United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Program

United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Program

About the Program
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program, administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), mobilizes volunteers to support peace and development worldwide. UNV offers two tracks: Online Volunteering and On-site Volunteering, placing skilled individuals with UN agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, and others on assignments ranging from 6 to 12 months (renewable, up to a maximum of 4 years of total service). Volunteers can serve as National UN Volunteers (in their own country) or International UN Volunteers (abroad), across sectors including humanitarian response, development, governance, health, WASH, gender equality, communications, IT, and more.

Benefits

Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) to cover accommodation, food, and local transport (rate varies by duty station and volunteer type — international rates commonly range roughly $1,500–$2,200/month; national rates are aligned to local UN salary scales)
Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance
Travel expenses covered for international assignments (airfare, visas)
Daily Subsistence Allowance for official duty travel
Annual leave accrual (2.5 days/month, up to 30 days/year)
Settling-in support and an end-of-assignment grant upon successful completion
A recognized entry point into future UN career opportunities
VLA is generally exempt from national income tax, as it is a living allowance rather than a salary

How to Apply

Register and complete your profile on the Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP)
Ensure your technical skills, qualifications, and areas of interest are clearly listed
Browse and apply to open assignments matching your expertise and location preference — including current listings for Somalia
Submit your motivation statement highlighting your commitment and adaptability to multicultural, sometimes high-pressure environments
Shortlisted candidates are contacted directly by the hosting UN entity

Date to Apply
Rolling basis — new vacancies are posted continuously throughout the year. Interested candidates should register on the UVP and check regularly, as assignments in Somalia and across Africa open and close on a rolling schedule (no single fixed deadline).

Official Link
🔗 https://www.unv.org