UN Volunteer Conditions of Service

UNV has updated the Conditions of Service (COS) for UN Volunteers. The resulting changes take effect from 1 April 2026.

What's new?

  • Experience-based recruitment criteria: Streamlined categories with clear, reduced years of experience requirements for broader volunteer engagement.
  • Age limit from 18 to 80: Age-inclusive recruitment, recognizing the value of contributions at every stage of life.
  • Broad opportunities for host entities and more ways to serve: New volunteer arrangements tailor-made for specific requirements, remotely part-time and short-term options, opening doors for broader participation and impact. Greater equity and equality in benefits and allowances provided to UN Volunteers.

Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers as of 1 April 2026:

Download UN Volunteers Conditions of Service (English) (PDF)

Download UN Volunteers Conditions of Service (French) (PDF)

Download UN Volunteers Conditions of Service (Spanish) (PDF)

 

The Unified Conditions of Service (effective 14 November 2022 until March 31, 2026) will continue to apply to contracts that began or were extended before 1 April 2026:

Download UN Volunteers Conditions of Service (English) (PDF)

Download UN Volunteers Conditions of Service (French) (PDF)

Download UN Volunteers Conditions of Service (Spanish) (PDF)

 

Relevant documentation: