Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2005
107 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the method and procedures by which positions in the United Nations service in the European Union and similar agencies are advertised to the public; if he has proposals for reforming such systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2759/05]
View answerI am advised that vacancies in professional grades in United Nations representative offices located in Brussels and accredited to the European Union are advertised on the central UN employment website, and prospective candidates are invited to submit applications on-line. Those employed in the professional grades enjoy the status of international civil servants and receive appropriate allowances, including in respect of relocation. General service positions are advertised in the local media.
Looking at the United Nations system more broadly, the United Nations secretariat and individual agencies conduct recruitment competitions centrally, advertising a range of positions as they arise, both via the Internet and also in the international media.
The Department of Foreign Affairs directly funds a number of junior professional officer, JPO, positions with the United Nations. Placements are with UN agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHCR, as well as with the International Labour Organisation, ILO.
Recruitment for these positions is carried out by the Public Appointments Service, in co-operation with my Department, and competitions are advertised both in the national media and on the Public Appointments Service website www.publicjob.ie. The recruitment of JPOs is carried out on a two-year cycle. The selection process for the 2005-06 cycle has recently been completed.
I am satisfied that Irish applicants enjoy equal status with citizens of other member states when seeking positions with the UN. A number of Irish personnel are employed by the UN, including at senior levels.
