2019-UNAT-897, Harris
UNAT held that the Appellant failed to demonstrate any error in the finding by UNDT that he had failed to meet his burden of proving that the assignment to work in Sector East was motivated by improper consideration. UNAT held that UNDT properly considered the relevant facts and the applicable law in concluding that the Administration had followed the prescribed procedures and acted in accordance with the internal law of the Organisation in separating him for abandonment of post. UNAT held that the Appellant could not choose to ignore a lawful direction by the Administration to provide medical evidence or return to work simply by requesting special leave. UNAT held that there was no basis for awarding compensation. UNAT held that the three medical certificates the Appellant had attached to his appeal were inadmissible. UNAT dismissed the appeal and affirmed the UNDT judgment.
The Applicant contested his separation from service for abandonment of post. UNDT held that the decision to separate the Applicant for abandonment of post was lawful.
Traditionally, the reassignment of staff members’ functions comes within the broad discretion of the Organisation to use its resources and personnel as it deems appropriate.