Fixed Term Versus Temporary Assignment

[Kokolicious]

I recently (finally!) got two offers with a UN agency after more than 5 years of applying. I am however at a crossroad . One is a position in AFRO, a fixed term P3 , 2 years. The second one is in Europe- a P4 Temporary, 2 years assignment. Based on my experience and education, I am at a P4 level.

What is the difference between fixed and temporary, what do you advice? What are the risks and what factors should I put into consideration in deciding?

Thanks

[cherrygirl]

I would def go for a P3 if it is a FTA. Then I would aim for a P4 FTAs whilst being on the P3 FTA. There are too many risks in the UN system and you can easily loose your job.

[Shabazz The Disciple]

I recently (finally!) got two offers with a UN agency after more than 5 years of applying. I am however at a crossroad . One is a position in AFRO, a fixed term P3 , 2 years. The second one is in Europe- a P4 Temporary, 2 years assignment. Based on my experience and education, I am at a P4 level.

What is the difference between fixed and temporary, what do you advice? What are the risks and what factors should I put into consideration in deciding?

Thanks

Congrats Kokolicous, I am so happy happy for you, which agencies were these? A fixed term contract is more secure with more benefits than a temporary one, but to be sure ask where the source of income is coming from, nothing is secure in the UN these days. Anyway I am really happy for you. After 5 years of applications, you never gave up

[pupuce]

I'm a bit confused. I understood all P positions were fixed term, and an FTA is by definition temporary? Could someone please explain the difference between a P4 FTA and a P4 Temporary for example?

To OP: I was in your shoes a few months ago and had to choose between a P3 FTA and a ICAA 11 (P4 equivalent). I took the P3. Unless you have any objection moving to Africa (in that case take the position in Europe), that would be the reasonable choice.

[Kokolicious]

Thanks everyone. After weighing several factors, my family and I decided to accept the P-4 in Europe. We think it’s a better environment for our young kids (9 and 12 years old) and the duties align better with my background and career goals. Also a P-3 is way below my current experience and will in fact be a salary cut for me. I asked about the funding source about the temporary position, the hiring manager is very positive that this is a relatively stable funding source. The person that was in the position has had it for 4 years but is leaving because her husband accepted another position outside the region. It’s a big risk but we will see how things go. My friend left a 2year FTA for another UN agency because his contract renewal was very uncertain as the program had funding issues.

[prdeepak]

Hi Kokolicious

Congratulations and all the very best. It is a well-deserved appointment as you did not give up for the past 5 years. If I may ask, was your selection from a roster or was this offer after an interview?

Thanks,
Prati

Thanks everyone. After weighing several factors, my family and I decided to accept the P-4 in Europe. We think it’s a better environment for our young kids (9 and 12 years old) and the duties align better with my background and career goals. Also a P-3 is way below my current experience and will in fact be a salary cut for me. I asked about the funding source about the temporary position, the hiring manager is very positive that this is a relatively stable funding source. The person that was in the position has had it for 4 years but is leaving because her husband accepted another position outside the region. It’s a big risk but we will see how things go. My friend left a 2year FTA for another UN agency because his contract renewal was very uncertain as the program had funding issues.

[Kokolicious]

Hi Prati, this was not through a roster. I went through a written assessment, then an interview and presentation

[prdeepak]

Thanks kokolicious.
quote=Kokolicious post_id=2965 time=1574723685 user_id=745]
Hi Prati, this was not through a roster. I went through a written assessment, then an interview and presentation
[/quote]

[xul]

AFRO sounds like it's WHO.

Had been working at WHO for two years, I saw so many colleagues on a temporary post for years. However, I didn't see any difference between a fixed-term and temporary assignment (e.g. 364 days contract). As compared to other agencies, the funding for WHO is relatively stable. Also remember that temporary post can be also considered as more potential to be upgraded (e.g. can easily create a higher grade temporary post if resources allow). In my previous work, I had two p-5 colleagues at their age of 35/36 and on a temporary assignment.

Happy that you made the right decision! If I got an offer at a grade higher than my current FTA position, I will go with it for sure even it may be less stable.