UN Online Volunteering Program: Become a United Nations Online Volunteer from Anywhere in the World

Overview

The United Nations Online Volunteering Program connects individuals worldwide with organizations working in sustainable development, humanitarian action, education, climate action, youth empowerment, gender equality, health, and communications. Managed by the United Nations Volunteers programme, the initiative allows students, graduates, young professionals, freelancers, and experts to support United Nations agencies, governments, public institutions, and civil society organizations remotely from any location.

Who can apply

Applicants from all countries and academic or professional backgrounds can participate, provided they are at least 18 years old. There is no application fee and no strict academic qualifications are required for general participation, though individual assignments may have specific preferred skills or experience. Participants must be able to work remotely, have access to the internet and a digital device, and demonstrate motivation to support social impact and development initiatives.

What you get

Participants gain international volunteering experience, practical skill development, exposure to UN-related projects, networking opportunities with global organizations, and experience working in multicultural environments. Volunteers who successfully complete their assignments receive an electronic certificate of appreciation from the organization they supported. Assignments have a maximum duration of 12 weeks, a maximum workload of 20 hours per week, and feature flexible scheduling.

Requirements

Applicants generally need a completed online volunteer profile containing personal information, contact details, a summary of skills and experience, and areas of interest and expertise. Depending on specific assignments, organizations may also request a CV or resume, a portfolio, writing samples, language certifications, or other supporting documents.

How to apply

Interested individuals must visit the official UN Unified Volunteering Platform to create a volunteer profile and complete their personal and professional information. Candidates can then browse available assignments, apply for opportunities matching their skills and interests, and wait for the organization's response before beginning remote volunteering if selected.