UN Online Volunteering 2026

The United Nations Volunteers Online Volunteering service provides a way for individuals around the world to contribute their skills remotely to organisations working towards peace, development and related objectives.

Rather than operating as one annual programme, UNV's Unified Volunteering Platform publishes individual Descriptions of Assignment (DoAs) throughout the year. Eligible host organisations include UN entities, governments and public institutions, and civil society organisations working for peace and development. UNV reviews eligible organisations and assignment descriptions before opportunities are published.

Assignments are short-term and task-based. Depending on the particular opportunity, volunteers may contribute expertise in areas relevant to the host organisation's needs. The exact tasks, required skills, languages, experience and deliverables are stated in each Description of Assignment.

UNV states that there is no particular general background required to become an Online Volunteer. However, this does not mean that everyone qualifies for every assignment. Each host organisation establishes the requirements for its specific opportunity.

Online Volunteers may work for up to 20 hours per week for a maximum of 12 weeks per assignment. The work is completed remotely, making the platform accessible to candidates regardless of their location.

It is important to understand that UNV Online Volunteers are not contracted UN Volunteers and are not under contract with UNV or the engaging organisation. Online Volunteers receive no living allowance or other financial compensation or benefits.

• Opportunity to contribute remotely to peace and development-related initiatives.
• Practical experience working on defined, task-based assignments.
• Exposure to eligible UN entities, public institutions and civil society organisations depending on the assignment.
• Flexibility to volunteer remotely from your location.
• Opportunity to apply existing professional, academic or technical skills to practical projects.
• Electronic certificate of appreciation following successful completion of the collaboration and required feedback process.

UNV does not publish one universal document checklist applicable to every Online Volunteering assignment.

Applicants generally need to:

• Create an account on the Unified Volunteering Platform.
• Provide the required personal and profile information.
• Complete the minimum mandatory profile fields.
• Submit assignment-specific application information.
• Provide a motivation for the assignment.
• State relevant experience where requested.
• Confirm availability.
• Provide any additional information requested in the individual Description of Assignment.

According to UNV's published selection workflow, applications may be considered against factors including:

• Match with the assignment's required area of expertise.
• Relevant skills and experience.
• Language requirements stated for the assignment.
• Applicant availability.
• Motivation provided in the application.
• Assignment-specific requirements established by the host entity.
• Performance in a written assessment and/or interview where the host entity chooses to use one.

• Remote international exposure: Contribute to eligible organisations without relocating internationally.
• Practical experience: Apply your existing skills to defined tasks and deliverables.
• Flexible participation: Assignments are designed for remote collaboration and are limited to up to 20 hours per week.
• Development-sector exposure: Explore assignments supporting organisations working in peace and development.
• Professional development: Gain practical experience that may complement academic, research or professional development.
• Recognised contribution: Successfully completed collaborations conclude with acknowledgement and an electronic certificate of appreciation.