The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program offers diverse opportunities for individuals globally to contribute to peace and development through volunteerism. These opportunities range from in-person assignments to remote online volunteering, catering to various skill sets and availability. The UNV program is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and integrates qualified professionals into the work of different UN offices and agencies, promoting the global recognition of volunteerism
United Nations Online Volunteer Opportunities
The UN Online Volunteering program allows individuals to contribute to the UN system’s work from their homes, utilizing their personal computers or laptops. This program facilitates remote volunteering for over 12,000 people annually, enabling them to apply their skills in areas such as research, graphic design, proofreading, and translation for various UN entities and non-governmental organizations . This initiative promotes peace and sustainable development by connecting talented individuals globally with UN departments to address critical social issues like climate change and inequality.
The primary benefit of online volunteering is its flexibility, allowing volunteers to work from anywhere with an internet connection and choose their contribution times, making it easy to integrate volunteering into busy schedules . This accessibility removes geographical barriers and transportation costs, making international humanitarian work more inclusive . Online volunteering also offers significant professional development, allowing individuals to gain new skills and valuable experience with the UN and other international organizations, fostering personal and professional growth . Furthermore, it provides a platform for individuals to make a tangible difference by contributing their expertise to projects aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, leading to personal satisfaction and a sense of purpose . The program also facilitates networking opportunities, connecting volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds worldwide .
The types of volunteering opportunities available are broad and include:
- Writing and editing
- Translation
- Teaching and training
- Art and design
- Event organization
- Research
- Technology development
- Community organizing
- Project development and management
- Outreach and advocacy
- Administration
- Leadership & strategy
- Healthcare services
- Volunteer management
To explore open positions, interested candidates can visit the official UNV career portal at app.unv.org/?type=online
Online Application Process
The application process for both in-person and online UN volunteer opportunities follows a similar structure .
- Sign Up and Profile Creation: Prospective volunteers must first register on the UNV’s Volunteer Management Application website and complete a comprehensive profile to be included in the ‘Global Talent Pool’ . It is crucial to provide as many details as possible regarding relevant qualifications, skills, and professional experience .
- Search Opportunities & Apply : After completing their profile, individuals can search for opportunities that match their skills and interests using search filters . They then apply for specific opportunities, potentially providing additional information or documents .
- Basic requirements include a university degree or higher technician diploma (a master’s degree may be required for some roles), two years of relevant work experience, and good working knowledge of at least one of the three UNV working languages: English, French, and Spanish . No formal proof or test is required for language proficiency . Applicants from all over the world are welcome, with no restrictions based on gender, age, or academic background . Eligible partners include UN Entities, governments, public institutions, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) .
