For tens of millions of people around the world, volunteering is an expression of support for a principle that strikes to the heart of the United Nations system: that by working together, we can make the world a better place for everyone. Volunteering and UN programmes empower individuals, build solidarity, encourage participation and protect the vulnerable against economic, social and political marginalization. Both are meant to build networks of reciprocity, reinforcing society's most basic social safety net -- collective responsibility. Become a UN Volunteer and explore the scope and vision of volunteerism.

Recruitment

UNVs accept their mission not as employment but as voluntary service for a period of limited duration. In other words, a UNV assignment is not a career position. Normal assignments vary from 12 to 24 months and can be extended. Shorter missions are frequent, depending on the specific circumstances in the field.

Annually, approximately 25,000 persons, from all over the world apply to UNV Headquarters and acceptance is highly selective. After a screening, about 10% are included in the computerized UNV roster. This roster presently includes more than 4,000 candidates, in 115 different professional categories. To keep the roster up-to-date, candidates are requested to reconfirm their interest and availability every six months.

Application Procedures

In some 40 countries UNV has arrangements with co-operating organizations or National Focal Points to assist with assessment of candidatures, interviewing, and with briefing and preparing those selected. If you are a citizen to one of the countries listed, you should apply through the organization listed.

If you are from an industrialized country not listed, you may write to the UNV Headquarters. If a national of a developing country not listed, you should apply through the UN Development Programme (UNDP) office in your capital city.

If you are in Cambodia, you can email one of our Program Officers, Robert Wildschut and Ruby Banez, or visit our office for more detailed inquiries.

Your application will be appraised and you will be informed only if you have been placed on the UNV roster of candidates. As a general rule, you will receive a response within four to eight weeks from the date your application is received by the Cyprus Offshore Processing Centre. Admission to the roster implies that you may be a candidate for a UNV assignment and that you accept to make yourself available within eight weeks should a formal offer be made to you. You must be prepared to wait on the roster for some weeks: possibly even some months subject to reconfirmation of availability every six months, your name will be kept no the roster for two years. Please note that inclusion in the roster does not guarantee an assignment. Your candidature may be submitted with others to a requesting country in response to a specific request. If so, you will be called for interview. If your candidature is chosen by the host country, you will be asked to confirm your availability for the assignment. Clearance (technical, government, medical, travel) is then obtained to enable you to depart for the assignment.

Candidates are welcomed to submit preferences for developing countries they believe they are most suitable for, but volunteer assignments are made primarily based on the best match between a country's needs and a volunteer's skills.

Candidates must be at least 25 years of age.

Funding

Funds usually come from country and regional funds provided by UNDP, regular programme budgets of UN agencies and contributions from host governments. When funding is not available from these sources, UNV can often identify other sources of funding or field UNVs who are fully-funded. For example, in Cambodia, more than 40% of the UNVs are fully-funded through agreements with Belgium, France, Japan, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Ireland, etc. UNV Headquarters (located in Bonn, Germany) also manages a Special Voluntary Fund (SVF), which can be utilized for specific types of assignments, such as pilot projects or exploratory responses to issues of global concern, particularly those emanating from the UN Global Conferences.

What is provided to a UNV?

As a UN Volunteer, you offer your services on a voluntary basis. We support you through several benefits. UNVs are provided travel costs, a settling-in allowance and monthly living allowance, and a small resettlement allowance based on the number of month served. All UNVs are entitled to health and life insurance and are included in the UN medical and security evacuation plans. Annual leave accrues at 2.5 working days per month.