United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)
New York, United States
United Nations System
Founded 1948
How pay and appointments work at UN DESA.
Based on 119 postings in the last 12 months. Net base = annual salary before post adjustment/allowances.
| Grade | Share of postings | Est. net base / year |
|---|---|---|
| G-level |
|
Local scale — varies by duty station |
| P-2 |
|
$56,046 – $74,640 |
| P-3 |
|
$71,335 – $92,127 |
| P-4 |
|
$86,027 – $108,485 |
| P-5 |
|
$103,165 – $126,441 |
| D-1/D-2 |
|
$117,953 – $153,845 |
| Consultant |
|
Daily fee (varies) |
| Internship |
|
Stipend (varies) |
| Other/Unspecified |
|
— |
The contract mix shapes benefits eligibility — staff posts (P/GS) carry pension, health and allowances that consultancies and volunteer roles usually don’t.
A UN salary is not one number. Net base, post adjustment for the duty station and hardship where it applies go on; pension and health insurance come off. The calculator builds that stack layer by layer on the live ICSC scale.
Open the UN take-home calculatorUN DESA holds up the development pillar of the UN Secretariat. Its Divisions and Offices work together towards a common goal to promote the social, economic and environmental…
Hiring Insights & Trends