UN Volunteers
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for the recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing an increasing number and diversity of volunteers, including experienced UN Volunteers, throughout the world. UNV embraces volunteerism as universal and inclusive, and recognizes volunteerism in its diversity as well as the values that sustain it: free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity.
With the UNV programme, individuals can volunteer in their own country (national volunteers), in a country different from their country of origin (international volunteers), or through the Internet (online volunteers).
Requirements
The minimum age to serve as an international UN Volunteer is 18 years old, however, there are specific requirements for various categories: UN Youth Volunteers, including University Volunteers, must be aged 18-26, UN Volunteer specialists must be at least 27 years old, and UN Expert Volunteers must be 35 years of age and above.
There may also be requirements of relevant professional and academic experience, as well as language proficiency. Refer to the Description of Assignment for the UN Volunteer assignment for which you are applying for details.
All UN Volunteers must display a commitment to the values and principles of volunteerism and the mandated activities of the United Nations and the UN Charter, and an ability to work in a multicultural environment and with local partners and communities.
They should be prepared to adjust to difficult living conditions in sometimes remote locations.
UN Volunteers should be professional, with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Destinations
Length
The length of this program is from three to 12 months, with the possibility of extending contracts up to a maximum period of four years.
Study fields
The fields of this program are related to the opportunities shared by the programme.
Funding
The funding for this programme can vary, these are the types of funding available:
Living Allowance, Settling-in Grant, Insurance, Travel Expenses, Annual Leave, Language Training, End of Assignment Grant, Special Leave, Learning and Development and Tax Exemption.
As UN Volunteers, individuals receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) rather than a traditional salary. The VLA is intended to cover basic living expenses, such as accommodation, food, and transportation. The amount varies depending on the country and location of assignment, taking into consideration local living costs.
International UN Volunteers receive a monthly VLA ranging from $1,500 to $2,200, while national UN Volunteers receive an allowance in line with local salary scales. It is important to note that the VLA is not considered a salary, and thus, volunteers are not formal employees of the United Nations.