Contract modalities

Please also consult the UNDP entry paths section for more information on the different employment opportunities with UNDP.

UNDP offers an attractive remuneration package in accordance with United Nations-wide salary scales, policies and practices. The specific conditions of each package may vary depending on type and duration of the contract, as well as family status.  You can find general information on the Conditions of Service at the ICSC (International Civil Services Commission) website.

Note that the information provided here is a high level overview which does not go into the details of each contract type. Details of remuneration is provided should you receive an offer of appointment and would depend on contract type, family situation, duty station location, employment history, entry level and more.  

Fixed-Term Appointments (FTA)
A fixed-term Appointment is expected to be of at least one year’s duration and may be renewed annually. The contract may be terminated or renewed on the basis of criteria such as funding availability, organizational need, fully meeting performance expectations and upholding the standards of conduct. A Fixed Term contract is considered a Staff Contract and governed by the UN Staff Rules and Staff Regulations.

Temporary Appointments (TA)
A Temporary Appointment is intended for a shorter duration not exceeding 364 days, with possible extension for an additional period of 1 year, bringing the maximum duration to 1 year and 364 days. Please check the UNDP Policy on Temporary Appointments for more information. . A Fixed Term contract is considered a Staff Contract and governed by the UN Staff Rules and Staff Regulations. 

International Personnel Service Agreements (IPSA)
This contractual modality includes a number of levels at which IPSA Holders can be appointed. The classification of these levels is aligned to the corresponding UNDP grade level. The scales provide a necessary degree of flexibility for hiring managers to adjust the pa according to skills and market circumstances. Please check the UNDP Policy on International Personnel Service Agreements for more information.  The PSA Modality is considered a non-staff contract and not governed by UN Staff Rules and Regulations but by it’s separate policy. The PSA Modality is typically used for time-limited service. PSAs are considered under a wider category of UN Personnel.

National Personnel Service Agreements (NPSA)
Staff’s remuneration scale is established for each country individually. The UN salary scale is used as a reliable reference point in each country. Please check the UNDP Policy on National Personnel Service Agreements for more information. The PSA Modality is considered a non-staff contract and not governed by UN Staff Rules and Regulations but by it’s separate policy. The PSA Modality is typically used for time-limited service. PSAs are considered under a wider category of UN Personnel.

United Nations Volunteer (UNV) 
This contractual modality varies in length and scope, and provides compensation packages based on the UNV conditions of service. The UNV contract is considered a non-staff contract and not governed by UN Staff Rules and Regulations, but by it’s own separate policy/Conditions of Service. UNVs are considered under a wider category of UN Personnel.

Interns
An Internship is for a duration of 6 months. Interns receive a monthly stipend which amount varies based on their country of assignment. Please check the UNDP Internship Policy for more information. Interns are not considered staff and therefore not governed by UN Staff Rules and Regulations, but by it’s own separate policy. Intern’s are considered under a wider category of UN Personnel.