This joint partnership initiative between UNEP and UNV has a twin objective: To deploy the second cohort of 12 young talented individuals in areas related to UNEP's mandate. To seek candidates from Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. If you are 33 years of age or younger, check out the assignment opportunities. Women and individuals from marginalized groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Mariko Otake is a UN Volunteer Associate Protection Officer with UNHCR in Uganda. Her area of focus is the West Nile region — particularly Adjumani district, which is home to 19 refugee settlements and over 222,000 refugees. Working closely with local government, partners, and refugee community leaders, Mariko makes sure the well-being of refugees is on top of the agenda. She creates sustainable support systems within refugee communities by connecting local community members to refugee-led organizations.

We need water to survive. Just as much as we need air, sunlight and food.  As a Communications Specialist, my main task is to ensure that the work of WWQA is given the attention it deserves. In addition, I raise awareness of clean drinking water in communities.  How do I do that? Through creative outreach — success stories, social media, the corporate website, and more. Water is a basic human right and everyone needs to be part of the conversation.

Georgina Edwards, UN Volunteer Innovation Analyst with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in South Africa After finishing my graduate degree, I interned with UN-Habitat and that set the stage for my UN career.  Transitioning to a UN Volunteer assignment in 2021 was a turning point, allowing me to step into my dream role as an Innovation Analyst with UNFPA.

I serve with the Environment and Occupational Safety and Health Unit. Every newcomer to UNMISS, whether civilian, military, or police, goes through environmental induction training. My responsibility is to make sure they understand how important it is to consider the environment in everything they do. We look at aspects such as wastewater management, solid waste management, and energy use.

I am an international UN Volunteer Communications Specialist from Ghana. My role with UNDP in Zambia involves connecting with people throughout the country to document stories of strife and triumph. What I value most in my work is storytelling and bringing to the fore voices of the ones not heard.

This is my first experience serving with UN peacekeeping operations.  My day-to-day tasks include documenting, reviewing and analyzing cases of conflict-related sexual violence. This exercise helps identify trends and patterns to inform prevention and response interventions.

Abiot and Adebukola analyze data as part of their UN Volunteer assignments by reviewing reports, supporting the design of monitoring tools, and providing internal evaluations of UNECA programmes on economic and social development. Monitoring and evaluation ensure sound evidence-based policymaking and reporting.

Through community interviews, group activities, and dialogue sessions, I often gain insight into the unique mental health and psycho-social needs of community members, many times in dire situations. These interactions not only inform our programming but also foster a sense of belonging and support within the community.  

  The interview transcript of the UNICEF Country Representative in Ethiopia was edited for brevity.