Since 1998, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has been partnering with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme to deliver vital humanitarian assistance to those who need it most. Between 2012-2022, 385 UN Volunteers served with OCHA, supporting its mission to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies.
How does the recruitment of UN Volunteers add value to OCHA?
As an efficient, speedy and diverse talent solution for UN partners, UN Volunteers serve with UN entities to bring people to the forefront of development, peace and humanitarian issues. UNV manages a pool of over 350,000 talented and qualified UN Volunteers who can be deployed to bolster the delivery of OCHA’s programmes and support its Agenda for Humanity and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In Colombia, the UN Volunteers’ support to OCHA's work has been essential. They have contributed to improve our coordination both in Bogota and at the local level. Thanks to their support, we have been able to develop the Humanitarian Needs Overview, which informs us on the humanitarian situation of the country. We have also elaborated a humanitarian plan, as a strategy of joint response for the country's humanitarian team. Without the UN Volunteers, OCHA would not have assured the quality levels required by our coordinated response. --Gerard Gomez, Head of OCHA Colombia Office
UN Volunteers are working within communities to provide coordinated and effective humanitarian assistance. They support OCHA’s efforts to protect people in emergencies and provide them with access to essential services, supporting international, regional and national partners to respond to humanitarian emergencies without delay.
Read more about UN Volunteers serving with OCHA.
UN Volunteers are experienced personnel available to support OCHA’s mandate. In 2022, over 83 per cent of UN Volunteers came from the global South, offering an understanding of complex local development challenges and societal norms. UN Volunteers can strengthen the impact, sustainability and inclusivity of development initiatives, fostering participation and generating local ownership.
How can your office recruit UN Volunteers?
UNV offers different categories of UN Volunteers to suit the needs of UN partners needs, such as international and national specialists, youth or online volunteers. UN Volunteers can serve from two weeks to up to four years, depending on the category of volunteer. UNV manages all contractual, legal and management aspects to help minimize the administrative impacts for the host organization.
To partner with UNV and recruit UN Volunteers to support OCHA’s programmes and operations, contact the UNV Field Representation or Regional Office for guidance and support.
For further information, refer to UNV’s website at: https://toolkit.unv.org.
