HOW TO RECRUIT A VOLUNTEER

Any non-for-profit organization can request a UNV.

• The requesting organization identifies a position, prepares a Terms of Reference and forwards it to the UNV office in Vientiane.

 
• For recruitment to proceed, funding must be secured for the UNV position. This will normally come from the project/ organization in which the UNV will work.  The UNV office can provide you with standard costs for UNVs in Lao PDR.

 
• Once the post is clearly identified and funding available, UNV HQ will be asked to search its roster for candidates. The UNV office in Vientiane will explore other appropriate recruitment networks in addition to the roster.

 
• Candidates will be forwarded to the requesting project/ organization for selection.

 
• Following written confirmation from the requesting project/ organization of the successful candidate, the UNV's availability will be confirmed and arrival details coordinated.

Some facts about UNV

• UNV has no sectoral specialty, and is able to recruit people to work in every field imaginable.

 
• UNVs have an average age of 39 years, and more than 9 years experience in their chosen specialty.

 
• 70% of UNVs come from developing countries, and bring with them an empathy for the challenges facing developing communities.

 
• UNVs can be recruited for anything from six months to six years. A standard UNV contract is two years.

 
• UNVs are cost effective, with an average annual total cost of around $43,000, which includes travel to the country of assignment, insurance, accommodation and living allowance.  Costs for National volunteers are around $5000 per annum.

 
• UNVs are highly qualified and work in a variety of settings.

For more information on recruiting a UNV contact:

Elizabeth Bransfield

UNV Programme Officer
United Nations Development Programme
PO Box 345
Kaysone Phomvihane Avenue,
Vientiane
Lao PDR