Salaries

Salaries established by international organizations are typically competitive.  Since countries generally do not tax their nationals’ income from international organizations, most international organizations (including UN agencies) set salaries on a "net-of-tax" basis.  In addition, they provide other allowances that vary according to individual circumstances and the cost-of-living at the work location.  The most important of these allowances is the "post adjustment," which serves to equalize purchasing power for international civil servants wherever they serve.

While salaries are usually quoted in dollars, they are paid in whole or part in the currency of the country where the individual serves.  The take-home pay, therefore, can vary with changes in the dollar exchange rate.

To determine whether the salary and benefits package offered by an international organization is desirable, applicants should compare the international organization's "net" salary plus post adjustment and any other offered allowances with their current "after-withholding" salary, allowances and benefits.

United Nations Common System
Pay in the professional and senior positions is made up of two main elements:  1) base salary and 2) post adjustment.   UN salaries are based on those of the U.S. Civil Service plus an amount that will vary from 10-20%.

Am I required to pay taxes as an International Civil Servant?

All U.S. citizens and permanent residents remain subject to federal income tax and also may be subject to U.S. state and local taxes.  However, special tax provisions apply to Americans working overseas, for example, with international organizations.  For authoritative information on federal taxes, see IRS Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad.  For information on state or local taxes, please consult the tax authority's guidance.

In general, employees who meet certain residency requirements, may exclude up to $104,100 (2018) of their international organization income from federal taxes.  Also, some international organizations offer tax incentives to employees.  Candidates are encouraged to consider tax ramifications of employment prior to accepting any offer from an international organization.

For USG employees, pursuant to Public Law 103-296, FICA tax is required for all transferred employees even if they do not continue their CSRS Offset or FERS coverage during the transfer. While employed by an international organization, an employee's FICA tax, retirement and insurance contributions are based on the amount of pay the employee would have received had he or she remained at the transferring agency.  Whether or not the employee elects retirement coverage, the employee is no longer exempt from FICA tax during service with the international organization.