A staff position at the UN involves a comprehensive approach to salary structuring. In addition to the base salary, which depends on the position level and location, employees receive additional benefits that make the compensation package particularly attractive.

Key Salary Components

UN salaries consist of two main components:
🔹 Base salary – Determined by your level (e.g., P3, P4) and fixed based on your position.
🔹 Post adjustment – Adjusted based on the cost of living in the region where you work.

Previously, a dependency allowance was also included in the calculation, but the primary focus is now on the base salary and post adjustment.

Base Salary Calculation & Step Increments

To determine the exact base salary, it is important to know your level and corresponding step increases. Example calculations for P3 and P4 levels:

For P3 level:

  • 5 years of experience – Step 1
  • 6 years of experience – Step 2
  • 7 years of experience – Step 3
  • …and so on.

For P4 level:

  • 7 years of experience – Step 1
  • 8 years of experience – Step 2
  • 9 years of experience – Step 3
  • …and so on.

To simplify the calculation, you can use the UNDP salary calculator, which provides an estimated salary, including all allowances. However, this tool is for informational purposes only.

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