2026 United Nations Volunteer Program
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program 2026 is now open, offering fully funded opportunities to work globally or locally, with 2026 designated as the International Volunteer Year.
Volunteers can serve abroad, in their home country, or online, aiding in development and peace projects.
Key areas include health, education, and humanitarian response, often requiring a degree and professional experience.
The UNV program offers two types of volunteering positions:
- Online
- On-site: The on-site position involves National Volunteers and International Volunteers.
While UN Volunteers are not “employees” and do not receive a salary, they are provided with a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA).
This is a monthly stipend designed to cover basic living expenses (rent, food, local transport).
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) administers this initiative. It integrates volunteerism into development programming to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Available Tracks
International UN Volunteers (Do Volunteering in another Country)
- International Volunteers serve in a country other than their own. These volunteers work outside their home countries, often in difficult environments, and offer specialized skills and expertise.
National UN Volunteers
- National volunteers work in their own country to help it develop and collaborate with others who share their passion for accelerating national progress and promoting peace.
Online Volunteers
- Anyone can apply for online volunteering opportunities on the UNV’s Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP) from any device, anywhere in the world.
- You don’t need a specific background to become an online volunteer.
Organizations give their volunteers an electronic certificate of appreciation.
Benefits & Allowance for the 2026 United Nations Volunteer Program
- Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): A monthly allowance to cover basic costs like housing, food, and local transportation.
- Settling-in Grant: A one-time payment to help international volunteers with relocation expenses.
- Travel Expenses: Reimbursement for travel to and from the assignment, including flights and visas.
- Insurance: Health, life, and disability insurance.
- Leave: Paid annual leave, sick leave, and other types of leave.
- Learning and Development: Access to training and resources.
- Resettlement Allowance: A lump-sum payment at the end of the assignment.
The Step-by-Step Application Process:
- All the volunteering positions will be displayed.
- You can also use the filter on the left side.
- Under the Type: Select National or International
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- For National: You should be a National of a country to do volunteer work in that country.
- For International: You must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
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- You need to create an account to complete the application form.
UNV Webpage
Application links: