How to Become a UN Volunteer: Opportunities, Requirements & Benefits

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the volunteer arm of the United Nations system, administered by UNDP. Its mission is to promote volunteerism as a means to help achieve global peace and development, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Volunteers serve in over 150 countries, both in their own countries (national volunteers) and abroad, and many volunteer online.

Types of Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteer Abroad

You can apply to serve in another country, supporting UN development, humanitarian, or peacekeeping missions. These roles require meeting eligibility criteria for international assignments.

Volunteer in Your Own Country (National Volunteer)

If you prefer staying local, there are many roles where you can contribute within your home country. These are often easier to access and still make a big impact.

Online Volunteering

For those who cannot or prefer not to travel, UNV offers online/virtual volunteer roles. These let volunteers contribute remotely using their skills such as writing, translation, research, mentoring, IT, education, and more.

How to Become a UN Volunteer

Here’s the general process:

1. Register in the UNV Global Talent Pool
   You start by creating a profile in their system via the Unified Volunteering Platform. This includes your skills, education, experience, preferences, and possibly language proficiencies.
2. Meet the Basic Requirements
   • Be at least 18 years old.
   • Educational or professional experience depending on the assignment. Some roles require university degrees or relevant work experience.
   • Language skills: many roles require proficiency in certain UN languages (often English, though other languages can be required depending on duty station).
3. Browse & Apply to Assignments
   Once your profile is in the Talent Pool, you’ll see volunteer roles that match your skills. You can apply for those published publicly; some roles are matched directly from the talent pool without being advertised.
4. Interview & Selection
   If shortlisted, you may go through interviews or assessments. The duration and depth of the process depend on the specific role.
5. Assignment & Service
   Once selected, you’ll be placed in the volunteer role, either abroad, locally, or online. You’ll serve for the period defined, following UNV’s Conditions of Service.

Benefits, Allowances & Support

While being a UN Volunteer is not about salary, there are several supports and “allowances” provided to ensure volunteers can serve safely and effectively:

• Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) to cover basic living expenses like accommodation, food, transport.
• Medical insurance, including for some dependents in specific cases.
• Annual leave (usually 2.5 days per month served) and sick leave options.
• Travel allowances for international roles, possibly including travel to and from your duty station.
• Online training and induction so you know what’s expected, understand UN policies, and are prepared for the role.

Key Requirements & Conditions

• Volunteers must adhere to the Unified Conditions of Service (COS) issued by UNV, which outlines commitments, rights, duties, eligibility criteria, and ethics.
• Some assignments—especially international or specialist roles—have specific eligibility like professional qualification, certain amount of work experience, or technical or language skills.
• Good physical and mental health is often required for volunteer assignments abroad. Legal, visa, or security requirements depending on the country may also apply.

Why Volunteer with UNV?

• Contribute to real change in areas like health, education, environment, peacebuilding, disaster response, and more.
• Gain valuable experience in international or national development work.
• Broaden your professional network, work in culturally diverse teams, gain cross-cultural skills.
• Online volunteering offers flexibility and allows you to contribute from wherever you are.

Volunteering with the United Nations via UNV offers a meaningful path to contribute to global development while building skills and experience. Whether you prefer traditional volunteer placements abroad, local field roles, or remote/online opportunities, UNV offers multiple ways to serve.