Termination of Appointments for Unsatisfactory Service

Abstract

Abstract The termination of an appointment, particularly a permanent, regular, or indefinite appointment, in an international organization, for unsatisfactory service, can be a matter of serious concern to the staff member affected, as it means that a hoped-for career is brought to an end and in some cases, because of the reasons underlying the termination, the staff member may find it difficult to find alternative employment. On the other hand, the international organization by which such a staff member has been employed would certainly like to have the unfettered power to terminate a staff member’s appointment for unsatisfactory service in the interest of the efficient working of the organization. Considering the serious implications of a termination of employment of a permanent nature in an international organization, it is surprising that the total number of cases brought by affected staff members before international administrative tribunals in which staff members of international organizations have complained of unlawful termination of their permanent, regular, or indefinite appointments on the grounds of unsatisfactory service is small. There have also been only a few cases brought before tribunals where other kinds of appointments have been terminated.