Being part of the United Nations Common System, FAO adopts the remuneration and benefits package common to that system, which is also governed by the International Civil Service Commission. The base salary of a FAO employee is determined by the post grade and by the existence of any dependants.
Benefits
Travel expenses
FAO covers travel expenses for internationally recruited employees and their dependants from the place of recruitment to their assigned duty station. Dependants whose travel expenses may be payable are the staff member’s spouse and children, provided that they meet certain conditions.
Removal expenses
Depending on the type of contract, a FAO employee may be entitled to transportation of their personal effects and household goods.
Assignment grant
To assist FAO employees in meeting initial extraordinary costs when arriving at or relocating to a new duty station.
Rental subsidy
If newly arrived at the duty station and their rent is too high in proportion of their total remuneration, a FAO employee may be entitled to a rental subsidy.
Repatriation grant
If the FAO employee leaves the country of their duty station after separation from service at FAO, they may be entitled to a repatriation grant payable on the basis of their number of years of service.
Family allowances
Dependency benefits are provided by FAO in the form of higher net salaries and allowances for staff with dependents, and by flat-rate allowances for children and secondary dependents.
Education grant
An education grant is available to internationally recruited staff members serving outside their home country to cover a part of the cost of educating children in full-time attendance at an educational institution. The grant is payable up to the end of the fourth year of post-secondary studies; students are subject to a maximum age limit of 25 years. Educational travel expenses for the child may also be paid depending on the circumstances.
Annual Leave
Depending on their type of contract, a FAO employee will be entitled to up to 30 days of vacation per year. In addition, FAO also observes 10 paid holidays per year; these differ from duty station to duty station.
Home leave
If a FAO employee has been recruited internationally, they may be eligible for home leave travel to renew their social, cultural and family ties in their home country; frequency depends on the duty station they are assigned to and the type of contract they hold.
Maternity/Paternity/Adoption leave
FAO makes provisions for maternity, paternity and adoption leave with full pay which can range from two to sixteen weeks depending on which type of leave is being requested.
Health insurance
A FAO employee will be eligible to participate in one of FAO’s sponsored medical insurance plans. The monthly premiums are co-shared by them and the Organization.
Travel insurance
A FAO employee will be compensated by the Organization in the event of injury or illness attributable to the performance of official duties. In the event of death in similar circumstances, the employee’s family will also be compensated.
Retirement pension
If a FAO employee has a Staff appointment of six months or more or complete six months of service without an interruption, they become a participant in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund. A compulsory contribution will be deducted from their monthly salary.