SABBATICAL LEAVE PROGRAMME

The Department of Management, Strategy, Policy and Compliance has made the difficult decision to suspend the 2024 Sabbatical Leave Programme due to the current financial situation of the Organization.

          Check out this page in fall 2024 for information about the 2025 programme.

What is the Sabbatical Leave Programme?

The programme is a career enrichment opportunity that enables staff to pursue research or study projects for up to four months on paid leave at a university or independent institution. The purpose is to encourage continuous learning and professional development of staff.

There is a competitive application process; staff must apply and there is no guarantee of selection. Staff who are selected are placed on special leave with full pay for the period of the sabbatical leave (a maximum of 4 months).

Are you eligible?

All staff members (including National Officers, Field Service, Professional and higher, General Staff and related categories) with five years of service under continuing, permanent or fixed-term appointments with the United Nations Secretariat and who are expected to serve for no less than two years after the completion of the sabbatical leave are eligible to apply for the programme.

Detailed information on application and selection procedures is provided in Administrative Instruction ST/AI/2015/5.

What type of research projects are typically done through this programme?

There is a wide range of acceptable types of research projects for this programme. Each proposal must be connected to the work of the Organization and aim to bring added value to it, while also enhancing the professional growth of the staff member. More information is available in Administrative Instruction (ST/AI/2015/5).