VOLUNTEER ROLES : Apply to join the international United Nations Volunteer (UNV) program 2025
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program is a UN organization that promotes peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Volunteerism is a powerful tool for addressing development challenges, fostering trust, and creating opportunities for participation. UNV works to recognize volunteers, integrate volunteerism into development programs, and mobilize a diverse range of volunteers globally.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program offers diverse opportunities for individuals to contribute to peace and development worldwide. If you’re looking to apply for an international UN Volunteer role in 2025, here’s a comprehensive guide:
Understanding UNV Opportunities
The UNV program offers both onsite (international and national) and online volunteering opportunities.
- International UN Volunteers: You serve in a country other than your own. Assignments generally run from 3 to 48 months (effective January 1, 2025).
- National UN Volunteers: You serve within your home country. These represent about 70% of all assignments.
- Online Volunteers: You contribute to projects remotely from anywhere in the world, typically for up to 12 weeks, with a commitment of around 20 hours per week. Online volunteers do not receive financial compensation.
To find current United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program assignments , Interested candidates should visit the UNV Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP)
Eligibility Criteria for International UN Volunteers
While specific requirements vary by assignment, general eligibility for international UN Volunteers includes:
- Age: As of July 1, 2024, UNV no longer considers age a criterion for eligibility. All candidates between 18 and 80 are now eligible.
- Education: A higher technical diploma, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree is generally required for most assignments.
- Professional Experience:
- UN Youth Volunteers & University Volunteers: 0-3 years of experience (ages 18-26, though the age limit has been relaxed).
- UN Volunteer Specialists: 3-15 years of experience.
- UN Expert Volunteers: Over 15 years of experience.
- Language Proficiency: Good working knowledge of at least one of UNV’s three working languages: English, French, or Spanish.
- Personal Qualities: A strong commitment to volunteerism values, respect for diversity, strong interpersonal and organizational skills, ability to work in multicultural environments, and adaptability to challenging conditions. Prior volunteering or working experience in a developing country is often an asset.
Application Process
The application process for UNV roles generally involves these steps:
- Register in the UNV Global Talent Pool: This is the crucial first step. Visit the UN Volunteers Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP) at app.unv.org and create a detailed profile. This includes providing personal information, skills, education, and experience. This process can take about 45 minutes.
- Browse and Apply for Assignments: Once registered, you can browse available assignments on the UVP that align with your skills and interests. New opportunities are regularly published. Some assignments are filled directly from the Global Talent Pool without being publicly advertised.
- Review and Selection: The UNV team reviews profiles to match candidates with available positions. If shortlisted, you will be contacted by host agencies for an interview.
- Interviews: Interviews are typically conducted by senior managers and may include competency-based questions and, in some cases, skills tests.
- Final Steps: Successful candidates will receive a contract and prepare for their assignment.
Important Notes:
- Competition is high: Becoming a UN Volunteer is competitive. Candidates with relevant skills, experience, and a strong dedication to the UN’s mission have a better chance.
- Conditions of Service: International UN Volunteers are entitled to certain allowances to support their assignment, which are not considered compensation or salary. These include a monthly living allowance, medical insurance, annual leave, and a resettlement allowance at the end of the assignment. Travel fares and a setting-in grant may also be provided.
- No specific deadlines for general applications: While specific advertised opportunities will have deadlines, there is no overall deadline for registering in the UNV Global Talent Pool. You can register and update your profile at any time. Keep your profile active by accessing it at least once a year.
- Be cautious of scams: Never pay any fee to apply for a UNV position. The application process is free.
To get started, visit the official UN Volunteers website: www.unv.org and navigate to the “Become a volunteer” section. Good luck with your application!
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