Are you interested in volunteering with the United Nations while receiving financial support? The United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Program 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to contribute to global development through volunteer service.
Managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UNV Programme connects volunteers with UN agencies and partner organizations worldwide. Participants can apply for International, National, or Online volunteer assignments depending on their qualifications and interests.
Although UN Volunteers are not considered United Nations staff members and do not earn a salary, eligible on-site volunteers receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) and several additional benefits to cover their living expenses during their assignment.
United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Program 2026 Overview
- Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
- Administered By: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Program Type: Volunteer Program
- Volunteer Categories: International, National, and Online
- Funding: Volunteer Living Allowance and additional benefits
- Eligible Applicants: International Applicants
- Application Deadline: Open Year-Round
Types of UN Volunteer Opportunities
The UNV Programme offers three main volunteering pathways.
1. International UN Volunteers
International UN Volunteers are assigned to countries other than their own. They support UN projects by providing professional skills and expertise, often working in multicultural or challenging environments to promote sustainable development and humanitarian efforts.
2. National UN Volunteers
National Volunteers serve within their own country, contributing to local development initiatives, peacebuilding, and community-based projects while working alongside national and international partners.
3. Online Volunteers
The Online Volunteering Programme enables individuals from anywhere in the world to support organizations remotely through the UNV Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP).
Online volunteers can participate using any internet-connected device, making it an accessible opportunity for people regardless of their location.
Benefits of online volunteering include:
- Open to applicants from around the world
- No specific educational background required for many assignments
- Flexible remote participation
- Electronic Certificate of Appreciation upon successful completion
Financial Benefits
Eligible on-site UN Volunteers receive several forms of financial and practical support, including:
- Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA)
- Settling-in grant for international assignments
- Round-trip travel expenses, including airfare and visa support
- Health, life, and disability insurance
- Paid annual leave and sick leave
- Professional learning and development opportunities
- End-of-assignment resettlement allowance
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements differ depending on the volunteer assignment, contract type, duration, and location.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements listed for each individual volunteer position before applying.
How to Apply for the United Nations Volunteer Program
Apply for On-Site Volunteering
After opening the portal:
- Browse all available volunteer opportunities.
- Use the search filters to find suitable assignments.
- Under Type, choose either National or International volunteering.
- National assignments are available only to citizens of the country where the volunteer position is located.
- International assignments are open to applicants from countries other than the host country.
- Create a free account and complete your online application.
Apply for Online Volunteering
Browse available remote volunteer opportunities, create your profile, and submit applications directly through the online volunteering platform.
Why Join the UN Volunteer Program?
Volunteering with the United Nations provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable international experience.
Participants can:
- Support humanitarian and sustainable development initiatives
- Gain international work experience
- Develop leadership and communication skills
- Work with professionals from around the world
- Expand their global professional network
- Contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Receive financial support during eligible on-site assignments
If you are passionate about creating positive change, the United Nations Volunteer Program 2026 offers an excellent pathway to contribute your skills while gaining valuable professional and international experience.
Check other opportunities:
ASEF LinkUp Program 2026 in Slovenia (Fully Funded)
DAAD Re-Invitation Program 2027 in Germany (Fully Funded)
WIPO Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland (Fully Funded) | Receive Up to CHF 8,000 Monthly
Building Bridges 2026 Volunteer Program in Switzerland: Applications Now Open
Chevening Scholarship 2027 in the UK (Fully Funded)
World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation 2026 in France (Fully Funded)
INTERPOL Paid Internships 2026 in France | Monthly Allowance of €700
