March 01, 2021 - Following the approval by the Administrator of the decision to implement two-year renewal cycles for Fixed-Term Appointments, BMS/OHR is introducing a supporting measure to ensure that all new staff on initial fixed term appointments of more than one year are subject to a probation period prior to being confirmed in their positions.The probationary period will allow UNDP to manage the relationship more flexibly, so that managers can address problems, if any, before confirming a new staff member into a two-year appointment. Furthermore, it focuses managers’ attention on the first year of employment of a new staff member so that they provide the clear guidance which underpins a successful start in a new position in UNDP.
Under the proposed policy, the probation period will give managers the opportunity to assess new staff members on the job, over a period of 10 months before deciding to either confirm or terminate the appointment. In certain circumstances, the probationary period can also be extended for up to 6 months.
The policy will take effect on 1 March 2021.