Visibility and Advocacy Support Volunteer, Innovation and Transformation Branch

Job Description

Location: New York, USA

Full/Part-time: Part-time 50%

Remote/In person: In person

Duration: 2 March 2026 - 1 May 2026 (9 weeks)

Candidates who are not nationals of the country where they will volunteer must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the country of assignment.

The Position:

Under the direct supervision of the Programme and Technical Innovation Specialist, the UNFPA Volunteer will support the efficient functioning of the ITB by providing event management, communications and knowledge management support. The incumbent will work closely with ITB colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, especially those involved in its Equity 2030 Alliance initiative.

A work-plan with achievements for the duration of the volunteer assignment will be agreed upon. Periodic progress meetings will lead to a beneficial environment for the UNFPA Volunteer, enhancing her/his skills and capacity in areas related to UNFPA’s mandate.

About UNFPA and How You Can Make a Difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

The Innovation and Transformation Branch (ITB) is the UNFPA branch that shapes and executes strategic initiatives through cultivating innovation and organizational change. ITB helps to ensure UNFPA is future-fit through fostering a dynamic environment where innovation and transformative ideas thrive. ITB also supports key initiatives that drive institutional transformation in line with UN 2.0.

You would be responsible for:

The role will contribute to supporting communication, visibility and the planning and execution of events, ensuring seamless delivery.

Responsibilities and deliverables include:

• Support drafting communication materials, including website content, social media posts, articles, etc.
• Support the development and dissemination of communication materials related to its activities, events and milestones.
• Assist in preparing knowledge products and inputs for reports, briefing and presentations to partners and stakeholders.
• Support coordination with the UNFPA Communications team to ensure alignment with messaging and branding guidelines.
• Logistical, administrative, and financial arrangements for any meetings and events organized by the ITB.
• Draft event concepts by outlining objectives, themes, target audiences, and key activities.
• Manage event invitations and participation: Prepare and distribute invitations, maintain participant lists, and follow up to ensure strong attendance.
• Ensure smooth event delivery, including the logistics such as location, catering, AV support and visual support.
• Prepare post-event reports: Compile comprehensive event reports by summarizing key activities, outcomes, and feedback

Qualifying for a Volunteer Assignment

All UNFPA Volunteers must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must be over the age of 18. There is no upper age restriction as long as the person is fit for the required work.
• Candidates who are not nationals of the country where they will volunteer must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the country of assignment.
• Volunteers may include professionals, technicians, and retirees.
• Spouses and family members of current UNFPA personnel may volunteer as long as there is no conflict of interest.
• Family relationships must be disclosed to the Ethics Office and Head of Unit prior to engaging a spouse or family member as a volunteer.

ii. Volunteers should not be in the same reporting line as spouses or family members and, where feasible should be in different organizational units.

• Demonstrate interest in the field of development.
• Demonstrate ability to adapt to new environments and to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

You Have:

Your Education:

Bachelor’s degree in administration, political science, international relations, law, social studies or a related area is required.

Your Experiences:

Some experience in project management, communications and/or administration is required;

Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities;

Ability to organize work independently with minimum supervision;

Ability to work productively in a multicultural team and be able to work under pressure, gain support from others and produce quality work;

Excellent communication and writing skills.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required.

Knowledge of an additional United Nations language is an asset.

Financial Aspects:

UNFPA Volunteers do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. The costs associated with a UNFPA Volunteer's participation in the programme must be assumed by the UNFPA Volunteer themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and other requirements.

In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the volunteer assignment. Proof of adequate medical insurance, a medical certificate of good health, proof of any required vaccinations for the duty station will need to be submitted before the volunteer assignment begins. UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for UNFPA volunteers.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce.

Disclaimer:

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

How to Apply

Please email your applications to [email protected], specifying "Visibility and Advocacy Support Volunteer New York" in the subject line.

Due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

About UNFPA

We promote gender equality and empower women, girls and young people to take control of their bodies and their futures.

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