01DISCOVER
02COMPARE
03PREPARE
04GO
At a glance
TypeInternational UN Volunteer assignment
Age framework18–80; assignment limits may apply
DestinationA live duty station outside your nationality and residence country
Duration1–48 months, depending on assignment
SupportLiving allowance and assignment-specific benefits; not salary
Programme highlights
✓ Contribute professional skills to a defined UN assignment✓ Search live roles or be matched from the Talent Pool✓ Receive assignment-specific allowances and insurance✓ Work in multicultural and sometimes difficult contexts
About UN Volunteers — International Assignments
UNV publishes Descriptions of Assignment on the Unified Volunteering Platform and may also match suitable profiles from its Global Talent Pool. Each assignment states the duty station, category, education, experience, language and availability requirements.
Competition means matching those exact requirements and operational needs; creating a profile does not guarantee selection. Online Volunteering is a separate, non-contractual, task-based route of up to 12 weeks and has no volunteer allowance.
Eligibility criteria
- AgeThe 2026 framework covers ages 18–80, subject to case-by-case insurance, security and assignment restrictions.
- ExperienceInternational Associate roles require at least one month, Specialist roles three years and Expert roles seven years of experience.
- Education and languageThe live Description of Assignment sets any degree, professional credential and language requirement.
- Nationality and residenceAn international volunteer cannot serve in a duty-station country of nationality, and residents of that country cannot serve there as international volunteers.
- ApplicationCreate and maintain a complete UVP profile, then apply to suitable live roles; some candidates are matched directly from the Talent Pool.
- BenefitsA Volunteer Living Allowance supports the assignment and is not salary. Travel, entry, exit and insurance benefits depend on category and duty station.
Important to know
Sponsored calls may add eligibility rules. Check the current Description of Assignment and Conditions of Service before relying on a role, destination, duration or benefit.
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