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STU/69th Council/20/018
15 October 2020

Dear colleagues,

As you know, in the decisions of its 207th session in November 2019, the Executive Board requested “the Director-General to temporarily pause the managed mobility programme and present the results of the independent evaluation to it for its 209th session for examination with a view to assess the need to fine-tune the mobility policy, and to resume its full implementation at the 209th session”.

The IOS recommendations were published in March 2020 in document 209 EX/5.III.A.INF. They echoed many of the concerns expressed by staff in the survey conducted by the STU after the first mobility exercise.

At its 209th session, the Executive Board decided to invite “to resume the managed mobility exercise, taking into account the specialized nature of the Organization, and to ensure the full and timely implementation of all recommendations stemming from the Internal Oversight Service (IOS) evaluation of the first such exercise, while submitting to the governing bodies those recommendations that require their decision”.

The STU understands very well that the 9th recommendation of IOS, allowing to apply for a higher grade, must be approved by the General Conference in 2021.

For the time being, the STU has not been informed of any proposed updates relating to the Organization’s managed mobility programme, whereas the document 210 EX/5.II states that “The Bureau of Human Resources Management, after implementing adjustments recommended in the IOS evaluation, is ready to resume the Managed Mobility Programme. However, the impact of COVID-19 cannot be disregarded, so delays are likely. The Bureau is reviewing the planning, list of posts, deferments, communication and relocation support mechanisms”.

While waiting for the new proposals, being developed by HRM, to be shared in full transparency, the STU will ensure that a new mobility exercise does not begin until Circular AC/HR/65 of 7 December 2018 (which is still not available in French, 23 months after its publication) and chapter 5.10 of the Manual are updated to take into account the IOS recommendations.

Do not hesitate to contact us (unesco.stu@unesco.org) now to let us know any questions, comments or concerns.

Best regards,

The STU Council.