As outlined in staff rule 5.3 (a) (i), Special Leave without Pay (SLWOP) may be granted at the request of a staff member holding a fixed-term or continuing appointment. It is usually envisaged for advanced study or research in the interest of the United Nations, to meet personal obligations, such as for child-care in cases of extended illness, or for other important reasons, and for such period of time as the Secretary-General may prescribe. Requests for SLWOP are reviewed on their merits and approved on the basis of the interest of the Organization. If you are interested in taking SLWOP, please approach your Executive Office.
Since during periods of SLWOP staff members remain staff members of the Organization and retain their status as international civil servants with all obligations this entails, SLWOP is not normally intended to provide staff members with an avenue to pursue employment in other UN or non-UN entities. Outside employment / activities are governed by ST/AI/2000/13, in particular section 3 and 4.
In particular, SLWOP will not be authorized for governmental service in a political office, in a diplomatic or other representational post or for any functions that would be incompatible with the staff member’s continued status as an international civil servant. However, in exceptional circumstances, SLWOP may be granted to a staff member who is requested by his or her Government to render temporary services involving functions of a technical nature.
For employment in other UN entities that are part of the UN Common System of Benefits and Allowances, for staff in the professional and higher categories, there are administrative procedures in place to facilitate the temporary or long-term movement to such entities, subject to agreement by the receiving and the releasing entity and the staff member. Holding parallel appointments in two UN entities at the same time is normally not allowed.
If a staff member asks to work for another UN entity whilst already on Special Leave the following information will be required:
The reason why Special Leave was originally approved in advance of the requested employment.
Details of the proposed role, including entity, functions etc.
Details of any potential conflict of the new role with the staff member’s status as an international civil servant.