An attractive labour market and a geographically convenient and safe location made United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) choose Copenhagen as the location of a decentralised HR office.

As part of a general decentralisation strategy, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has chosen to restructure some of the organisation’s HR functions from the New York headquarters to Copenhagen.

Director of the UNDP Nordic office, Poul Grosen, points to the availability of highly qualified labour as an important factor in the decision as well as cost factors and security.

- ‘The current employment situation in Copenhagen is extremely attractive for a body such as the UNDP. We received more than 800 applications for the 30 HR positions, so we could pick and choose between qualified people and fill the new office with a very competent and highly motivated staff,’ says Grosen.

About half of the positions have been filled by Danish applicants, the other half by resident foreign nationals. Only 10 have been recruited internally within the UN system to achieve what Grosen calls “an excellent mix of people with experience, qualifications and a fresh approach to the task.”

Also cost-wise, Copenhagen offers an attractive alternative to New York, being approx. 25 percent cheaper in relation to both salaries and operational costs.

After September 11, security has become a major factor when choosing a location. Before, the UNDP would often have chosen locations such as Jakartha, Kualalumpur or Manila, but after September 11 and the increased security concerns, Copenhagen offers an attractive low-risk alternative, according to Poul Grosen.

Last updated on: 17-03-2004	<< Back   Top