UNDT/2021/050, Amoussouga-Gero
The Applicant’s appointment rested with the Human Resources Section and not the DMS, the mere recommendation by the latter of extension of the contract did not constitute a firm commitment for the Organization under the applicable jurisprudence, nor did the extension of his ground pass, which is a mere organizational permission. Therefore, the Tribunal finds that the Applicant did not have a legitimate expectation of renewal of his fixed-term appointment. The Applicant’s post was among those whose unique function was to be abolished in the affected unit and therefore, deemed to be a “dry cut”. As the Applicant was the only D-1 in the concerned office, there was no requirement for the Administration to conduct a comparative review.
Non-renewal of the Applicant’s fixed-term appointment.
A fixed-term appointment does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise, of renewal. A legitimate expectation of the renewal of an appointment of limited duration must be based on a firm commitment, expressed in writing.