UN Volunteers

The United Nations Volunteers’ programme aims to allocate volunteers to international stations, where humanitarian development and peace promotion actions are developed. International volunteers are essential, as they bring new perspectives and initiatives, thus promoting community development. The United Nations has several programmes, the most common being International Volunteers and Online Volunteers.

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Requirements

To be part of the Online Volunteers you only need to be over 18 years old, while to be part of the group of International Volunteers it is necessary to be at least 25 years old, academic experience or qualifications and good language skills in English, French or Spanish. It is important to take into account that, due to the context during the mission, volunteers must have emotional stability and cultural sensitivity.

Destinations and Duration

On the United Nations volunteer platform, there are several opportunities to volunteer on different continents. The projects last between 6 and 12 months on a full-time basis, however the goal is for the volunteers to remain on mission for 1 to 4 years.

The opportunities to volunteer online are less time-consuming, lasting from 1 to 20 hours a week.

Support

International Volunteers receive support in the different stages of the mission, including vaccines, visas, flights between the country of departure and destination and an initial amount for expenses after arriving at the mission site, to this is added each month an amount for accommodation, transport and food, however it is important to take into account that, depending on the mission location, there may be an extra amount for accommodation. Volunteers are also entitled to insurance, as well as vacation days, maternity / paternity leave and insurance during the entire mission period. Finally, after returning, volunteers receive a relocation allowance.

Online Volunteers are not paid for their work, nevertheless in the end of the collaboration, the organisations can issue a certificate of appreciation.

Application

To apply for International Volunteering and Online Volunteering opportunities, it is necessary to create an account on the United Nations platforms – the platforms are different depending on the type of volunteering. You should visit the platfom with some frequency, as new opportunities are constantly being announced. There is the possibility to make applications or have the profile available and organisations can contact with suggestions to integrate a mission. Regarding International Volunteers, the final selection is made by the host agency and, after approximately 1 month, the volunteers leave on a mission.

International Volunteering

Online Volunteering

F.A.Q. UN Volunteers

I am 20 years old, can I volunteer with the United Nations?

You can volunteer online with the United Nations, but not on the field. We suggest you consult the EU Aid page, a similar programme, but available from people over 18 years old.

Is there no age limit for volunteering with the United Nations?

The minimum age is 25 years, but there is no maximum limit.

I have never worked in a development context, is this a good option?

Perhaps it is not the best option, as the agencies look for volunteers with some experience and, if you have never worked in this context, it is important to start with other experiences.

Do I really have to volunteer for 4 years?

No, you can stay during the official period of the mission, however the agencies need volunteers with experience in the field, as teaching the tasks often makes work difficult. If you want a shorter mission, you should consider other opportunities for international volunteering.

Do I have to pay to volunteer with the United Nations?

No, and if you see any website that says you have to pay, they are fraudulent websites, so always visit the official pages.

I studied medicine, can I volunteer with the United Nations?

Of course, it is an area with a lot of demand in terms of volunteers.