Do you dream of working with the United Nations? Are you wondering what it takes to secure a UN volunteer position?

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program offers skilled professionals the opportunity to contribute to UN agencies both online and in-person, both domestically and internationally. However, the UNV application process is highly competitive, requiring careful preparation and strategy.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the essential aspects of the UNV program, including the different types of UN volunteer roles, the application process, tips for submitting a strong United Nations Volunteers application, and key information on accommodations, living stipends, and more.

Let’s get started!

What is the United Nations Volunteers Program?

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) describes the program as follows: The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. We work with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well supported UN Volunteers into development programming and promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism. UNV is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and reports to the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board. Read more about the added value of UNV, UN Volunteers and volunteerism.

The United Nations Volunteers program requires you to have at least a couple of years of work experience prior to applying. For many international specialist roles, it requires 2–5 years of work experience as well as a Master’s degree. Part of the goal of having a UNV program is for the United Nations to reach its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are:

No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-Being
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Affordable and Clean Energy
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Reduced Inequalities
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Partnerships

Where Can you Volunteer with the United Nations?

There are three types of UN volunteer locations. You can:

Volunteer abroad
Volunteer in your home country
Volunteer online

For each of these, you apply online through the UNV portal.

What do UN Volunteers do?

United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) collaborate closely with UN staff in a wide range of roles. Some of the key positions include Human Rights Officer, Child Protection Officer, Community Protection Officer, Staff Counsellor, Medical Officer, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Officer, Human Resources Officer, Shelter Officer, Resettlement Officer, WASH Officer, and more. These roles span various sectors, including social sciences, law, engineering, business administration, and more, making it possible for individuals from diverse educational backgrounds to apply. Many UN volunteers have reported feeling fully integrated and respected by UN staff members. The primary difference is that volunteers receive a living allowance instead of a salary.

Are United Nations Volunteers Paid?

UN Volunteers are not technically paid, however, they receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), affordable housing or assistance to find housing, flights, health insurance, etc.

The United Nations Volunteers provides the following allowances:

volunteer living allowance: a monthly allowance intended to cover basic living expenses (this is not a salary)
travel expenses: for travel to duty station upon appointment and for repatriation at the end of the assignment
settling-in-grant: a grant calculated on the duration of assignment, paid at the beginning of the assignment
insurances: life, health and permanent disability insurance. The description of insurance benefits for international UN Volunteers is available here
annual leave
resettlement allowance: calculated based on the duration of assignment, paid upon satisfactory completion of the assignment.

You can read more about the United Nations Conditions of Service here.

What are the Requirements for United Nations Volunteer Jobs?

A university degree or higher technical diploma and at least two years of relevant work experience are among the minimum requirements to volunteer abroad with the UN.

Requests for assignments come from more than 140 countries and require a wide range of professional skills and competencies. They mobilize international UN Volunteers at the request of United Nations partner agencies to support their peace and development programmes.

First check whether you meet the minimum requirements below, and if so then you can register your profile in the UN Volunteers talent pool.

The minimum requirements to serve as an international UN Volunteer are:

25 years old and older (no upper age limit)
university degree or higher technical diploma
at least two years of relevant work experience in a professional background
good working knowledge of at least one of UNV’s three working languages: English, French or Spanish
commitment to the values and principles of volunteerism
ability to work in a multicultural environment
willingness to work with people and local organizations to draw upon the synergies between expert solutions and local knowledge
ability to adjust in difficult living conditions and sometimes remote locations
strong interpersonal and organizational skills
prior volunteering and/or working experience in a developing country is an asset

What are the United Nations Volunteer Categories?

There are three assignment categories for internationals.

International Youth

You must meet minimum requirements plus any role-specific requirements.

International Specialist

In addition to meeting role-specific requirements, you generally need an advanced degree, like a Master’s degree, and five years of work experience.

International Expert

In addition to meeting role-specific requirements, you typically need an advanced degree, such as a Master’s degree, and 10 years of work experience.

Are you looking for national positions within your own country? Please read more about the various UN National Volunteer categories here.

How Does the United Nations Volunteers Recruitment Process Work?

The application process for United Nations Volunteers is straightforward.

Step 1: Create a profile on the UNV website and search for available positions that match your skills, education, language abilities, and work experience.

Step 2: Click apply. Write a short motivational letter. Click send.

Step 3: Wait for an email from UNV that states that your profile has been passed on to the host organization (UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, etc). This means you have passed the first shortlisting.

Step 4: Receive an email from the host agency with a time and date for an interview. This could be over the phone or by video. The interview is typically a panel and could include 2–4 UN staff.

Step 5: Complete your interview. The interview will likely be short in duration (20–30 minutes). Typically they will ask 3–5 competency based interview style questions. Each of the questions will ask for you to reflect on your previous life and work experience and give an example of how you have demonstrated a specific skill or attribute. Some example questions could be:

Tell me about a time when you had to deliver under tight deadlines or limited resources. How did you ensure the outcome was achieved?
Give an example of how you demonstrated leadership in a previous role? what was the issue? what did you do? what was the result?
Tell me about a time when you had to handle a conflict with a coworker? What was the concern? How did you resolve this?
Give an example of how you demonstrate gender and inclusivity in the workplace? What was the impact it had?
Give an example of good team work? What did you do? What could you have done better next time?

Step 6: Receive an offer. Do a happy dance.

Tips for the UN Volunteers Process:

Provide an accurate representation of your work, volunteer, and language skills in your application.
Prepare for your interview by familiarizing yourself with the competency-based interview format and having well-thought-out answers ready.
Tailor your application and motivational letter by incorporating keywords from the job description that reflect your qualifications.
Gain relevant experience within your home country by working with populations commonly encountered in UNV assignments, such as refugees, low-income communities, survivors of gender-based violence, and others.
The UN Volunteers program values candidates who align with their mission and core values. Highlight your shared values, standout qualities, and life experiences that contribute to your ability to make a meaningful impact. Provide specific examples of how you have influenced others and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Consistently check the UNV platform and apply frequently. It may take submitting 30 or more applications before receiving a response, which is entirely normal. Stay persistent and committed throughout the process.

How Long are UN Volunteers Contracts?

Most United Nations Volunteer contracts typically range from 6 to 12 months. You may serve as a UN Volunteer for a maximum of four consecutive years. Upon completing your assignment, you may have the opportunity to renew your contract or return home and apply for another UNV position.

Where do UN Volunteers Live While on Assignment?

United Nations volunteers are assigned to various locations depending on their role. Housing arrangements can vary—ranging from living on a compound, in shared UN housing, or even in more unconventional accommodations such as converted shipping containers or tents, depending on the country of assignment. The UN will inform you if there is a housing cost, the amount, and whether they will provide or assist in finding your own housing. Your Volunteer Living Allowance will always be sufficient to cover your expenses, regardless of the country where you are posted.

Can I apply for a UN Staff position after completing a UN Volunteers Assignment?

While a staff position after completing a UN Volunteers assignment is not guaranteed, many UN staff members began their careers as UN Volunteers. Use this as motivation to perform your best and continue pursuing your goals. Your time as a UN Volunteer can serve as a valuable stepping stone towards achieving your career aspirations.

I hope you found this guide helpful in your search to becoming a United Nations Volunteer.

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Please note: the views and opinions expressed on this blog are that of my own and do not represent the opinions of any agency mentioned.