The United Nations Special Service Medal (UNSSM) is presented to personnel with 90 days of service with a United Nations mission not covered by a specific United Nations Medal.

United Nations Headquarters service is not eligible.

The obverse depicts the official emblem of the United Nations, a world map oriented from the north pole.

The reverse is plain except for the words "In the Service of Peace" in relief.

Claps or medal bars are worn on the ribbon of the medal to denote areas of service with the country name where the service took place, or the name of the UN organization involved.