Applications are available for the UN Online Volunteer Opportunity 2026, offering a remote graphic design and multimedia production assignment supporting United Nations peacebuilding activities in Sierra Leone. The opportunity is advertised through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) platform and hosted by the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office (UNRCO).
Selected online volunteers will help transform project information, photographs and stories into engaging publications, infographics, digital materials and other communication products. The assignment lasts 12 weeks, requires English-language skills and lists zero years of minimum professional experience.
The published application deadline is 30 October 2026. This is an unpaid online volunteering opportunity rather than a salaried UN position.
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About this opportunity
About the UN Online Volunteer Opportunity
The United Nations Online Volunteer assignment supports the 20th anniversary commemoration of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) in Sierra Leone.
Established in 2006, the Peacebuilding Fund supports initiatives that help prevent conflict, strengthen institutions, promote social cohesion and sustain peace in countries affected by conflict.
Through this assignment, online volunteers will support the development of professional communication materials that highlight the impact of peacebuilding projects. Their work will help communicate results, document community experiences and present important information in accessible visual formats.
UN Online Volunteer Opportunity 2026 Overview
Opportunity: Multimedia Production: Graphic Design Support for UN PBF@20
Host organisation: UN Resident Coordinator's Office
Project location: Sierra Leone
Work arrangement: Fully remote
Assignment type: UN Online Volunteer
Duration: 12 weeks
Required language: English
Application deadline: 30 October 2026
Financial Benefits
This assignment offers practical experience in international development communications and opportunities to contribute to United Nations peacebuilding activities.
1. Remote Volunteering Experience
The assignment is fully remote, allowing selected volunteers to contribute online without relocating to Sierra Leone.
Volunteers will coordinate with the relevant UN team and complete assigned tasks using digital communication and design tools.
2. Experience Supporting a United Nations Project
Selected volunteers will contribute to communication activities associated with the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund's 20-year commemoration.
This provides exposure to international development communications and the presentation of peacebuilding results.
3. Graphic Design and Multimedia Experience
The assignment involves designing publications, visual stories, infographics, banners and other communication materials.
These responsibilities may help participants develop practical experience in visual storytelling, publication design and multimedia communication.
4. Collaboration with International Development Professionals
Volunteers will work under the guidance of the PBF Coordinator in Sierra Leone and collaborate with the UN Resident Coordinator's Office communications team.
The assignment includes approximately one or two online planning meetings each week.
5. Professional Skills Development
Participants can strengthen skills in:
Graphic design and publication layout
Visual storytelling
Data visualisation
Digital communication
Accessibility and inclusive design
Project coordination and feedback management
6. Contribution to Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development
The communication materials will help highlight peacebuilding activities related to social cohesion, human rights, youth inclusion, gender equality and community development.
The work supports the broader objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice and strong institutions.
Is This UN Volunteer Opportunity Paid?
No. This is an online volunteering assignment, not a salaried position.
Applicants should not expect a monthly salary, living allowance, airfare, accommodation or relocation package.
The main benefits are professional experience, skills development and the opportunity to contribute to an international development initiative.
What's covered
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Flight/travel costs
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the information and materials needed to demonstrate their suitability.
These may include:
Updated curriculum vitae or UNV profile
Personal and contact information
Educational background
Relevant graphic design skills
Graphic design portfolio or work samples
Previous volunteering or project experience, if available
Brief statement of motivation, if requested
Other information required by the UNV application system
Note: This is a preparation checklist, not a confirmed mandatory document list. The official opportunity page does not publicly specify all required uploads.
Eligibility Criteria
The published listing identifies the following requirements and responsibilities:
Experience: No minimum prior experience required
Language: English
Work arrangement: Ability to contribute remotely
Design skills: Ability to create professional visual communication materials
Communication: Capacity to participate in online coordination and feedback
Project commitment: Availability to contribute during the 12-week assignment
Although the listing states that zero years of experience are required, applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant design capabilities.
The accessible public listing does not specify a universal academic degree requirement or provide a complete country-by-country eligibility list. Applicants should confirm their eligibility through the official UNV platform.
Can African Students and Graduates Apply?
This opportunity may be relevant to eligible applicants from African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and other countries.
Because the assignment is remote, successful volunteers do not need to relocate to Sierra Leone to complete the work.
However, applicants must meet the eligibility rules displayed in the official UNV application system. The public listing does not establish that every nationality or applicant category is eligible.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply through the official United Nations Volunteers platform.
Step 1: Visit the Official Opportunity Page
Open the UN Online Volunteer Opportunity 2026 listing.
Review the assignment description, responsibilities, eligibility conditions and application deadline.
Step 2: Access the UNV Platform
Follow the application instructions displayed on the United Nations Volunteers website.
Applicants may need to sign in or create an account before accessing the application process.
Step 3: Complete Your UNV Profile
Provide the personal, educational and professional information requested by the platform.
Describe your relevant graphic design, multimedia production and communication skills accurately.
Step 4: Review the Assignment Requirements
Read the task description carefully, including the expected deliverables, remote work arrangement and 12-week duration.
Make sure you understand that the assignment is unpaid.
Step 5: Prepare Relevant Work Samples
If the application requests supporting materials, prepare examples of graphic design, infographics, publication layouts or other relevant work.
Choose samples that demonstrate your ability to communicate information clearly and professionally.
Step 6: Complete the Application
Follow the official application instructions and provide any requested motivation statement or supporting information.
Explain how your skills can contribute to the project's communication objectives.
Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit your application through the official UNV platform before 30 October 2026.
Check the exact closing time shown in your account, as the accessible listing specifies the date but does not establish a precise time or time zone.
Step 8: Monitor Your Application
After submission, monitor your UNV account for updates and further instructions.
Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for additional information or an assessment.
Related: Find more international volunteering opportunities on OHUB.