The Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) is used to hire people for specific functions for defined periods of time. The contracts can last from one hour to one year in duration, and can be extended for up to four years, or duration of a project (whichever longer).

As most UNOPS work is project based, individual contractors are a key resource for UNOPS and its partners. For this reason, UNOPS developed and introduced the Individual Contractor Agreement in 2008.

There are three types of ICAs, depending on the scope of functions and the place of work:

• International ICA – Specialist personnel perform specialist, expert or advisory functions outside their home country or place of residence and normally require at least a Master’s degree or equivalent educational background.
• Local ICA Specialist - Personnel perform specialist, expert or advisory functions in their home country or place of residence and normally require at least a Master’s degree or equivalent educational background.
• Local ICA Support - Personnel perform support or administrative functions in their home country or place of residence at a level normally not requiring a Master’s degree or equivalent.

View current UNOPS vacancies

Please note that some Local ICA vacancies are not advertised on the UNOPS website but are advertised in the country of the assignment.

Remuneration of International ICAs

UNOPS offers a set of competitive and flexible salary ranges for International ICAs. The base salary takes into account the level of the contract and the current market rate for similar roles, as well as the cost of living and hardship at the duty station. Additionally, elements such as the degree of specialization, complexity of the tasks, education or experience in excess of the required minimum can be considered.

Fees are negotiated directly with the individual contractor, taking into account these factors within the applicable fee ranges for each level.

Remuneration of Local ICAs

Local ICA salaries reflect the market rates and best conditions found locally for work of similar quality and complexity. They vary from country to country, taking into account the availability of local labour with the required levels of skills and competencies.

Local ICAs with contracts of three months or more are entitled to additional benefits such as an attractive medical insurance plan (including life insurance and disability benefits), annual leave, sick leave and maternity/paternity leave.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS offers a progressive work life harmonization policy with flexible working options such as flexi-time, compressed work schedule and telecommuting. The policy applies to personnel on all contract types and based in HQ, a regional office or a field location.