The DTTA allocation is granted on an annual basis. The objective of the DTTA is to strengthen and develop the knowledge and skills of the JPOs in a manner relevant to their assignment in order to enhance their performance. For this reason, the DTTA is to be utilised during the assignment and no later than 1 month before the end of the last year of contract.
Utilisation of the DTTA must be done in consultation with and approved by the JPO's direct supervisor. Each UNDP office will also have a Talent Development Manager who is a useful resource for learning discussions.
If JPOs or their supervisors are in doubt about the DTTA eligibility of an intended training, they can consult the UNDP JPO Service Centre in advance.
If you are a JPO assigned to an agency other than UNDP, you may also need approval from the agency focal point.
The amount of the yearly DTTA allocation is donor-specific and may be subject to change on short notice, although this is rare. If the JPO contract is extended for less than a year, the DTTA is pro-rated accordingly. Extensions funded by the organisation do not include additional DTTA allowance.
* DTTA funding only applies for the first 2 years of the assignment.
| Sponsoring Government | Allowance (US$) |
| Australia | 4,000 |
| Austria | 1,800 |
| Belgium | 3,000 |
| Canada | 3,000 |
| China | 3,000 |
| DCC Trust Fund | 3,000 |
| Denmark | 4,000 |
| Finland | 4,000 |
| France* | 3,000 |
| Germany | 4,000 |
| Greece | 3,000 |
| Iceland | 3,000 |
| Ireland | 3,000 |
| Italy | 3,000 |
| Japan | 3,000 |
| Kuwait | 6,000 |
| Luxembourg | 3,000 |
| Monaco | 1,500 |
| Norway | 4,000 |
| Portugal | 3,000 |
| Qatar | 5,000 |
| Rep. of Korea | 3,000 |
| Saudi Arabia | 3,000 |
| Spain | 4,000 |
| Sweden* | 4,000 |
| Switzerland | 5,000 |
| The Netherlands | 4,000 |
| United Arab Emirates | 3,000 |
| United Kingdom | 5,000 |
| United States | 3,000 |
Unspent DTTA funds can be carried over to the following contract year. However, DTTA funds cannot be advanced, e.g. from the 2nd year to the 1st year. Any unspent DTTA by the end of the JPO assignment will not be paid out as part of the separation process.
For HQ-based and RBAP JPO/SDPs:
Management of the DTTA allowance is done by the JPOSC, including the monitoring of the amount available. JPOs are encouraged to keep track of their DTTA budget. They may however contact their HR focal point with the JPO Service Centre for information on their current DTTA balance if necessary.
For Country Office-based JPO/SDPs:
Management of the DTTA allowance is decentralised to the UNDP country offices, including the monitoring of the amount available. JPOs are encouraged to keep track of their DTTA budget. They may however contact their HR focal point with the JPO Service Centre for information on their current DTTA balance if necessary.
Payments for DTTA activities will only be made once an activity has been identified and approved by the supervisor/agency focal point as applicable.
The DTTA is intended and earmarked to support your professional development. The DTTA budget can be used for participation in training courses as well as participation in relevant Workshops and organized events. DTTA may also be used for Learning Assignments of shorter duration in another office, please refer to question no. 7 (part 1).
Please note that DTTA should not be used to support office missions which are linked to your function, such office missions should be borne by the office
Yes – the below activities cannot be covered by the DTTA budget:
What is a Learning Assignment?
A Learning Assignment is a mission travel of usually 2-4 weeks in another duty station or unit within your organization where you can use your DTTA to cover the costs. The purpose is to expand your skills and competencies. It is also a good way to network, get exposure to another office and get to know other colleagues through working with them - and for them to get to know you.
What is the focus of a Learning Assignment?
The focus of the Learning Assignment can either be to work within the same area as your current job but in a new context or it can be to work in a related area within the overall thematic area of your current assignment.
How do I arrange for a Learning Assignment?
To arrange for a Learning Assignment, you should first discuss the possibility with your supervisor. Your supervisor may be able to support you in identifying a relevant Learning Assignment and contacting a duty station. There must be a clear agreement of release period, scope and responsibilities between your supervisor and the supervisor in the other duty station or unit. Therefore, it is important to draft a brief Terms of Reference of your duties during your Learning Assignment, with learning objectives for the mission, so expectations are clearly outlined before taking up the assignment.
What is the difference between a Learning Assignment and a Detail Assignment?
A Learning Assignment is different from a regular Detail Assignment as it will be driven by you as a targeted learning activity and funded from your DTTA. A Detail Assignment is driven by a corporate need and in most cases of a longer duration of 3-6 months (or more). Please see separate section on the guidance on pursuing Detail Assignments (in progress).
What are the steps to take to arrange for a Learning Assignment?
Below please find a step-by-step guide:
- Tip: Search the JPO Online Request System to find potential needs from units related to your profile.
- Contact JPOSC to obtain DTTA balance for planning purposes.
- Discuss the opportunity with your supervisor.
- Contact the hiring manager who will be hosting you during your Learning Assignment – you can contact him/her directly or do it through your supervisor (ideal). Share your P.11 and aspirations for the learning mission.
- In collaboration with the hosting office, create a brief description of duties during your Learning Assignment with objectives and scope of responsibilities for your assignment. You can use the template Terms of Reference for this purpose.
- Calculate the cost of your travel (Ticket, DSA and terminals during the assignment period). The DTTA should cover your ticket cost in full and the remaining DTTA budget will then cover DSA and terminals. If you do not have sufficient budget to cover the full DSA, a reduced DSA will be paid, and you will cover the remaining cost yourself. In some instances, the receiving office has also covered some cost but this is not to be expected as a standard.
- Obtain approval from the JPOSC to use the DTTA for this purpose by submitting the completed and signed DTTA form and terms of reference.
- Approval from your donor may also be needed which will be taken care of by the JPOSC.
- Once approved, contact your local travel focal point to assist with booking of flights. Note that the travel must be booked via the UNDP travel portal or via your local UNDP focal point.
- In connection with booking of flights, a Travel Request is created in UNall in which you can also request payment of DSA. Where applicable and after submission of the Travel Request, an airfare Purchase Order and/or DSA invoice will be autogenerated and sent to JPOSC for final approval. Not applicable for the time being – please consult with your JPOSC HR focal point regarding current process of booking of DTTA related travel and payment of DSA
- Make sure to check visa requirements and vaccination requirements prior to travel and remember to enter your travel details in the UN TRIP system.
- You are now ready to undertake your Learning Assignment.
- Upon return, upload boarding pass and submit F10 through UNall. **Not applicable for the time being – please consult with your JPOSC HR focal point regarding current process for certification of DTTA related travel.
- Upon return, please, also share your experience with your HR Focal point and ensure it is recorded in your PMD under learning /development objectives/activities.
Locations