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2011-UNAT-132, Frechon

UNAT Held or UNDT Pronouncements

UNAT considered an appeal by the Secretary-General. UNAT held that it was satisfied that the UNDT’s conclusion that Ms Frechon was incapable of further service, based on the findings of the Medical Board, was not tantamount to UNDT having stepped into the shoes of the Ãå±±½ûµØMedical Director. UNAT held that there were no grounds to disagree with the finding of UNDT that Ms Frechon’s contract was, in fact, terminated for medical reasons. UNAT held that the procedure which should have been invoked was that set out in ST/AI/1999/16. UNAT held that UNDT was correct in rescinding the decision to terminate Ms Frechon’s employment. UNAT upheld the Order reinstating Ms Frechon but changed it to an Order to reinstate Ms Frechon for the purpose of the Administration initiating the procedures pursuant to ST/AI/1999/16. UNAT adjusted the way in which interest on the compensation awarded should be calculated. UNAT dismissed the appeal and affirmed the UNDT judgment with the above-noted variances to the Orders contained therein.

Decision Contested or Judgment Appealed

Ms Frechon contested the decision not to renew her fixed-term appointment. UNDT found for Ms Frechon, reinstating her and awarding her compensation.

Legal Principle(s)

A fixed-term appointment has no expectancy of renewal. An exception to the rules governing the expiry of a fixed-term contract will arise if the administrative decision not to renew is based on improper motives or if there are countervailing circumstances.

Outcome
Appeal dismissed on merits

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