The UN Online Volunteer program is a global initiative managed by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program that enables individuals to remotely support impactful projects, contributing their skills to sustainable development and humanitarian work worldwide.

The United Nations Online Volunteer program offers a unique opportunity for individuals worldwide to contribute their skills to meaningful projects from the comfort of their homes. Managed by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program, this global initiative connects passionate individuals with UN agencies, governments, public institutions, and civil society groups dedicated to tackling global challenges and advancing sustainable development . The program has seen a significant surge in participation, particularly after the pandemic, attracting over 12,000 applicants, with a notable proportion hailing from developing countries

Overview of Opportunities

The UN Online Volunteer program provides a diverse array of engagement options, allowing volunteers to align their expertise with critical global needs . These opportunities span various crucial areas, including:

• Climate action initiatives: Contributing to efforts aimed at mitigating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability .
• Sustainable development projects: Working on initiatives that foster economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection .
• Humanitarian support programs: Providing assistance in times of crisis and supporting vulnerable populations .
• Educational and awareness campaigns: Developing and disseminating information to promote understanding and action on global issues
• Research and analysis projects: Conducting research to inform policy and program development

As a UN Online Volunteer, participants gain invaluable experience and contribute to a global cause. This includes the chance to work directly with UN entities and partner organizations, contribute to projects addressing pressing global challenges, develop valuable professional skills in an international context, build a network of like-minded professionals worldwide, and enhance their resume with prestigious UN experience

Eligibility and Requirements

The UN Online Volunteer program is designed to be inclusive, welcoming a wide range of individuals who are eager to make a difference . While specific assignment requirements may vary, general eligibility criteria include:

• Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old .
• Background: There is no specific academic background universally required, though individual assignments will have their own specific requirements tailored to the needs of the host organization .
• Skills: The program seeks a diverse set of skills, encompassing areas such as content writing, translation, graphic design, data research, social media management, teaching, and many more . This broad scope ensures that individuals with various talents can find suitable opportunities .
• Motivation: A strong motivation to help others and contribute to social good is crucial for all volunteers

How to Get Started

Embarking on your journey as a UN Online Volunteer is a straightforward process .

1. Visit the Official UNV Website: The first step is to navigate to the UN Volunteers Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP) at app.unv.org . This platform serves as the central hub for all online volunteering activities .
2. Create a Profile: Prospective volunteers need to register and build a comprehensive online volunteer profile. This involves detailing personal information, skills, experiences, and areas of interest. Taking the time to accurately reflect one’s abilities is essential for matching with appropriate projects
3. Browse Assignments: Once the profile is complete, individuals can search for available projects that align with their expertise and interests across various categories and causes. New opportunities are regularly published, so checking back frequently is recommended
4. Apply to Projects: When a suitable assignment is found, applicants should carefully read the description and submit their application directly through the platform
5. Selection Process: The project team will review applications and select suitable volunteers. If shortlisted, candidates may be contacted for an interview
6. Start Volunteering: Upon selection, the volunteer will collaborate remotely with the organization on their chosen assignment, contributing their skills to the project’s objectives

The United Nations (UN) offers a highly sought-after internship program designed to provide students and recent graduates with exposure to the organization’s work and to gain practical experience in various professional fields . These internships are a valuable stepping stone for those interested in international relations, development, humanitarian law, and a career within the UN system or related non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Purpose and Benefits of UN Internships

The UN internship program serves a dual purpose: to provide students with exposure to the UN’s work and to offer UN offices the assistance of qualified students . Interns gain valuable hands-on experience, develop new skills, and contribute to the UN’s mission . While an internship does not guarantee a job within the UN, it provides significant experience and networking opportunities that can be beneficial for future career prospects in international organizations or related fields . Interns often engage in diverse tasks, from administrative work and report compilation to attending meetings and assisting with specific projects

Eligibility for UN Internships

To be eligible for a UN internship, applicants must meet specific academic criteria. Generally, candidates must be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent), or enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) . Alternatively, if an applicant has already graduated, they must commence their internship within one year of their graduation date . Beyond academic qualifications, excellent command of English or French is typically required. It’s also important to note that applicants should not be a child or sibling of a United Nations Secretariat staff member . While academic backgrounds vary widely among interns, common fields include international relations, law, development, communications, and IT .

Open Internship Opportunities

Open internship opportunities at the United Nations can be found on the United Nations Careers Portal/Internship section . Additionally, various UN funds and programs, such as UNICEF and UNOPS, have their own direct internship application portals . The United Nations University (UNU) also recruits interns through competitive application processes via specific vacancy announcements . It is advisable to regularly check  official platforms for the most up-to-date listings.

Application Process for UN Internships

The application process for UN internships is primarily conducted through the United Nations Careers Portal .All internship vacancies are posted on this portal, and applicants are required to create a “personal history profile” with their details, skills, education, and work history . A cover letter is also a crucial component of the application, allowing candidates to highlight their motivations and relevant qualifications for the specific position . It is highly recommended to tailor the online application and cover letter to the specific internship being applied for, emphasizing skills that align with the job posting and the organization’s mission . Applicants should be prepared to upload proof of enrollment or a certified copy of their degree, ensuring it’s on official letterhead or has an official seal

The selection process is competitive, with thousands of applications received for each session . After initial screening, short-listed candidates may be invited for assessments, which can include pre-recorded video interviews, written tests, and competency-based interviews . These assessments aim to evaluate motivation, technical competencies, language skills, and behavioral attributes . Patience is key, as the recruitment process can take several weeks or even months, and only short-listed candidates are typically contacted

Duration and Costs of UN Internships

UN internships typically last for a minimum of two months and a maximum of six months . While some UN agencies may offer small stipends, it’s crucial to understand that most UN internships are unpaid . Interns are generally responsible for all costs related to travel, insurance, accommodation, living expenses, and obtaining necessary visas . Living in cities where UN offices are located, such as New York, can be very costly, and prospective interns should budget accordingly

International non-governmental organizations (INGOs) are independent organizations that operate globally. They are an extension of the concept of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). There are two primary types of INGOs: advocacy INGOs, which aim to influence government policies, and operational INGOs, which provide direct services to communities. These organizations typically focus on areas like environmental preservation, human rights, and social development.

Finding Jobs at International NGOs

If you’re looking for a job at an international NGO, here are some effective strategies and resources to help you find open positions:

• Specialized NGO Job Boards: Websites dedicated to NGO job listings are one of the best places to start. They gather opportunities from many different organizations in one place. Examples include Idealist.org, Devex.com, and UNjobs.org.
• Directly Check NGO Websites: Many international NGOs post job openings on their own career pages before they’re advertised anywhere else. Make a list of organizations you’re interested in and check their sites regularly.
• Use Social Media: Follow NGOs on platforms like LinkedIn and join career-focused groups. Organizations often announce job openings directly on their social media pages.
• Consider Internships and Fellowships: Gaining experience through an internship or fellowship can be a great way to get a foot in the door. Many organizations have programs for early-career professionals that can lead to a full-time job.

The Application Process for INGOs

Applying for a job at an INGO can be competitive, but following these steps can improve your chances of success:

1. Research the Organization: Before applying, thoroughly research the INGO’s mission, values, and what kind of work they do (advocacy or operational). This will help you tailor your application to their specific needs.
2. Prepare Application Materials: Your resume or CV should highlight relevant experience, skills, and education, particularly any previous work with NGOs. Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for the organization’s mission and explain how your background makes you a perfect fit.
3. Network: Connect with current or former employees to learn more about the organization’s culture and work. This can sometimes even lead to referrals, which can significantly boost your application.
4. Submit Your Application: Always follow the application instructions precisely. Pay close attention to submission formats and required documents to ensure your application is considered.
5. Prepare for Interviews: If you get an interview, be ready to discuss your experience in detail and explain how it relates to the INGO’s work. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with common NGO sector interview questions about topics like teamwork and project management.
6. Follow Up: A polite thank-you email after your interview can help reinforce your interest in the position and leave a positive final impression.

Long Term Agreement (LTA) (3 years, home-based, remotely) for Engagement of Individual Consultants as Prospect Research Specialist

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

For every child, the right to hope

The Private Sector Fundraising and Partnerships (PSFP) section within UNICEF’s Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division (PFP) works with National Committees and country offices to maximize income and continued growth. There are five teams within the PSFP section, including Global Philanthropy.

The purpose of the Global Philanthropy team is to drive income growth from major donors (UHNWI/HNWI) and family foundations. The team will lead the development of these new opportunities and will support countries to grow this income stream as well as develop relationships at a global level with high value individual donors, and family and private foundations.

For Global Philanthropy, there is an ongoing requirement at the market level to support prospect research, portfolio optimization, wealth screenings and the establishment of strong portfolio management business practices (KPIs) and a change management plan to support pipeline development and create greater consistency in donor management, prospect qualification and accountability for fundraisers and philanthropy staff.

How can you make a difference?

PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT

This LTA is being established to meet the above-mentioned requirements. UNICEF would like to engage the services of Prospect Researcher specialists that can be called upon to help build capacity and establish best practices across philanthropy programs, with priority for National Committees. The Prospect Researcher Consultant will also support philanthropy programs at market level with portfolio optimization, KPIs, and change management.

OBJECTIVES

• Work with markets on prospecting and portfolio optimization.
• Build capacity and establish best practices across philanthropy programs, with priority for National Committees.
• Support philanthropy programs at market level with portfolio optimization, KPIs, and change management.

MAJOR TASKS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED

Category 1

1. Metrics and KPIs

1. Use knowledge in change management to help the team fully understand the performance measures, and reach adoption of them.
2. Develop, draft and present proposed process documents and workflows. Design these as ‘leave-behinds’ for National Committees and Country/Regional Offices so their development continues once the consultancy assignment has ended.
3. Establish a system for regular review and updating of KPIs to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the National Committees or Country/Regional Offices’ evolving goals.
4. Develop training materials; workshops conducted to educate staff on the importance of KPls, and how to effectively track and report on them.
5. Benchmark National Committee or Country/Regional Office  KPIs against other similar organizations to identify areas of improvement and best practices, including against other philanthropy programs across the UNICEF network.

2. Data Capture & CRM Systems to support KPIs

6. Work with market level colleagues (including the data and CRM team) to scope current CRM systems, and potential for future development to support major donor management.
7. Identify gaps in the current data collection processes and propose enhancements to ensure comprehensive and accurate data capture to drive performance via KPIs.
8. Make recommendations on workflow alterations, or additions, to enable the capture of additional or different datapoints.
9. Ensure the team are fully versed in the importance of data-capture and stringent record-keeping.
10. Emphasize the business-critical nature of disciplined data capture, and the centrality of this in other major donor programs (ex. UNICEF USA).

3. KPI Measurement and Reporting

11. Assess National Committee’s current use of reports, data visualization, and dashboards in their major donor development.
12. Make recommendations on aligning with best practices, where required, and develop proposed solutions to enable the achievement of these.
13. If familiar with CRM systems, design reporting tools that provide actionable insights and support strategic decision making.
14. Train team members on the use of these new reporting tools and dashboards, ensuring they can independently generate and interpret reports. Identify skills and training needs and make recommendations pending these.
15. Establish a feedback loop with key stakeholders to continually refine and improve reporting processes and tools based on their needs and experiences.
16. Create a comprehensive reporting schedule that includes regular updates and reviews of key metrics and performance indicators.
17. Develop automated reporting solutions to streamline the process and reduce manual effort.

4. Training and Capacity Building:

18. Lead trainings for fundraising staff on general prospect research best practices, tools and resources to conduct local research screenings and establish qualifications.
19. Provide guidance on identifying top prospects within existing databases, support segmentation and recommend ask amounts and programmatic areas of interest based on capacity and inclination.

Category 2

1. Prospecting for Non-Cash Assets

1. The three-month, $110,000 dollar project builds on an IPOC earlier in 2025.
2. Develop strategy to grow UNICEFs ability to unlock non-cash assets, which comprise 80%-90% of billionaire and UHNWI financial portfolios.
3.  Deepen our work with family offices and the wealth & philanthropy advice community to identify products that might attract prospects who hold substantial non-cash assets
4. Lead a core reference group of internal and external practitioners and a further engage external executives and professionals from asset industries (real estate, collectibles, pensions etc).
5. Design a suite of product prototypes and sector-oriented strategies to drive giving and growth in noncash assets with the ability to unlock a market which hold assets worth USD$ trillions
6.  Support donor strategies that will secure non-cash assets in the near-term, and to deliver quick wins from advisory firms.
7. Integrate and leverage across the Philanthropy, Planned Giving and Legacies channels to achieve maximum results.

Responsibilities of the Consultant(s):

• The consultant(s) will use their own equipment, including laptops, microphones, software and other accessories that may be required for this task.

• The consultant will not include their own name or logo/emblem on the content or final product. The only organization branding will be UNICEF, if required.

Responsibilities of UNICEF:

• UNICEF will provide all details pertaining to the activity and the requirements.

DELIVERABLES

No	Category	Deliverable	Timeline
1	Market Level Prospect Intelligence and Portfolio Optimization	Engage with major donor programs on prospect research best practice Support portfolio optimization Manage wealth screenings Support the establishment of strong portfolio management business practices (KPIs) Provide a change management plan	As and when requested by UNICEF
2	Unlocking non-cash assets, including through intermediaries	Lead an innovation process to deliver solutions for UNICEF to unlock greater investment from non-cash assets. Also to develop offers and ways-of-working to deepen our relationships with philanthropy and wealth advisers.

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel: 

The Consultant will be remote/home-based. As part of the assignment, the Consultant might be required to travel for specific projects/trainings (e.g. if in-person training or documentation missions or meetings are required by UNICEF).  The consultant will arrange their own travel at the most direct and economical route (economy class), unless otherwise indicated. The travel dates and costs need to be discussed and approved by the supervisor before proceeding with the booking. The consultant will be reimbursed upon presentation of appropriate documentation, as per UNICEF Travel policy.

Travel Clause:

All UNICEF rules and regulations related to travel of consultants apply.

All travels shall be undertaken only upon the prior written approval by UNICEF.

The consultant must be fit to travel, be in possession of the valid UN BSAFE certificate, obligatory inoculation(s), and have valid personal

travel/medical insurance and an immunization/vaccination card.

ESTIMATED DURATION OF LTA

The Long-Term Agreement will be for a duration of 3 years with a fixed fee rate, subject to satisfactory performance evaluation and continuing need for the service. UNICEF does not guarantee that any quantity of services will be purchased during the term of the LTA as this will depend on forthcoming need.

CONTRACTS CREATED AGAINST THE LTA

Whenever the services are require, details of the requirement/deliverables including quantities and deadlines will be presented to the top-ranking LTA holder. Should this consultant not be available for this assignment, UNICEF will contact the second ranked consultant and so on.

Upon receipt of confirmation of availability and interest in the assignment, a contract will be issued with the prices/fees agreed in the LTA. The consultant must sign the contract prior to commencement of work.

Payment will be made after completion of deliverables and submission of invoices for the actual work completed, subject to satisfactory performance.

LTA CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

Fund Raising Manager, Global Philanthropy, PFP

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

 Financial Proposal for Long-Term Agreement for Engagement of Individual Consultants as Prospect Research Specialist.doc

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: International Relations, Social Sciences, Marketing, Communications, Business or Non-profit Management or another relavant field.
• Alternatively, a first university degree in a relevant field combined with additional two (2) years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant professional experience in prospect research or data collection and analysis in a non-profit or related industry, is required.
• Familiarity with and knowledge of the philanthropic landscape is required.
• Experience leading initiatives to help teams adapt to new processes, systems, or structures by focusing on the “people side of change,” including developing strategies, communication plans, training, and support to ensure smooth adoption, minimize resistance, and achieve business goals.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of another official UN language or language of the National Committees is considered an asset.

Other:

Category 1

• Scrupulous attention to matters of discretion and confidentiality required; ability to handle highly sensitive information appropriately and maintain confidentiality with donor information; knowledge of and adherence to GDPR laws.
• Highly organized individual with strong management skills and the ability to prioritize and manage deadlines.
• Flexibility and ability to work independently and as a team player with a range of constituents and colleagues.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Strong customer service approach to interactions with colleagues and partners; ability to navigate complex environments and help build relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Fluency in CRM technologies, knowledge of Salesforce preferred, and proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, and with experience in using complex database.

Category 2

• Must possess deep familiarity across all fundraising channels involved, as well as associated methodologies.
• Must bring knowledge of innovation processes and a strong aptitude for creative thinking and acting as part of a team in product development processes.
• Must bring a ‘growth mindset’ and be focused on high-potential areas to support PFP growth.
• Must have technical familiarity with target sectors, including family offices; wealth and philanthropy advice; financial products (pensions, equities, insurance etc); art/collectibles or similar.
• Must have a strong orientation to business outcomes, and be able to steer complex, evolving processes towards practical outcomes with a proximate link to unlocking investment for UNICEF’s work.
• Should have substantial experience of working with external partners or agencies to deliver compelling products in the fundraising and partnerships sector.
• Should have led teams – preferably in multi-stakeholder processes – through innovation-oriented change processes.
• A team-oriented mindset, and ability to build relationships when working across different cultures.

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

Remarks:

The application to be submitted through the online portal should contain three separate attachments:

1. A Cover letter explaining suitability for position (to be uploaded online under “Cover Letter” tab)
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) (to be uploaded online under “Resume” tab).
3. A financial proposal (for the categories applied) as per the template attached. Please do not forget to specify your name in the file while saving (to be uploaded online under “Financial Proposal” tab).  

CLICK HERE TO APPLY >>>>>

Important Note: Please do not indicate financials anywhere else in the online application form, please mark “n/a or 00”, under the fee related questions in the online application form.

Without all the above 3 documents, your application will be considered incomplete and invalid and will not be considered further.

Any attempt to unduly influence UNICEF’s selection process will lead to automatic disqualification of the applicant.

• Joint applications of two or more individuals are not accepted.

• Please note, UNICEF does not charge any fee during any stage of the process.

• UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds including persons living with disabilities to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Advertised: 07 Jan 2026 W. Europe Standard Time
Deadline: 14 Jan 2026 W. Europe Standard Time

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has announced a wide range of job and internship opportunities across different countries and duty stations. These openings span human rights affairs, administration, programme management, public information, language services, and information technology, offering opportunities for consultants, national professionals, general service staff, professional staff, and interns.

These vacancies reflect OHCHR’s continued commitment to promoting and protecting human rights globally while strengthening its operational, administrative, and technical capacity.

Current opportunities

Here are recent job and career opportunities announced by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) — covering various positions across different countries and duty stations (these are all current or newly updated openings you can explore on the UN Careers portal

Important Dates

Application deadlines vary by position, ranging from January 26, 2026, to October 15, 2026, with several long-term internship opportunities remaining open well into mid- and late-2026.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official UN Careers portal, where full job descriptions, eligibility criteria, and application procedures are available.