From Hiring to Firing : a Comparative Study on Selected Legal Safeguards for the Independence and Impartiality of International Civil Servants Serving in the United Nations Secretariat and in the European Commission

Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisInternal

492 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This dissertation describes, compares and analyzes policies of the United Nations Secretariat and the European Commission concerning staff appointment, placement and separation. It finds that recent reforms did not affect the existence of the concept of international civil service in these institutions, but that the emphasis has moved more towards ensuring a less costly and more flexible work force. While continuing to provide for a number of important legal safeguards for the independence and impartiality of staff, even improving the previous state of affairs in a number of areas, the study argues that the situation is not yet ideal. It recommends, for example, that the UN Secretariat revises its legal framework for ensuring adequate geographical representation and introduces better promotion and mobility frameworks. For the European Commission, the study calls for more transparency on de facto national quotas and for simplification of the legal framework concerning various types of appointment. The study also argues that proper procedures are needed for appointment of all, not merely some of, UN and EU staff.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • Maastricht University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • van den Bossche, Peter, Supervisor
Award date4 Jul 2012
Place of PublicationNijmegen
Publisher
Print ISBNs978-90-5850-846-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2012

Cite this