Secondment Job Opportunities in the United Nations and EU
Have you been invited to go on a secondment to the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe), the United Nations, or some other international organization?
Today we would like to share with you some important information about secondments, what they are, what to look out for, and what questions you might have. Among the secondment program options, the one we may encounter most often is the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program. However, of course, there are several other types of them.
To begin with, it is worth understanding what is meant by the term secondment.
If we are talking about the private sector, then the company sends its employee to work in another company for a certain period of time. While the employee is in a new position elsewhere, his or her employment rights and wages at his or her main company are preserved. Among the reasons that motivate this activity are investments in the exchange of experience and knowledge between partner companies or the development of the potential of their employee, training him in new skills.
Secondment in the context of the United Nations (UN) or the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) refers to a temporary assignment or transfer of an employee from their regular organization to another organization, such as the UN or OSCE, for a specific period of time. During the secondment, the employee works under the supervision of the receiving organization but remains an employee of their original organization.
The purpose of secondment can be to enhance collaboration and partnership between organizations, promote knowledge exchange, develop employee skills, or support the receiving organization with specific expertise or resources. Seconded staff members are often subject matter experts, and their contributions can strengthen the capacity of the receiving organization to fulfill its mandate.
⚠️ 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 #𝐔𝐍 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.📍 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐔𝐍 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬
At the end of the secondment period, the employee usually returns to their original organization, applying the experience and knowledge they gained during the secondment to their regular role. It's important to note that secondment arrangements usually involve a formal agreement between the sending and receiving organizations, outlining the terms and conditions, responsibilities, and duration of the secondment.
Two central purposes of the secondment of donors to international organizations are:
- Developing of the national capacities, building an understanding of the organizations' working precess, and returning that experience home for the benefit of the private and public sectors;
- Increasing the citizen membership in these organizations and, consequently, increasing national representation as well as impact at these organizations.
There are two main types of secondment, the primary difference between them being salary and benefits packages. Both types of secondment are common although they are each used for a specific purpose.
A clause that is the same and mandatory in both types of contracts is signing a non-disclosure agreement that specifies that you are an employee of the receiving organization and do not get directions from your government for the duration of the contract.
Secondment on conditions of the sending government (the sending donor is the employer).
Here you negotiate salaries with your government, which already has an employment contract that is standard for its international staff. Everything in the benefits package is standardized.
Since administrative issues are not handled by the host organization and the working conditions are easier to negotiate, this type of secondment is most often used when it is necessary to take care of the quick start of the employees.
This type of secondment is also less politicized because there is no employment relationship, the host organization has no need to list seconded personnel in its official diversity reporting.
This type is suitable for those candidates whose aim is to gain knowledge and develop their own skills, and you should understand if you decide to stay with your main organization upon your return or if you aim to leave.
If you decide to stay, you should keep in mind that this type of assignment is less favorable for you, since there is no employment relationship between you and the organization.
There are certain countries where this experience is more favorable for social security and retirement, while in others it is much more favorable to stay in the national retirement system without leaving and returning after some time. In addition, you should note that in most countries the work you do in your new role will be taxable.
Secondment under the conditions of the host organization (host organization - employer)
This type is very advantageous if you decide to stay with a given organization after the assignment period is over, because the working conditions agree exactly with it. In other words, your chances of staying are high due to the employment relationship with the host organization.
You get a standard and very attractive benefits package, in many organizations your income is tax-free. Since some donors have their own pension system, it is worth paying attention to, because if you plan to stay with the organization you have to hurry up and try very hard to get into the pension system.
This type is used to increase the number of citizens and develop your own influence.
Because donors pay huge administrative fees, organizations continue to accept this type of assignment. However, don't take this as a quick fix for all problems, because, unlike the first type, this one is much more politicized and has an impact on reporting on diversity.
Requirements for Secondment in the United Nations
Requirements for secondment to the United Nations (UN) can vary depending on the specific position, department, and level of responsibility. However, there are some general requirements and qualifications that are typically expected of candidates who are being considered for secondment:
Employment status: You must be a current employee of an organization that has a secondment agreement or partnership with the UN.
Education: A bachelor's degree is usually the minimum requirement for most positions, although some positions may require a master's degree or higher, particularly for senior or specialized roles.
Experience: Relevant professional experience is essential for secondment opportunities. The number of years and the specific type of experience required will depend on the position and level of responsibility.
Language skills: Proficiency in at least one of the UN's official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish) is often required. Knowledge of additional UN languages or local languages, depending on the duty station, can be an asset.
Specialized knowledge or skills: Depending on the role, specific expertise, technical skills, or knowledge in a particular area may be required, such as human rights, humanitarian affairs, political affairs, or program management.
Soft skills: Seconded staff members should possess strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Availability: Candidates for secondment must be available for the entire duration of the secondment assignment and be willing to relocate if necessary.
Endorsement and support: The candidate's current employer must endorse the secondment and be willing to continue paying the employee's salary and benefits during the secondment period.
It's important to note that the specific requirements for secondment may vary depending on the UN agency, program, or position. It is crucial to review the eligibility criteria and requirements for the specific secondment opportunity you are interested in before applying.
Secondment conditions
Secondment conditions can vary depending on the specific agreement between the sending and receiving organizations, as well as the nature of the secondment assignment. Some general secondment conditions that may apply include:
Duration: Secondments usually have a fixed duration, which can range from a few months to several years. In some cases, the secondment period may be extended with mutual agreement between the sending and receiving organizations.
Salary and benefits: The sending organization typically continues to pay the salary and benefits of the seconded staff member during the secondment period. The receiving organization may provide additional allowances or benefits, such as a cost-of-living adjustment, housing allowance, or travel expenses, depending on the assignment and location.
Reporting and supervision: During the secondment, the staff member will usually report to a supervisor within the receiving organization, but they may also be required to maintain communication with their original employer.
Performance evaluations: The seconded staff member's performance may be evaluated by both the receiving organization and the sending organization. The evaluation process and criteria should be agreed upon before the secondment begins.
Training and development: The receiving organization may provide training and development opportunities to the seconded staff member to help them acquire new skills and knowledge relevant to their assignment.
Confidentiality and intellectual property: Seconded staff members may be required to sign confidentiality agreements and adhere to the intellectual property policies of the receiving organization.
End of secondment: At the end of the secondment period, the staff member is expected to return to their original organization. They may be required to provide a report or debriefing on their experiences and the knowledge they gained during the secondment.
Termination of secondment: In some cases, the secondment agreement may be terminated earlier than planned by either the sending or receiving organization due to various reasons, such as unsatisfactory performance, changes in organizational priorities, or personal circumstances.
It is essential to review the specific secondment conditions outlined in the agreement between the sending and receiving organizations before accepting a secondment assignment, as these conditions can vary depending on the organizations and the nature of the assignment.
List of international organizations for secondment
Below is a list of prominent international organizations that often offer secondment opportunities, along with their respective web links. These organizations span various fields, including development, humanitarian aid, peace and security, health, and environment. Please note that the availability of secondment positions can vary, so it's advisable to check their official websites regularly for the most current opportunities and application details.
Certainly! Below is the text for an article with URLs provided in a way that you can copy and paste them into a document or content management system to create active links. Note that while copying and pasting directly into some platforms automatically converts URLs into hyperlinks, in others, you may still need to follow the platform's specific process for link creation.Exploring Secondment Opportunities Across International Organizations
Embarking on a secondment with an international organization offers unparalleled professional development and the chance to contribute to global initiatives. This guide provides an overview of prominent international organizations known for offering secondment opportunities, complete with clickable links to explore current openings and application details.United Nations (UN)
The United Nations' diverse agencies offer a wide array of secondment opportunities to work on issues ranging from peacekeeping and humanitarian aid to health and development.- United Nations Careers: https://careers.un.org/
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO plays a pivotal role in addressing global health challenges, offering positions in health policy, emergency response, and more.- WHO Careers: https://www.who.int/careers
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Economists and finance professionals can find secondment opportunities at the IMF, contributing to economic stability and growth worldwide.- IMF Careers: https://www.imf.org/en/About/Recruitment
World Bank Group
The World Bank provides secondments in areas such as development finance, environmental protection, and poverty alleviation.- World Bank Careers: https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/careers
European Union (EU)
EU institutions and agencies offer a broad spectrum of secondment roles in policy-making, regulation, and international relations.- EU Careers: https://epso.europa.eu/
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
NATO offers unique opportunities in security, defense, and diplomatic fields for secondees.- NATO Careers: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/71157.htm
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
Engage in work on conflict prevention, security, and democracy across the OSCE's member states.- OSCE Employment: https://jobs.osce.org/
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Contribute to global education, science, and culture initiatives through secondment at UNESCO.- UNESCO Careers: https://en.unesco.org/careers
World Trade Organization (WTO)
The WTO offers secondments focusing on global trade policies, negotiations, and economic research.International Labour Organization (ILO)
Work on international labor standards, social protection, and employment opportunities at the ILO.- ILO Jobs: https://jobs.ilo.org/
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Join UNEP's efforts in environmental policy, climate action, and sustainable development through a secondment.- UNEP Vacancies: https://www.unenvironment.org/about-un-environment/employment
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
The IOM provides secondment opportunities in areas such as migration policy, emergency response, and human rights.- IOM Careers: https://www.iom.int/careers
When considering a secondment to these or any other international organizations, it's essential to review the specific eligibility criteria and application processes detailed on their official websites.
⚠️ 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 #𝐔𝐍 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.📍 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐔𝐍 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬
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