Been a little occupied as of late and...my digital camera has been nicked...TIA ('This Is Africa').
Just changed my employment status...again. Was on a 3rd party contract to the UN. The contract was not renewed, but instead, I have accepted a direct contract to the UN up until 30 Jun 11. I am now what is called...a UN 'Consultant'. It has been done in this manner so that I line up for a UN salaried position as of 1 Jul 11.
I have taken up the offer with some mixed feelings. The experience to date with the UN has confirmed my belief that the UN is a huge monolith that moves at glacial speed. When you get in and look at the employment conditions though it has some very attractive service terms and conditions.
Especially with the work cycle we will be employed on in the future with 4 weeks in Mog followed by 7 full days R&R in Nairobi; subject to UN flights. If I can do 15yrs of salaried employment with the UN it means I will have a pension for the rest of my life at 80% of my final salary...that and my DFRDB pension, will do me nicely.
It has been our dream to be back working in Africa and, my wife and I, we can both see the opportunity that this represents. My wife is currently finishing off her Nursing Degree in Melbourne and, when she has been successful with that, it is our intent for her to come and live in Africa with me and see if she can strike up some sort of work in the Public Health sector with the UN, or some such agency in Africa. Our dream.
Anyway.....I'm writing this sitting at home in Melb. I've come home on a short surprise trip to see the family. Had to come home to utilize the repatriation travel of my last contract (or it would have gone to waste) and to satisfy the need of the UN to commence my contract with them from my residence. Arrived today at 0730h and have to fly back departing late PM Thu 18 Nov 10....and, because it is longer than 8 hrs, the UN INSISTS on flying me business class!!!
Will get a new digital camera on the way back in.
