United Nations Volunteer Program 2026 (On-site and Online)

The United Nations Volunteer Program is run by UN Volunteers, part of the UN Development Programme. It offers on-site and online volunteer assignments with UN agencies. Applications are open all year, so there is no single deadline.

Overview

About the Program

You take on a real assignment with a UN agency, either in person in a host country or online from wherever you are. On-site roles come with support so you can live while you serve. Online roles let you help from your own laptop.

What You Get (On-site Roles)

• A Volunteer Living Allowance for basic living costs
• A one-time settling-in grant for international volunteers
• Travel costs covered
• Health, life, and disability insurance
• Paid annual and sick leave
• Training and a resettlement allowance when the assignment ends

Online volunteering does not pay an allowance. It is unpaid, but it builds real UN experience for your CV.

Who Can Apply

• Online roles: open to almost anyone, no special background needed
• On-site international roles: you serve in a country other than your own
• National roles: you serve in your own country as a citizen
• Exact age and experience rules depend on the assignment

Is There a Fee?

No. There is no fee to apply.

How to Apply

• Create a profile on the UNV platform.
• Search for assignments that match your skills, on-site or online.
• Apply to the ones that fit. New roles appear often, so check back.

On-site or online, which fits your life right now? Tell us in the comments.

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