A friendship match bringing together young refugees into the fold of opportunities—was one of the highlights of Shuhei's assignment. Uganda hosts the largest number of refugees in sub-Saharan Africa, with 80 percent of the refugees across 13 districts.

I am based with UNMISS in the Malakal Field Office and responsible for implementing the Beyond Bullets and Ballots project. I believe that when we give the relevant knowledge and tools to communities, we promote a self-reliant society. Building strong community ties is the most important building block here and of course, complementing that with policies that are community friendly. The project is a step in the right direction. It brings together the local government officials, electoral officers, police, military personnel, and members of civil society.

Jean-Martial Konan is a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist who assists development projects. In his role, he brings together local governments and communities in Regional Monitoring Committees in the north of the country. Jean-Martial calls on young people and women to come up with solutions and prevent crises. The development projects he supports reached over 750 people, of whom 66 percent are women. 

The UNICEF UNV Youth on the Move Programme builds on the success of the Youth on the Move Fellowship Pilot Programme, which was implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Migration Youth and Children Platform.

Ana Lucia began her assignment with UNDP a little more than a year ago in August 2023. She supported the pipeline development and management of UNDP climate environment programmes such as the Tonga Coastal Resilience Project — centering on the long-term resilience of vulnerable coastal communities.

“Empowering young people with digital skills can transform their future and lead to gender equality,” says Helwise Boya, UN Volunteer Innovation and Technology Officer with UNFPA in Benin. She is passionate about making a positive change through volunteering. Helwise supports the #Tech4Girls project, which has imparted digital and entrepreneurial skills to over 200 girls, opening new career paths and boosting their confidence.

Nesrine Kammourieh is a Digital Communications Associate with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Lebanon. She manages the organization's social media accounts, creates impactful content and manages the digital campaigns. She also monitors the performance of various digital platforms. 

Abdul Halim's journey with UNDP began with a deep interest in using data-driven, evidence-based approaches to tackle the humanitarian issues in Lebanon and support initiatives to build peace and stability. For him, perhaps the most rewarding aspect of his volunteer assignment is the direct impact it has on society. "Incorporating data analysis into tangible humanitarian projects and interventions reinforces my connection with society at large. Specifically with vulnerable communities," he shares.

Arminda Ceita is a UN Volunteer Adolescent Engagement Officer with UNICEF in Guinea-Bissau. In her volunteer assignment, she pays close attention to the voice of youth and a safe space for their equal participation.  One of Arminda’s areas of service is the well-being of adolescent girls. She also spreads awareness of climate change and gender equality.

This joint partnership initiative between UNEP and UNV has a twin objective: To deploy the second cohort of 13 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.