Pros
Salary level Tax free status Paid leave
Cons
20 years ago, we were called the Jewel of UNESCO for our pioneering use of technology and our statistical integrity. Sadly, due to bureaucracy, red tape, corruption and a toxic bullying culture we are now the laughing stock of the UN and the statistical community at large. We went from a staff of 120+ experts to less than 30 in the span of 8 years. We have been posting P5 level fixed term positions for almost 2 years which nobody wants. The development statistical community is small and our reputation is well known now. INCOMPETENT AND TOXIC LEADERSHIP The current leadership is incompetent and corrupt, chosen only for their political connections. Leadership is truly stuck in the stone age and does not understand technology. It often reacts to flashy marketing presentations and is completely oblivious to what is actually happening. Repeated harassment cases have been brought against the current leadership. They have all been covered up by the Ethics Office and the IOS. Even a recent public expose that exposed racism and sexism did not make an impact. Current leadership actually make fun of this fact and proclaim that they are untouchable. INACCURATE DATA Our data is full or errors and we don’t even have a place to explain our methodology. This is partly due to the fact that the majority of work is passed on to external contractors that have no understanding of the data or how it is used beyond the Institute. Curiously, the majority of contractors are located in the same region and always seem to get their bids one dollar lower than their competitors. After an IOS audit flagged this, it was swiftly buried. When internal staff speak up about this they are bullied and harassed until they quit or leave with a mental disability. Recent SDG indicators that were originally entrusted to UNESCO, were removed from their care and given to UNICEF to manage. TOXIC WORK ENVIRONMENT Taking a position here is a major risk. 6 people in the last 3 years have been hired and asked to move their entire families. After arriving, they are berated into submission. If they gain any credibility or visibility that overshadows the insecure leadership, the complacent HR department is given an order to destroy them. We have seen false information inserted into their performance reviews as a part of this. The staff are swiftly fired and left to return home on their own. This is becoming so common that remaining staff have set up a support network to help new recruits navigate this. Stress leave is very common due to the hostile, abusive and toxic work environment. The medical officer is aware and has flagged this to the Director General’s office but it is ignored and buried