Types of appointment
Fixed-term appointment
A fixed-term contract is for a fixed duration. The initial appointment under a fixed-term contract is for a minimum period of one year, to a maximum of two years. The contract may be renewed subject to the Organization’s needs, availability of funds and the staff member’s performance. Upon completion of five years of continuous service under fixed-term conditions, the ITU may consider offering a continuous contract.
Probationary period
A fixed-term appointment is conditioned on a probationary period of a minimum of one year, counting towards the total duration of service under consecutive fixed-term appointments, which may be extended to up to two years when so required to permit a precise evaluation of a staff member's performance and conduct or his/her suitability as an international civil servant. A decision to terminate a fixed-term appointment at the end of the probationary period stipulated in the letter of appointment for reasons of unsatisfactory service is not considered as a termination within the meaning of the Staff Regulations.
Project appointments
Project appointments are non-career appointments with a time-limited duration at Headquarters and in the field. Individuals holding a project appointment have the status of Staff Members of ITU.
Short-term contracts
A short-term contract is for a duration not exceeding 11 months, either on a daily basis or monthly basis. The main purpose of these contracts is to enable the ITU to manage seasonal or peak workload, meet unforeseen demands and cover essential work that cannot be performed by regular staff.
Special Service Agreement (consultant/expert)
ITU contracts subject matter experts to provide time-limited, project-focused professional level support to attain specific programme deliverables. These are not employment contracts and remain outside the scope of the ITU Staff Regulations and Staff Rules. A consultant/expert contract is offered to an individual who is a recognized authority and specialist in a specific field. The individual is engaged in an advisory capacity. A consultant must have special skills or knowledge that regular staff of the ITU do not have or work for which there is no ongoing need.
