the UN annual salary at the time of retirement and length of service. Besides, United Nations retirees are not required to pay the employee contributions, so the pensions are much higher than private-sector ones.

2.       Double UN Retirement Pension

Another interesting fact about the United Nations foreign retirement pension is that people who have served with the UN for at least 30 years can receive a double UN foreign retirement pension. Meanwhile, they can receive the pension after they reach the age of 70 if their second UN employment was for at least five years and they were UN employees for at least 35 years.

3.       UN Foreign Retirement Pension Increase Of 20%

As a retired staff of the United Nations, you have the opportunity to receive a UN monthly increase in your pension. However, you might only be given this pension increment if you retire before the age of 60, or your UN employer terminates the contract or job without notice or grounds within five years from the UN pension effective date.

4.       Retirees Children are entitled to UN Allowance

Another thing to take into consideration is that the UN retiree’s child can receive a monthly allowance until they reaches 18 years of age or 23 years old if attending a university. In that case, always have it in mind that your children will be lucky if you found yourself working for the UN on a permanent job.

5.       United Nations Pension Benefits

Foreign retirement pension replacement rate and exclusive benefits are what retirees of the UN will certainly enjoy. In fact, research made it known that about 85% of the UN regular staff member’s salary can be replaced by UN pension benefits. This means, most times, your employment benefits can be better compared to working in other private sectors.

6.       Retirement Pension for UN Retirees’ Widow(er) s

One thing the UN foreign retirement pension will also give you is the widow’s opportunity. However, the UN retiree’s widow(er) can receive a monthly allowance until he or she reaches 60 years of age. More so, if the organization employee did not received his/her regular employment pension at the time of death, the UN will take it into consideration and give the benefits to the third-party that’s entitled to it.

7.       Receiving Medical Insurance

If you don’t know before, it’s high time you understand that the UN foreign retirement pension comes with a medical insurance. In fact, it’s not only that the retirees will receive medical insurance but their children can also get a medical insurance until they reach 70 years. So, be rest assured of your health conditions whenever you found yourself working for the United Nations.

8.       UN Contribution Refund Opportunity

Aside from the ones mentioned above, the UN retirees can receive also receive UN contribution refund if they terminate employment voluntarily. Not only is that, but you can also receive the contribution opportunity if the employer terminates them without notice or grounds within five years from United Nations pension effective date.

9.       UN Foreign Retirement Pension Underpayment

If you’re unable to get the United Nations retirement contribution refund, you still have the opportunity to get the foreign retirement pension underpayment. Aside from this fact, you can also receive the interest on these unpaid contributions. Therefore, working for the UN is such a wonderful opportunity.

10.   Constant Pay

Another interesting fact that got people’s attention to work in this organization is the retirement pay. While working in the United Nations, you’ll always receive a constant pay even if you retire. So, getting this kind of job should be considered a life time opportunity. And that’s why the recruitment process is hard.

Benefits of Working for the United Nations

Most leaders, diplomats and government employees work with the United Nations (UN) as a major international organization.  In fact, they are recognized as peacekeepers, while they serve in various conditions, dealing with difficult political situations that require extensive training and experience.

In addition, they can often find themselves facing sudden and unexpected danger, which requires them to make the right decision. Meanwhile, when it comes to working or retirement in the United Nations, many foreign UN officials recognize that they can apply for a foreign retirement pension. In the long run, this will help them maintain their standard of living during retirement. Let’s quickly walk you through the benefits of working for the UN in this section.

Retirement Benefits

The United Nations’ foreign retirement pension is one of the best forms of foreign government pensions, especially if the leader is from an underdeveloped country. Besides, the foreign retirements are one of their major benefits. And this is because; it’s based upon their years of service in the UN.

Furthermore, this foreign retirement pension is calculated in relation to their highest salary earned, not their last salary received before termination or retirement.  This means that someone who receives a low salary with many years in service may receive very high foreign retirement pension payouts.

Eligibility

To qualify for foreign retirement pension, the foreign official must have served at least 8 years with the UN. This excludes any time spent in foreign military service. However, only foreign foreign service counts towards their foreign retirement pension qualification. Besides, the combined amount of salary earned over the years cannot exceed ten times the value of the foreign official’s country’s per capita gross national income.

Other Things to Know about United Nations and Benefits

Ever since its inception, the United Nations has been at the forefront of world affairs. Its enduring presence, set up with its charter in 1945, makes it a very significant part of their history. This organization helped the World recover from the devastations etched by World War II and brought about initiatives toward global peace.

These are impressive feats for which any country or organization can be proud to be a part of. However, the United Nations is not only about peace and conflict resolutions. It also cares for its workers in their retirement. These employees are entitled to several benefits which include life insurance, pension plans and various other schemes that help in furthering their welfare and keep them happy at all times.

As of the time of writing this article, we can tell you that he United Nations offers a wide range of benefits to its employees, which are not limited to financial gains alone. Entitlement to these benefits is dependent on the length of employment with UN and other related factors.

Nevertheless, there are seven main types of benefits that are offered by the United Nations. Besides, in order to enhance morale among workers, while also attracting people from the best of educational background and skills, the seven main benefits that workers can expect to receive from UN are:

• Retirement benefits, including pension
• Life insurance policy
• Medical coverage, including both in-patient and out-patient care
• Health services for their dependents
• Educational allowance for their dependents
• Tenure security
• Subsistence allowance for foreign travel.

With the information above, this shows that not only are United Nations’ employees given the opportunity to work in one of the best places in the world but they are also taken care of when it comes to their well-being.