- Research pay ranges: Check what nonprofits and companies in your target field usually pay, before you talk numbers.
- Know your lowest number: Decide the lowest net amount you can accept, based on your real living costs.
- Negotiate the whole package: If the salary is fixed, ask for flexibility, a signing bonus, more leave or a training budget.
For some, negotiating can feel uncomfortable at first, especially after years in a system with fixed salary steps. Here's how to negotiate pay, annual leave, flexible work, training budgets and start dates outside the UN.
The Mindset Outside the UN
In the UN, your salary step follows strict HR rules and grade scales. Outside the UN, people expect you to negotiate, and first offers often have some room in them. Negotiating politely is a normal part of business, and employers often respect it.
A Friendly Way to Negotiate
Start with real enthusiasm, then make your request: 'I'm very excited about this role. Given my 12 years of specialized experience and the market rates, I was hoping we could talk about a gross base salary closer to $X. Is there any flexibility?'
Negotiate More Than Salary
If the employer has a firm limit on base salary, don't stop there. Ask for other things that have real value:
- Annual leave (norms differ by country. In the EU, the legal minimum is four weeks of paid leave a year, so check what's standard where you'll work before you ask for more).
- Remote or hybrid work (it saves commuting costs).
- A professional development or executive coaching budget.
- A signing bonus or relocation support.
- A formal pay review after 6 months.
Write down your target salary range and three non-money items you'd ask for in your next negotiation.