The United Nations

[William33 110]

I applied for a position with the UN about 18 months ago; and gained an offer of a position, yet an unaccompanied (Contract) position in Africa.

The money was outstanding, yet the position was represented as permanent. Turned out to be a 1 year contract.

In addition, it was advertised with the spouse in mind, in that she could accompany me in certain cases. If not, she could "hold up" at UN expense, in a third country. Not an option for us.

I am locked into a good job stateside, yet the UN now beckons me with offers that accommodate my Wife. Any thoughts on UN employment, aside from the usual political #######?

They pay well, but I am curious about actual experience. Anyone?

[Ta Ta 1]

My fiance has worked for the UNHCR ( United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees ) for 6 years.

He never received his last paycheck in August 2006.

Many have never received their severance pay.

He was hired again in another town in Sierra Leone February 1 this year and has not received a paycheck !

He is a National and is distraught on how poorly this organization has been treating

it's African employees. International employees are treated well and their decent pay is

on time.

Nationals get poor pay and it is usualy late.

Just today he was so upset about this issue, he can barely manage to keep his

daughter in school and provide food.

It is a disgrace that the UNHCR ignores all complains of these affected employees.

William, I know this is irrelevant to your potential position with the UN but do you have any idea

what can be done about this ?

My fiance and collegues have written collective letters to no avail.

I don't know where exactly the salaries get "hung up" in the pay chain. The plight

of the Nationals continues to be ignored and the International contracts get high

priority and high pay with excellent benefits.

[William33 110]

Omoba,

This is distressing information about the UN, the core mission is to help those in need, and those that contribute to it.

With this information, I truly wonder about the effectiveness of this process. If locals don't get paid, the whole organization is completely off track. I will not consider an appointment with the UN Org then.

This really sucks.

My fiance has worked for the UNHCR ( United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees ) for 6 years.

He never received his last paycheck in August 2006.

Many have never received their severance pay.

He was hired again in another town in Sierra Leone February 1 this year and has not received a paycheck !

He is a National and is distraught on how poorly this organization has been treating

it's African employees. International employees are treated well and their decent pay is

on time.

Nationals get poor pay and it is usualy late.

Just today he was so upset about this issue, he can barely manage to keep his

daughter in school and provide food.

It is a disgrace that the UNHCR ignores all complains of these affected employees.

William, I know this is irrelevant to your potential position with the UN but do you have any idea

what can be done about this ?

My fiance and collegues have written collective letters to no avail.

I don't know where exactly the salaries get "hung up" in the pay chain. The plight

of the Nationals continues to be ignored and the International contracts get high

priority and high pay with excellent benefits.

[Ta Ta 1]

I sometimes wonder if there are certain lower levels in this entity

that are corrupt and prevent the pay checks to reach the Nationals and

wonder if the High Commissioner himself is aware of this trouble.

All in all I believe the UNHCR and the UN as a whole does a good job in regards

to refugees but to exploit or at least ignore Nationals is just wrong.

Most Nationals make about $300-$400 per month and you can add another zero

for Internationals for a fairly comparable job.

You as an International would not be affected. If you have a sense of adventure and

your wife is willing then look into it. What field would you be working in ?

When you are on the inside let me know the chain of command and channel to go through

to reach someone that gives a care