Apply to Become a United Nations Volunteer: Change Lives – Including Your Own

Conflict, climate change, and rising inequality are reshaping our world at an alarming pace. Every day, communities face challenges that threaten their safety, their futures, and their dignity. At some point, we must collectively say enough is enough — and choose to act.

One meaningful way to step into action is by becoming a United Nations Volunteer (UNV). As a UN Volunteer, you don’t just help transform the lives of others; you also embark on a journey that enriches your own. Volunteering with the UN is a full-time commitment to peace and sustainable development, whether in your own country or abroad, alongside UN agencies, funds, and programmes.

Rights and Benefits You Can Count On

The UNV programme is designed to ensure broad participation and to support volunteers with essential benefits that maintain a basic standard of living during their assignments. Volunteers receive:

• Monthly living allowance
• Medical insurance (including dependents)
• Annual leave (2.5 days per month served)
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities
• Travel allowance for international volunteers

These benefits help ensure that everyone — regardless of background — has the opportunity to serve meaningfully and safely.
Learn more about the UNV Conditions of Service here: https://bit.ly/UNV-COS

A Place for Every Professional Background

Whether you come from the fields of development, health, education, communications, emergency response, social work, or environmental management, there is a place for you within the UNV system.

Popular volunteer assignment titles include:

• Field Officer
• Community Development Officer
• Communications Officer
• Protection/Human Rights Officer
• Monitoring & Evaluation Officer

Each role contributes directly to creating safer, healthier, and more resilient communities worldwide.

Work With Leading UN Agencies

As a UN Volunteer, you may serve with some of the most influential entities in the UN system, such as:

• UNICEF
• UNDP
• UNHCR
• IOM
• OHCHR
• UNFPA
• WFP

UNV embraces the diversity of the world’s societies and is committed to ensuring representation and equal opportunity. Individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, afro-descendants, indigenous peoples, and other minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Every volunteer voice matters — and every community deserves to be served with dignity and respect.

Volunteer Categories: Where Do You Fit?

UNV offers four main categories of volunteer assignments, each with its own eligibility criteria:

• Expert : For candidates aged 35+ with over 15 years of professional experience.
• Specialist : For candidates aged 27+ with at least 3 years of experience.
• Youth & University : For candidates aged 18–26; no professional experience required.
• Community : For local volunteers serving their own communities; no academic or professional requirements.

Before applying, make sure to review the specific qualifications for your chosen role.

Ready to Apply? Here’s How

Start your journey by registering on the UNV Unified Volunteer Platform: app.unv.org

Create your professional profile, search for vacancies, and apply to opportunities that match your background. When filtering roles, check the volunteer category (Expert, Youth, Specialist, etc.) and select whether you wish to serve nationally or internationally.

UNV postings are updated regularly, so visit the platform often to stay informed about new opportunities.

Volunteer Online – From Anywhere

If you prefer a flexible, remote option, the UNV Online Volunteering service allows you to contribute up to 20 hours per week for a period of up to 12 weeks. You’ll support UN entities, governments, public institutions, and civil society organisations — all from your own device.

Online Volunteers do not receive the benefits of on-site volunteer assignments, but their contribution is recognized with an official certificate.

Learn more: https://www.unv.org/become-online-volunteer

The world needs people who are willing to act — to uplift communities, to support peace, and to help build sustainable futures. By becoming a United Nations Volunteer, you are choosing courage, compassion, and purpose.

Start today. Your commitment can change lives — and it may just change yours too.