The United Nations Volunteer Program offers individuals the opportunity to contribute to sustainable development initiatives worldwide through volunteer service. The 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).
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.
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 the 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
More Volunteer Programs around the world:
- Scout Adventures Volunteer Program 2026 UK (Fully Funded)
- EU Volunteer Program 2026 in Europe (Fully Funded)
