University Volunteer

image5 (192K)In collaboration with universities, the United Nations Volunteers programme is taking lead in the University Volunteer initiative to place volunteers to support information and communication technology for development, education, health and environment towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

University Volunteer is a global initiative that allows volunteers from any country to work directly with people and institutions in developing countries to build their capacity in information and communications technologies (ICT).

The United Nations Volunteer programme (UNV) coordinates this innovative volunteer initiative. Currently, most ICT volunteers associated with University volunteer are UNV volunteers who have been assigned to projects in a variety of areas including education, governance, health, etc. and focused on ICT development activities.

The University Volunteer scheme offers final year students who have strong ICT-related skills a chance to contribute to development. Development organizations can request University Volunteers from the following participating countries: Spain, South Korea, and Japan.

Basic Conditions of Service

  • Duration of assignment: University Volunteer assignments usually last for a period of six months.
  • Living Allowance: University Volunteers will receive a living allowance based on the cost of living in the country of assignment. The allowance is intended to cover basic needs and should not be considered as a salary. It is paid each month at the country of assignment.
  • Accommodation: Host organizations are in charge of helping University Volunteers find suitable accommodation during assignment period.
  • Insurance: Insurance coverage for life, health and permanent disability is provided for the duration of the assignment.
  • Medical and security evacuation: University Volunteers are entitled to medical and security arrangements as per the applicable UNV evacuation scheme.
  • International travel: Travel on appointment and at the end of the assignment will be provided by the University.
  • Annual leave: University Volunteers are entitled to annual leave at the rate of two working days a month which they will be required to take during the assignment period. All other costs, including pre-departure expenses (passport, visas, medical exams, etc.) and in-country travel are to be covered by the University Volunteers themselves or by their university.
  • Reporting system: University Volunteers are expected to fill in the online end-of-assignment report.