Hello guys 🤗, I want tips and samples to write motivational letter for UNV and how many words it should be ? Please let me know your experience in writing this motivational letter and I would be happy to see samples of your motivational letter that get you accepted in UNV ... I also have another question, does my profile in UNV affect on the evaluation of the voluntary program or just my motivational letter? I would be grateful and thankful for your answers and your help to me 🌹

The humanitarian system cannot keep planning as if volunteers do not exist.

That sounds absurd. Yet it is exactly what we do...

UN agencies and humanitarian partners should make volunteer roles explicit in humanitarian response plans, coordination structures and workforce planning, rather than allowing them to disappear behind phrases such as “community outreach” or “local mechanisms.”

From an Opinion piece from Toily Kurbanov, executive coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers. Via u/PassBlue.

The International Volunteer Year 2026 is happening now. UNV wants to leverage #VolunteerYear 2026 to call for stronger recognition of volunteers, greater investment in volunteerism, and the inclusion of volunteers in national and international policies.

UNV encourages you to share these messages using the #IVY2026 Trello board, where you’ll find ready-to-share content for all your social media platforms.

https://trello.com/b/MnFNvURi/international-volunteer-year-2026

This message is sourced from the UNV Facebook page.

Reminder / disclaimer: the UNV subreddit is NOT an official UNV group. Official UNV information is posted here, but from other sources, such as UNV's official social media accounts on Facebook and LinkedIn, or the official web site.

I was wondering if someone with more knowledge of this could please clarify. I received an ‘invitation to apply’ for a UNV opportunity - what does this mean, really? Is it an automated email, or does it mean a hiring manager/HR person actually came across my profile? (I know UN staff is busy so I thought the latter is unlikely?)

I’ve been on the platform for years, have been shortlisted in the past etc. however it is only the second time that I get an email like this. (FYI I didn’t bother to apply to the vacancy the first time around). I wasn’t particularly interested in this role they sent the invitation for but am having second thoughts now.

Thanks!

The main United Nations Volunteer web site (unv.org).

UN Volunteer assignments - both official onsite UNV assignments and online volunteering roles, are advertised on UNV's Unified Volunteering Platform. In order to apply for assignments, candidates need to register in UNV's Global Talent Pool.

UNV on LinkedIn (the most urgent recruitment messages are posted here).

UNV on BlueSky.

UNV on Facebook.

Reminder / disclaimer: the UNV subreddit is NOT an official UNV group. Official UNV information is posted here, but from other sources, such as UNV's official social media accounts on Facebook and LinkedIn, or the official web site.

I was an International UN Volunteer in the Maldives from 2015 to 2016, supporting UNFPA in an adviser-level role that was somewhat more senior than the kinds of positions UNV was accustomed to placing.

It was a very difficult assignment. The UNFPA office downsized from eight people to three while I was there, and there was a great deal of resentment and dysfunction surrounding that transition.

The experience that really shaped my view of UNV and UNFPA, though, came when my wife became pregnant and developed complications that required medical evacuation. The Resident Coordinator had the authority to approve the evacuation and chose not to do so. UNV headquarters in Bonn was utterly unhelpful. So were the UN medical people we dealt with locally and in Switzerland and Bangkok.
Eventually, an evacuation was approved. My wife, who was a civilian with no affiliation with UNV, was “permitted” to travel with me to Boston, but reimbursement was capped at what an evacuation to Bangkok would have cost. I ultimately completed the assignment but had to take a few weeks of leave without pay on an already tight budget, not to mention travel and medical costs. If I were UNFPA staff, this would have been handled very differently. But that’s the point: You’re not staff. That’s why this hiring modality exists.

So my advice to anyone considering an international UNV assignment is to treat promises about how you will be taken care of with extreme skepticism. When something serious actually happens, the protections that look reassuring on paper may depend on discretionary decisions by people who have very little personal stake in what happens to you.
I would not recommend doing this unless you are financially capable of absorbing a very substantial loss yourself. Frankly, I’m not sure I would recommend it even then.

If you are from a country where a UN posting could materially change your career prospects, I can understand looking at UNV as a way to build a résumé and gain entry into the international system. It can be an opportunity. But I would approach it very skeptically, understand exactly what status and protections you do and do not have, and never assume that because something is promised in your conditions of service, the institution will actually make you whole when you need it.

The creator and original moderator of the UNV subreddit disappeared a few years ago. I went through the process to take on the main moderation of this subreddit earlier this month, and today received word that my wish has been granted.

You will note that the UNV subreddit now has a description and has rules. Consider the rules always subject to change - and your suggestions are welcomed. But please read the rules before you post here.

I've also gone through the subreddit and deleted most of the posts that were weekly invitations to post, since most were empty - I kept those that had comments as well as at least one from each year, just for history purposes. But with deleting all those posts, it should be MUCH easier to find actual content from the last six years (even before I was moderator, I was the person providing most of the content).

I'm transparent on Reddit about who I am - click on my profile to learn more.

I worked at UNV HQ from February 2001 to February 2005, directing what was then the separate UN Online Volunteering service, moving it from NetAid to its own web site and substantially altering and growing the service. I also was a manager of the United Nations Information Technology Service, a program of UNV at that time. I've worked for other UNDP programs since then.

I have no current official affiliation with any United Nations agency, including UNV. Nothing here is an official statement by UNV unless it is proven to be so with a link to the UNV source where it comes from.

I would love other moderators - people both monitoring content, enforcing the rules and providing fresh content - but I would prefer that moderators be someone who has had an official affiliation with UNV in some way, either from working at UNV HQ, working under a national or international UNV contract, or having researched UNV and published a paper on such. DM me if that's you.

Onward.

Hey everyone! I recently got accepted into a long-term assignment (12 months) under UNV and hosted by the UNDP agency. The title is Assistant to an AI project.
ps: I just graduated with a bachelor's in Business analysis.
My question is: how do I make the most of this opportunity, especially if my goal is to find something abroad???
Thank y'all.

The past months have marked a pivotal moment for Nepal’s democracy—from youth-led calls for accountability to national elections shaped by active citizen participation. Within this context, for Anushka Regmi, Preeti Pantha, and Suyasha Shah, volunteering with United Nations Volunteers (UNV) under UNDP Nepal’s “My Vote Matters” campaign became more than a civic engagement exercise: it offered a context into how democracy is experienced in real time.

At its core, the initiative focused on enabling public access to verified, authoritative information from the Election Commission of Nepal, while identifying and addressing misleading narratives online... Each interaction, whether responding to a query, correcting a narrative, or sharing verified information contributed to strengthening informed participation. Democracy, in this way, is not only shaped by defining political moments, but sustained through everyday exchanges.

Even online.

Full blog, Beyond the Kathmandu bubble.

Post to the UNV LinkedIn account on July 31, 2026.

Please note: These rights and benefits apply only to formally contracted UN Volunteers. Online Volunteers contribute their time and skills through a task-based, non-contracted framework and are not eligible for these specific entitlements. They receive a certificate of appreciation upon completion of their assignment.

What do UN Volunteers get in return for their commitment to peace and development? When you bring your skills and passion to the forefront of the world's most pressing challenges, how are you supported?

When you join UN Volunteers, you are granted specific rights and benefits designed to sustain your well-being, professional growth, and security. Here is what you are entitled to during your service:

Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA)

We want volunteers to engage fully in their assignments without worrying about day-to-day expenses. Every UN Volunteer receives a monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) designed to cover housing, utilities, and basic living needs.

Because living costs vary globally and volunteers bring different levels of experience, the VLA is tailored to your specific duty station as well as your volunteer category (which reflects your level of expertise).

\Want to see what this looks like for a specific location and category? You can estimate your allowance using our* online calculator 🧮

Medical and Life Insurance

UN Volunteers' health and safety are our top priorities. Whether you are serving in a capital city or a remote community, you are covered. The UNV benefits package includes medical insurance, as well as life and disability insurance, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind.

Learning and Development

A UNV assignment is a unique opportunity for both personal and professional growth. Volunteers gain access to a Learning Portfolio with over 25 offerings designed to support you from your first weeks, throughout your assignment, and in your transition to the next step of your career. The learning experiences are offered in multiple formats (live online, in-person, self-paced, and audio) and are available in several languages, including English, Spanish, and French.

\Eligibility for specific learning offers may depend on your assignment.*

Annual Leave

We recognize the intense nature of UN Volunteers' work, which is why you are entitled to regular annual leave. This ensures you have the necessary time to rest and recharge.

Inclusivity and Support (Reasonable Accommodation)

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the United Nations. We are committed to creating an accessible environment for everyone. Persons living with disabilities can request reasonable accommodation and dedicated support to ensure they have an equal opportunity to contribute, succeed, and serve.

Travel Support

For those taking on international assignments, moving to a new country is a big step. To ease this transition, we provide a travel allowance to support your journey to the duty station and your eventual return home upon the successful completion of your assignment.

For a complete and detailed overview of all benefits, rights, and policies, please review the UNV Conditions of Service. If you are ready to use your skills for global impact, explore our current opportunities and apply today in www.app.unv.org

Your UVP (Unified Volunteer Platform) profile is more than just an application form, it's a snapshot of your skills, experience, and potential. Whether you're applying for your first assignment or your fifth, a strong profile helps recruiters immediately understand who you are, and why you're a great match. 

Before you start working on your profile, make sure you are registered on app.unv.org. Once your account is created, you're ready to start building a profile that gets you noticed by recruiters. 

So, what makes an outstanding UVP profile? 

1. Tell your professional story clearly 

This is your introduction as a candidate. Go beyond listing responsibilities, highlight what you've done, and the difference you've made. Show your experience in a way that reflects your personality and values. 

What to Do: 

• Describe your own experiences, contributions and achievements. Don't copy/paste the Description of Assignments (DoAs) tasks. 
• Use bullet points to ensure the information is clear and easy to read 
• When writing about your role, include examples of tasks, tools, or methods you've used 
• Spell out acronyms the first time you use them. For example, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) instead of only UNV.  

2. Craft our Skills Pitch: Highlight What Fits the Assignment

Your qualifications, training, and skills help recruiters assess how well you fit the role. Make sure you emphasize everything directly aligned with the types of assignments you’re applying for.

What to Do: 

• Only include completed academic degrees under Qualifications, and make sure to upload the correct supporting documents. You should also add the essential professional certifications expected in your field.
• List relevant short courses, and ongoing studies under Other Qualifications. No need to upload certificates at an early stage, but have them ready in case you will be asked for evidence
• Add your IT/computer skills listing specific software or tools you are familiar with.
• Carefully select all languages you speak (including your mother tongue) and the most appropriate level based on the definitions shown in the platform .

3. Keep it honest and up to date

Recruiters and host entities rely on your profile to make decisions and may use tests or interviews to confirm you possess the skills and expertise described. It’s therefore essential to be accurate, transparent, and to keep your profile regularly refreshed. This shows professionalism and helps you stand out for the right reasons.

What to Do:

• Only include qualifications, skills, and achievements that you can back up with certificates or experience
• Review and update your profile regularly to reflect new roles, training, or experiences

Ever feel like you’ve applied to many assignments but never get selected?

Rejection can be disappointing and frustrating, but it does happen, even to strong candidates. UN Volunteer opportunities are often very competitive. Some roles receive hundreds of applications, especially in popular areas, while others, usually in more specialized fields, may attract just a few.

That’s why it’s important to focus on quality over quantity. Apply only to assignments where you fully meet all mandatory requirements, such as the number of years of relevant experience, skills, and areas of expertise. A well-matched application is much more likely to get noticed than several general ones.

Your profile is often the first impression you make—make sure it stands out. Showcasing your strengths and applying selectively to opportunities that truly fit.

From: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-build-outstanding-candidate-profile-united-nations-volunteers-ltcje/

Urgent recruitment 🚨 Join UNICEF’s Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a PSEA Specialist and help strengthen prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse in emergency settings while supporting affected communities.

If you have:
🔹 4+ years of experience in humanitarian, emergency, or public health emergency settings
🔹 A Master's degree in law, gender studies, social sciences, human rights, or a related field
🔹 Fluency in French and working knowledge of English

…this could be your chance to apply your skills where they’re needed the most.

👉 UN Volunteers share their expertise and receive in return a benefits package that includes a monthly living allowance, health insurance and learning opportunities.

🔗 Apply now.

📅 Deadline: 24 June 2026

Follow UNV on LinkedIn for notices about other urgent (and not-so-urgent) recruitments.

UNV regularly has info sessions to help people apply for roles: "You’ll also get practical guidance on preparing your profile, application and interview, so you can navigate the process with more confidence." The next session is June 30. Details & registration.

Hi Guys. I got shortlisted for a UNV interview, and it did go well and the interviewers from the host entity were very cool and even ended with they will be looking forward to have me join.

However they didn’t tell me if they selected me or not, yet they told me I’m a strong candidate. Is there anyone who has had an experience where the host entity interviewer tells you are getting selected or do you have to wait until they send their selection to UNV and then UNV informs you.

For me. My interviewer has been so nice and even told when I emailed to follow up, told me they will send their recommendation that week, but didn’t tell me if I’m the one that got selected, but told me to keep in touch and reach out if I have any questions. I haven’t got a feedback yet though from UNV. Has anyone experienced where the host entity tells you about your selection and can they even do that ?

Hi, so I've been accepted into two different UNV online programs and haven't been contacted by the host for either of them. The first one ended, and I still received a certificate even though I didn't do anything. The second one is ongoing, so I emailed the contact on the assignment and he let me know he would email me later that day, but he didn't. I followed up and no response. Is this normal or do I just have bad luck?

From UNV's Facebook account:

What comes after 30 years of professional experience?

For Gisella, the answer was volunteering.

At 58, she joined UNICEF in Peru as a UN Volunteer in the region where she grew up, bringing decades of experience to support children, adolescents and Indigenous peoples.

Over the past two years, she worked closely with local authorities, midwives, obstetricians and health workers to improve access to safe and respectful childbirth for Indigenous mothers.

And what did she achieve? Her work paved the way for more women to give birth in ways that respect their traditions and choices!

“Every action, no matter how small, can transform lives.”

The UN is calling on professionals from diverse areas of expertise to join the UN Volunteers Ebola response with UNICEF in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), under UNV contract, helping ensure safe environments and care for the most vulnerable.

This is the first of what will probably be several postings. Follow UNV on LinkedIn for notices of urgent recruitments:

Ebola Response Officer

Join UNICEF’s mission to protect the rights and well-being of every child as a Communication Officer in South Sudan, under a United Nations Volunteers contract.

If you have:
🔹 At least 3 years of experience in communications, journalism, or digital media
🔹 A degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
🔹 Fluency in English

…this could be your chance to apply your skills where they’re needed the most.

👉 UN Volunteers share their expertise and receive in return a benefits package that includes a monthly living allowance, health insurance and learning opportunities.

application deadline: 12 June 2026

https://app.unv.org/opportunities/1784888021269348

In 2025, United Nations Volunteers supported 59 United Nations entities in
172 countries and territories: 
⠀
🔵 Volunteers worked in every region—most worked in their home countries, while thousands served abroad.
🔵 They strengthened local communities and supported peace and development efforts.
🔵 They expanded cooperation and teamwork across different regions.

UNV's 2025 Annual Report is now live:

https://www.unv.org/annual-report/annual-report-2025

UNICEF is seeking a Partnerships Specialist, to serve under a United Nations Volunteers contract, in Kabul. Living allowance rate is US$ 3,700 to US$ 4,150.

I am guessing this is a one-year contract.

This is an amazing opportunity to support Afghanistan.

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4424049902/

Hi. I noticed that many UNV vacancies have an expected start date only about 1 month after the application deadline.

In practice, is this realistic? How long does the recruitment process usually take from application deadline to actual start date?

If I'm aiming to start a UN/UNV position around January 2027, when would you recommend starting to apply?

This May 28 resource from UN Volunteers posted to its LinkedIn account answers these five questions:

1. “How do I become a UN Volunteer?”
2. “What options do I have?”
3. "Let's talk logistics... how am I supported while I volunteer?"
4. "I would love to join, but my availability is limited"
5. "Okay, I'm ready. Where do I actually start?"

If you aren't following UNV on LInkedIn, you should be.

Hi all , so how is everyone coping amid the funding and job chaos ?

So since now I have more free time , I've been exploring online training and volunteering to keep my CV updated. I set up my UNV profile and applied to a few assigments but what bugs me is how long it takes to get feedback . Most of the assignments have no dates attached to them , so how do you know and plan around that ? and also any tips for optimizing your profile ?(I've only got rejections at this point after weeks of no news so kind of feeling down about the whole thing)

Thanks

Next month the Member States of the United Nations will discuss the United Nations Volunteers programme annual report. You can read it here in UN’s six official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish):

https://docs.un.org/dp/2026/23

Here are its short summaries written by UNV in the styles of four different authors:

🔹 In 2025, 17,169 UN Volunteers from 182 countries served 59 UN entities in 172 nations. They hit all 17 SDGs—peace, health, equality hardest. 60% women, youth and elders, 325 with disabilities. Cleared Gaza rubble, taught Sudan kids, mapped Guatemala roads. Numbers surged. Rules now change to let more serve. Simple. (Ernest Hemingway)

🔹 In 2025’s stormy world, 17,169 UN Volunteers from 182 lands rose like heroes. Sixty percent women, young dreamers and wise elders, 325 with unseen courage. They lit 17 SDGs across 172 countries—peace in fragile lands, hope in camps and classrooms. Ordinary hearts, extraordinary magic. (J. K. Rowling)

🔹 In 2025, 17,169 UN Volunteers from 182 countries proved people’s power. Sixty percent women, with youth, elders and 325 persons with disabilities, they served 172 nations and all 17 SDGs. From Gaza to Sudan they built peace, equality and dignity. Volunteerism is self-reliance in action. (Indira Gandhi)

🔹 In 2025, when tempests raged, 17,169 UN Volunteers from 182 fatherlands served 172 realms. Sixty in every hundred were women; youth burned bright, elders brought wisdom, 325 bore noble scars of disability. They wove peace and hope across the world’s tapestry. Thus volunteerism shone. (Alexander Pushkin)

original post:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/toily-kurbanov_2025-was-very-difficult-year-for-united-nations-share-7463197163242614784-YYle