The Foreign Service Journal, September 2006

suitable applicants for most openings. Nevertheless, among personnel officers and some senior managers I found strong resistance to the idea of converting more international posi- tions into local posts, even though local employees come at a small frac- tion of the cost of internationals. This was curious, given the uneven quality of the U.N.’s international staff. As any PKO veteran knows, one can find at these missions some of the most highly dedicated, talented and experience-hardened peo- ple anywhere. But, on the other hand, as one top official confided, “We have a way of recycling from mission to mission some people who could never obtain jobs else- where.” It is widely acknowledged that the U.N. person- nel system urgently needs reform, and it would seem that making better use of local talent should be an important element of this. Common to all the missions were complaints from local business, expat contractors and U.N. officials them- selves about the organization’s han- dling of casual labor. Hundreds of casual laborers were needed for con- struction projects, and almost every mission had encountered an unfore- seen requirement to hire local transla- tors for the peacekeeping forces. Because these positions were not included in the original mission staffing patterns, they were being maintained as part- time, casual jobs, with no benefits. Some missions were trying to outsource these positions, with the unintended consequence of significant pay cuts for workers. Often, however, there was informal pressure from the U.N. on local contractors to pay their workers more. Some mis- sions attempted to compensate these workers for the lack of benefits and full-time, tenured employment by paying F O C U S S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 6 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 53 It would seem that making better use of local talent should be an important element of U.N. personnel system reform. SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE AMERICA S I NCE 1 9 7 1 2006 represents our 36 th year helping to maintain America’s fleet of vehicles throughout the world. All of us at D & M consider it an honor to have worked with all of you through these years. We are aware of the importance of your official and private vehicles, forklifts, generators, tools and equipment. We look forward to continuing this service in a professional manner. We are here to help, just ask! Gary Vlahov www.dmauto.com (516) 822-6662; FAX: (516) 822-5020; E-mail: info@dmauto.com