WORLDWIDE VOLUNTEER ROLES: Apply Now for the 2025 United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Program

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program is a UN initiative dedicated to promoting peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Volunteerism is a powerful way to tackle development challenges, build trust, and encourage participation. UNV works to recognize volunteer contributions, integrate volunteerism into development strategies, and mobilize a diverse pool of volunteers globally.

The UNV program offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals to actively contribute to global peace and development. If you’re planning to apply for an international UN Volunteer role in 2025, here’s what you need to know.

Understanding UNV Opportunities

UNV offers both onsite (international and national) and online volunteering roles:

• International UN Volunteers – Serve in a country other than your own. Assignments generally last from 3 to 48 months (effective January 1, 2025).

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• National UN Volunteers – Serve within your home country. These make up roughly 70% of all assignments.

• Online Volunteers – Support projects remotely from anywhere in the world, usually for up to 12 weeks, with a commitment of about 20 hours per week. Online volunteers do not receive financial compensation.

To explore current assignments, visit the UNV Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP) at app.unv.org

Eligibility Criteria for International UN Volunteers

Requirements vary by role, but general criteria include:

• Age – As of July 1, 2024, age is no longer a limiting factor. Applicants aged 18 to 80 can apply.

• Education – Most assignments require a higher technical diploma, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree.

• Professional Experience –

  • UN Youth Volunteers & University Volunteers: 0–3 years (ages 18–26, though the upper age limit is now more flexible).

  • UN Volunteer Specialists: 3–15 years.

  • UN Expert Volunteers: Over 15 years.

• Language Skills – A good command of at least one of the UNV’s working languages: English, French, or Spanish.

• Personal Qualities – Commitment to volunteerism, respect for diversity, strong interpersonal skills, ability to work in multicultural settings, adaptability, and ideally some prior volunteer or work experience in a developing country.

Application Process

1. Register in the UNV Global Talent Pool – Visit app.unv.org and create a complete profile, including personal details, education, skills, and experience. This step may take about 45 minutes.

2. Browse and Apply – After registering, search for assignments that match your skills. New roles are posted regularly, and some are filled directly from the Talent Pool without public posting.

3. Review & Selection – UNV matches profiles with opportunities. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interviews.

4. Interviews – Conducted by host agencies, often including competency-based questions and sometimes skills tests.

5. Final Steps – Successful applicants receive a contract and begin preparation for deployment.

Important Points to Remember

• Competition is high – Candidates with relevant skills, experience, and a strong commitment to the UN’s mission stand out.

• Conditions of Service – International UN Volunteers receive allowances (not salaries), such as a monthly living allowance, medical insurance, annual leave, a resettlement allowance, and possibly travel fares and a settling-in grant.

• No general application deadline – You can register in the Talent Pool anytime and update your profile regularly (log in at least once a year to stay active).

• Avoid scams – The application process is free. Never pay to apply for a UNV role.

To apply, visit the official UNV website at www.unv.org and navigate to the “Become a Volunteer” section.

Good luck with your application!