UN Volunteers
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. The programme provides global citizens with an opportunity to volunteer across the three pillars of the United Nations: development, peace and security, and human rights.
In 2022 there were over 12,400 UN volunteers, 84 per cent of them from the Global South. Of these, 70 per cent served as national UN Volunteers, contributing to peace and development by working in their own countries. The remaining 30 per cent brought their experience to other countries of the Global South as international UN Volunteers.
The average age of UN Volunteers was 34.
Payments
Volunteers receive a Volunteer Living Allowance. This, and the related benefits UN Volunteers receive such as medical and life insurance through the UN, are considered by UNV to be reimbursement at the minimum level necessary to ensure the volunteer’s safety, security and sustenance in their duty station.
UNV’s position is that because of their work on behalf of the UN and of their close assimilation to UN Officials in their countries of service, the minimal reimbursement of living expenses in the form of VLA and the allowances and related benefits provided to UN Volunteers should also be regarded as tax-exempt by their national authorities.
Conditions of Service
These are explained in the International UN Volunteer Handbook.
More Information
UN Volunteers website: https://www.unv.org/