Applications open for Russian citizens to become United Nations Volunteers

Under a partnership with the Government of the Russian Federation established in 2018, UNV is offering UN Volunteer assignments in different areas of expertise for Russian nationals.

Assignments are available for 2022-2023 in ten countries across the Commonwealth of Independent States, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The UN Volunteers from Russia are selected on a highly competitive basis. They will serve for one year in the UN programmes and projects in various countries to contribute to peace, sustainable development, and prosperity and gain unique professional experience for their future careers in the UN and other international and national organizations.

UNV assignments are available as international UN Youth Volunteers and international UN Volunteers, as per eligibility criteria listed below.

Through a one-year UN Volunteer placement in one of the ten countries, Russian citizens will have the opportunity to act as agents of change in various professional fields and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals through volunteerism.

Eligibility criteria for UN Youth Volunteers:

• Must be aged between 18 and 26 (UN Youth Volunteers must be 26 years or younger during the first year of contract);
• Only Russian nationals are eligible to apply; applicants should have permanent residency in the Russian Federation; 
• Have completed a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a higher state educational institution of the Russian Federation and provide three professional references, with at least one referee residing in the Russian Federation;
• Must have demonstrated commitment to peace and development through academic, extra-curricular and volunteer activities;
• Must have working knowledge of English;
• Youth with disabilities and youth from minority groups are highly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility criteria for international UN Volunteers:

• Must be 27 years or above (no upper age limit);
• Only Russian nationals are eligible to apply; applicants should have permanent residency in the Russian Federation;
• Have completed at least one Master degree or equivalent in a higher state educational institution of the Russian Federation and provide three professional references, with at least one referee residing in the Russian Federation;
• Must have at least three years of relevant work experience in a professional background;
• Must have good working knowledge of at least one of the three working languages of UNV: English, French or Spanish
• Strong commitment to the values and principles of volunteerism;
• Respect for diversity and the ability to work in a multicultural environment;
• Willingness to work with people and local organizations to draw upon the synergies between expert solutions and local knowledge;
• The ability to adjust in difficult living conditions and sometimes remote locations;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Prior volunteering and/or working experience in a developing country is an asset;

The deadline for applications is 18 February 2022.

UN Volunteer assignments

Specialist on Climate Resilient Agriculture in Aral Sea region with UNDP Uzbekistan.

UN Youth Volunteer assignments

Results Based Management and Monitoring & Evaluation Assistant with UNDP Belarus.

Communication Associate with UNDP Tajikistan.

Associate Technical Officer with WHO Pakistan.

How to apply for UN Volunteer assignments?

• Create an account in the Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP);
• Choose one of the assignments for Russian citizens that matches your skills and knowledge;
• Apply through your profile (application for multiple assignments is possible);
• Regularly check your email – UNV will contact selected candidates by email;
• Selected candidates will be invited to a Skype interview and if successful, will receive an offer of a UN Volunteer assignment.