FAQ

What is an online volunteer?

An online volunteer is an individual who commits her/his time and skills over the Internet, freely and without financial considerations, for the benefit of society.

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What can online volunteers do?

Through the Online Volunteering service volunteers can take action for sustainable human development by supporting the activities of development organizations over the Internet. To discover the many possibilities of helping grassroots organizations, international NGOs, local governments, educational institutions and United Nations agencies in addressing development challenges go to the Opportunity Search.

For further inspiration, check the Resources section.

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How does online volunteering work?

The Online Volunteering service offers a database of online volunteering opportunities submitted by development organizations worldwide. Interested individuals identify opportunities that match their interests, expertise and skills, and submit their applications directly to the organizations, which select the volunteers they would like to engage in their activities.

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What services are offered by UNV?

The Online Volunteering service offers tools to facilitate the management of opportunities and online volunteers, provides guidance on online collaboration, and shares best practices and lessons learned via the website, the monthly newsletter and email-based user support. To ensure quality and to set the conditions for a safe and positive online volunteering experience, UNV screens organizations and opportunities, and monitors the feedback organizations and volunteers provide on their collaboration.

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Does UNV screen organizations?

Development organizations that apply for registration are screened against the eligibility criteria before they can use the Online Volunteering service. Organizations are eligible if they are officially registered, non-profit, active in the field of sustainable human development, non-discriminatory and in compliance with the Charter and policies of the United Nations.

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Does UNV screen online volunteering opportunities?

While UNV assumes no liability regarding the online volunteering opportunities and the arrangements between Registered Users and Organizations (see Copyright & Terms of Use), opportunities are screened to facilitate a smooth collaboration between organizations and online volunteers, limit potential risks and ascertain that they are in line with the UNV mandate.
  

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Are online volunteers UN or UNV volunteers?

No. Online volunteers mobilized through the Online Volunteering service are volunteers for the organization with which they collaborate.

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Do online volunteers receive financial compensation?

Online volunteers share their time and expertise on a voluntary basis and do not receive any financial compensation. Being able to contribute to sustainable human development, develop knowledge and skills, expand networks and work in a multicultural environment are some of the many benefits of online volunteering.

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Who can apply for online volunteering opportunities?

Everyone above the age of 18 can apply for an opportunity published on the Online Volunteering service website.

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Why do I have to be 18 or above to apply for opportunities?

This is for the protection of people who have not yet reached the age of legal majority (which in most countries is 18), and also a way of ensuring that online volunteers possess the skills and experience required by development organizations.

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How can I find online volunteering opportunities?

You can view all currently published opportunities on the Opportunity Search page. To narrow down the results, select specific search criteria in the left hand column or use the keywords search.

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How do I apply for an online volunteering opportunity?

To apply for an opportunity that matches your profile and interest, click on “Apply Now” on the opportunity description page and complete the application form. You have the option to attach your CV before submitting the application directly to the organization.

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Will UNV review my application?

No. Your application is sent directly to the organization that posted the opportunity. The organization will review the applications it receives and will select the volunteers.

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How do I submit feedback?

The link to the feedback form is available next to the opportunity listed on the “Feedback and Certificates” section.

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Is the feedback I provide through the website confidential?

You have the option of either sharing your feedback with the organization, or of keeping it confidential. Sharing your comments on the online collaboration is very valuable to organizations. It allows them to evaluate their own performance and make any necessary changes for the future. UNV has access to all feedback submitted and uses the information to monitor the quality of the online collaboration.

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Can I get a certificate?

The Online Volunteering service offers a ready made certificate that organizations may issue to their volunteers. It features the title of the opportunity, the volunteer’s name, and the organization’s name and logo. Once both you and the organization have submitted feedback, the organization can issue the certificate. You will be able to view and print the certificate from the Feedback and Certificates section.

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I cannot find opportunities that match my profile. What should I do?

The opportunities database reflects the demand expressed by development organizations. It may be possible that no demand exists for a particular profile at a certain time. New opportunities are added every day. To be informed as soon as a matching opportunity is published, you can subscribe to RSS feeds or register your preferences to receive email alerts.

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How can I find opportunities posted by a specific organization?

Use the keyword search on the Opportunity Search page and enter the name of the organization you would like to support.

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I have not heard back from the organization about my application. What should I do?

You may contact the organization to remind them about your pending application. You will find the organization’s contact information in the My Opportunitie s section. If the organization does not respond, make sure you fill in the feedback form in order for UNV to take the appropriate action. You will have the option of sharing this feedback with the organization.

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Can I withdraw my application?

If you are no longer interested in an assignment, you can withdraw your application, unless you or the organization have submitted feedback. Make sure you let the organization know and you inform them of the reason.

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Can I find on-site volunteer opportunities on this site?

The Online Volunteering service focuses exclusively on online volunteering. You will not find opportunities that ask for volunteers to be physically present at any specific location.

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How can I access the roster of UNV?

You cannot access the UNV roster from the Online Volunteering service website. For any questions about the UNV roster, please send an email to roster@unvolunteers.org.

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