United Nations employee, unfarly treated

Dear all,

I am a British national and a permanent (i.e. I have a permanent contract) employee of the United Nations. Currently I am permanently stationed in a Southern African Country.

I feel I've been unfairly treated (harassed & bullied) by my Director (who was at one time my direct supervisor, then my second level supervisor and now is the Director of our office).

Specificially I feel I've been harassed/bullied and that this Director has used his position to unfarirly undermine my carrier and cause as much damage as possible. He has twice now given me an unsatisfactory ratings on my performance appraisals which has led to me receiving a warning from our headquarters saying that if I do not improve my performance then I can face dismissal. These unsatisfactory ratings are profoundly unwarranted and against the recommendations of my immediate supervisor.

I really don't understand why he should want to do this to me, but it has been a consistent and persistent attempt to ruin my life and work environment.

I seem to have a number of options:
a) Quit -- can I claim that I've been forced to quit?
b) Make an informal request to the offending Director asking him to stop. Then use this document to ask our HQ to reconsider their decision.
c) Make a formal complaint and try to have my HQ decision reversed
d) Privately sue the Director for harassment at work
e) ??????

Does anyone have any recommendations or advice?

Many thanks & regards,




Chris.

Does anyone have any advice or recomendations.

You have just about outlined all options.

You could also have a lawyer intervene and consult with your office. Sometimes just the fact that lawyers are involved can change the dynamics.

Make sure the supervisors above the problem manager also know your feelings about this.

Thanks for the advice -- which of the options seems best? Or should I approach them in a specific order.

Assuming I do have a valid grievance i.e. that this person has actually behaved inappropriately and ultimately it has affected my carer prospects -- I might want to say OK stuff it and quit (as I'm 'damaged goods' anyway) then would I be able to sue?

Thanks & regards,




Chris.

Quitting usually weakens your case a bit.

Document everything and have a couple of different lawyers review whether your case is viable.

That would be my advice.

Hello Chris,

I would advise you to have a look at the UN Ethics Office created in 2006 with Robert Benson as a Director. I think it could help you in your situation and why not require help /advises from them. Should be the right place to do it.

Moreover, there is also a website regarding harrassement issue in the United Nations. Home

Hopefully, you have or will soon solve this uncomfortable situation.

Good Luck

Mathilde