Supporting Mobility & Spouse Employment

Local Spouse Networks

What is a LESA?

Local Spouse Networks (LESA) are similar to other local expatriate associations and may be formal or informal groups of spouses of UN System Staff members, joining forces to network and support each other.

LESAs are independent and can maintain open membership.

Whilst the UN supports the establishment of a LESA, the network is not part of the UN System.

In some duty stations designated UN Human Resources (HR) Focal Points provide support services to spouses and partners.

How to create a LESA

A Step-By-Step guide to locating, joining or setting up a Local Spouse Network (LESA Local Expatriate Spouse Association).

1

Network, network, network ...
2
Schedule a meeting with other spouses and partners to assess interest level.
3
In this meeting you could outline the benefits of the Network and provide some links to other LESA websites.
4
In order to best coordinate the group, a LESA Chairperson may volunteer, be suggested or agreed upon.
5
The role of the LESA Chairperson is to guide the spouses in forming a Network and to liaise with the UN Global Mobility Coordinator.
6
In some Networks a Focal Point (usually an HR UN staff member) is the link between the LESA and the Resident Coordinator’s office.
7
There is no right way to organize a LESA. The spouses in each country can decide what works best for them.
© 2013 United Nations Global Mobility Programme