Associate experts programme
This Programme offers young professionals who are graduates from universities or institutions of higher education an opportunity to acquire professional experience in the technical cooperation of the United Nations Secretariat.
The Associate Experts, who may have limited or no professional experience, are recruited under bilateral agreements between the UN and the donor countries for development projects or regional projects or regional activities within the UN's wide fields of competence. They are provided by the eighteen governments that participate in the Associate Experts Programme (Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom).
Associate Experts are generally nationals of these countries. Some of these countries, however, agree to finance nationals of developing countries, particularly of least developed countries, as associate experts.
Associate experts are governed by the UN 200 Series Staff Regulations and Rules, which are applicable to all technical cooperation project personnel. Although some of the entitlements applicable to international project personnel are reduced, these conditions are determined by the prospective donor countries, who meet regularly to discuss such policy matters. Agreements concluded between the donor countries and the UN outline the respective obligations of both contracting parties.
Upon receipt of a breakdown of estimated costs from the UN Associate Experts Programme, the donor country deposits the necessary funds to cover all costs, such as salary, allowances, insurance and travel expenses, as well as administrative expenses incurred by the UN. The salary levels of associate experts are determined by the donor countries in consultation with the UN.
Associate Experts perform their duties either under the supervision of an experienced expert specializing in their field and the Chief Technical Adviser of the project or of a regional adviser. Associate Experts recruited for projects of a national character may be called upon to work under the supervision of the National Director responsible for the project.
Associate Experts' initial one-year appointment may be extended if their performance is deemed satisfactory (the standard length of appointment varies according to donor country). On completion of their UN contracts, the great majority of the Associate Experts resume their professional careers in their home countries, go back to universities to reinforce their international experience with advanced studies, or take assignments under bilateral technical assistance programmes. It is highly desirable that Associate Experts be able to pursue careers in development activities. Although a few take on regular staff member posts, there is no automatic transfer to regular staff positions. However, they have a fair chance of applying for such positions, as any other candidate.
For further information please contact: Associate Experts Programme, One U.N. Plaza, Room DC1-1200, New York, NY, 10017, USA (E-mail).
