Applications open for Russian citizens to become United Nations Volunteers

Deadline: 18-Feb-22

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, is offering Russian nationals a unique opportunity to gain international experience and help the UN address the challenges of peace and sustainable development around the world.

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.

Eligibility Criteria

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 a 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 a 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 to 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;