Looking for an opportunity to volunteer with the United Nations while receiving financial support? The United Nations Volunteer Program provides two types of volunteering opportunities: Online Volunteering and On-site Volunteering. Although UN Volunteers are not considered United Nations employees and do not receive a salary, they are provided with a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA). This monthly stipend is intended to cover basic living expenses, including accommodation, food, and local transportation. Administered by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the UNV Program promotes volunteerism as a powerful tool for advancing development and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Details About the United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Program

  • Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
  • Administered by: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • Program Type: Volunteer Program
  • Opportunity Types: International, National & Online
  • Financial Support: Volunteer Living Allowance and additional benefits
  • Eligible Applicants: International Applicants
  • Application Deadline: Open Throughout the Year

Types of United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Program

  • International UN Volunteers
  • National UN Volunteers (Volunteer in your country)
  • Online Volunteers

International UN Volunteers (Do Volunteering in another Country)

International Volunteers serve in a country other than their own. These volunteers work outside their home countries, often in difficult environments, and offer specialized skills and expertise.

National UN Volunteers

National volunteers work in their own country to help it develop and collaborate with others who share their passion for accelerating national progress and promoting peace.

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Online Volunteers

Anyone can apply for online volunteering opportunities on the UNV’s Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP) from any device, anywhere in the world.

  • You don’t need a specific background to become an online volunteer.
  • Organizations give their volunteers an electronic certificate of appreciation.

Benefits & Allowance

  • Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): A monthly allowance to cover basic costs like housing, food, and local transportation.
  • Settling-in Grant: A one-time payment to help international volunteers with relocation expenses.
  • Travel Expenses: Reimbursement for travel to and from the assignment, including flights and visas.
  • Insurance: Health, life, and disability insurance.
  • Leave: Paid annual leave, sick leave, and other types of leave.
  • Learning and Development: Access to training and resources.
  • Resettlement Allowance: A lump-sum payment at the end of the assignment.

Eligibility Criteria

The specific requirements vary by assignment, role, duration, and contract type. It is best to check the requirements of each position.

How to Apply for the UN Volunteer Program?

The Step-by-Step Application Process:

  • For On-Site Volunteering: Visit Here
    • All the volunteering positions will be displayed.
    • You can also use the filter on the left side.
    • Under Type: Select National or International
      • For National: You should be a National of a country to do volunteer work in that country.
      • For International: You must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
    • You need to create an account to complete the application form.
  • For Online Volunteering: Visit Here

Why Apply for the UNV Program?

Volunteering with the United Nations allows participants to:

  • Gain international professional experience.
  • Build leadership and intercultural communication skills.
  • Support humanitarian and development projects.
  • Expand their global professional network.
  • Contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Receive financial support for eligible on-site assignments.
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More Volunteer Programs around the world:







Frequently Asked Questions

What is the United Nations Volunteer Program 2027?

The United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Program, administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), provides two types of volunteering opportunities: Online Volunteering and On-site Volunteering (International and National). The program promotes volunteerism as a powerful tool for advancing development and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Applications are open throughout the year for international applicants, and volunteering helps participants gain international professional experience, build leadership and intercultural communication skills, and expand their global professional network.

Do UN Volunteers receive a salary?

No — UN Volunteers are not considered United Nations employees and do not receive a salary. However, they are provided with a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), a monthly stipend intended to cover basic living expenses including accommodation, food, and local transportation. Additional benefits include a settling-in grant, reimbursement for travel to and from the assignment (flights and visas), health, life, and disability insurance, paid annual leave and sick leave, learning and development resources, and a resettlement allowance at the end of the assignment.

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What types of UN Volunteer opportunities are available?

There are three types: International UN Volunteers, who serve in a country other than their own (often in difficult environments, offering specialized skills); National UN Volunteers, who work in their own country to accelerate national progress and promote peace; and Online Volunteers, where anyone can apply through the UNV Unified Volunteering Platform from any device, anywhere in the world, without needing a specific background. Online volunteers receive an electronic certificate of appreciation.

Who is eligible for the United Nations Volunteer Program?

Specific requirements vary by assignment, role, duration, and contract type, so check the requirements of each position. For International assignments, you must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment; for National volunteering, you should be a national of that country. Online volunteering is open to anyone. You need to create an account to complete the application form.

How do I apply for the United Nations Volunteer Program?

The application process is fully online through the UNV platform — links are provided at the end of this article. For on-site volunteering, browse the displayed positions and use the left-side filter under Type to select National or International. For online volunteering, use the dedicated portal link. There is no single deadline — the program accepts applications throughout the year.