Become a UNV volunteer
Volunteering brings benefits to both society at large and the individual volunteer. It makes important contributions, economically as well as socially. It contributes to a more cohesive society by building trust and reciprocity among citizens.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism, including the mobilization of volunteers. It serves the causes of peace and development by enhancing opportunities for participation by all peoples. It is universal, inclusive and embraces volunteer action in all its diversity. It values free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteerism. UNV's Mission Statement
Becoming a UNV volunteer is an excellent opportunity for highly skilled professionals to serve under the United Nations for a limited amount of time, with the ultimate objective of making a difference in other people's lives.
UNV offers its volunteers a unique opportunity to have an extremely challenging and rewarding experience devoting their skills and expertise for the sustainable development of communities around the world (as international UNV volunteers), or in their own country (as national UNV volunteers).
The motivation in becoming a UNV volunteer is not self-interest, seeking employment or using the assignment as a step stone to a career inside or outside the UN. Although the volunteers' basic needs are covered by UNV, their main compensation is not monetary.
Their drive comes from the notion of Volunteerism itself. A UNV volunteer's primary objective is to contribute to the development of the community within which they work, and the reward for it comes from the personal satisfaction obtained and from the interpersonal exchange involved in volunteer work.
UNV volunteers are flexible individuals, receptive to other cultures and ways of working. Their priorities are clear, and their strength and success comes from their commitment and professionalism.
Note to UNV volunteer applicants
UNV online applications or rosters are NOT accessible through the Online Volunteering service. For enquiries regarding your application or its status on the roster, please write to roster@unvolunteers.org.
For more information, please click here.