Shape The Future. Volunteer.
Before you apply, take time to understand our institution, our mission, and our impact. This is not just volunteering, this is capacity building at the highest level of international development across Africa and beyond.
Open to qualified applicants globally. Remote options available for select roles. Physical presence in Nigeria required for certain assignments.
Every volunteer role directly contributes to one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
From education and heritage to ICT and environmental sustainability, our reach spans every dimension of development.
One Flagship and twelve Tier II collaborative mandate programmes spanning governments and international organisations.
An intensive, structured capacity-building pathway for emerging professionals ready to contribute to global development.
Applications
Now Open
Time Remaining Until Application Deadline
Application
Timeline
From first submission to your first day of service, a clear, structured pathway across every stage of the volunteer journey.
Applications Open
Submit your complete application package via email to UNESCO REF.
Application Screening
Review of documents and verification of credentials over 2 to 4 weeks. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
Mandatory Training
Two-month programme covering UNESCO REF mandate, UN frameworks, and project management.
ID Card & Capacity Kit Issuance
Approved volunteers pay a nominal fee covering production of their official UNESCO REF Volunteer ID and Volunteer Capacity Development Kit.
Application Deadline
Final date for submission. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Interviews and Assessment
Competency-based panel interviews and role-specific assessments for all shortlisted candidates.
Competency Evaluation
Final assessment and KPI review. Successful candidates are approved for official volunteer status.
Volunteer Assignment Begins
Official work commences across Flagship, Tier II, or assigned programmes.
Direct Volunteer
Entry
For qualified professionals ready to contribute immediately. All volunteers complete a mandatory two-month training programme before full assignment.
Flagship Programme
Strategic Intervention Programme, ALPHALead UNESCO REF's transformative flagship initiative addressing critical development challenges across 15 intervention categories aligned with all 17 SDGs and AU Agenda 2063. SIP-ALPHA represents the pinnacle of the Federation's programmatic ambition, creating elite pathways for globally competitive change agents.
- Minimum Qualification: Master's degree or equivalent
- Experience: Minimum 3 years in relevant field
- Languages: Fluency in English or French
- Focus Areas: Policy research, technical expertise, strategic implementation
Tier II Programmes
12 Collaborative Mandate ProgrammesSupport UNESCO REF's strategically conceived portfolio of collaborative development initiatives, each designed for implementation through mandated partnerships with governments, international organisations, civil society, and private sector actors, advancing human capital development, education, and sustainable growth across Africa.
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor's degree (BSc or equivalent)
- Experience: Minimum 3 years in relevant field
- Languages: Fluency in English or French
- Focus Areas: Programme coordination, community engagement, partnership development
Trainee Programme
This intensive 9-month programme is designed for emerging professionals who want to build their capacity and develop the skills needed to contribute to global development work.
Minimum Qualification: First school leaving certificate or equivalent.
"Upon successful completion, participants may be considered for volunteer roles subject to KPI performance evaluation and supervisor recommendation. Transition to volunteer status is not guaranteed and depends on demonstrated competency, professional conduct, and institutional needs."
The programme covers UNESCO REF's mandate, UN frameworks, project management, safeguarding protocols, and specialised skills development. Performance is continuously assessed against established KPIs.
Remote and
Onsite Options
UNESCO REF welcomes qualified volunteers from around the world. We offer both remote and onsite opportunities depending on programme requirements.
Remote Volunteering
Contribute from anywhere in the world for select roles including research, policy analysis, digital content, virtual training, and strategic advisory functions.
Onsite Volunteering
Physical presence in Nigeria required for community-based programmes, field coordination, direct service delivery, and hands-on implementation roles.
Hybrid Arrangements
Some roles combine remote work with periodic onsite presence for training, workshops, stakeholder meetings, or programme milestones.
Eligibility and
Entry Requirements
All volunteer pathways require commitment, integrity, and alignment with UNESCO REF's values and mission.
Education and Experience
- Relevant degree in education, culture, social sciences, ICT, law, or related fields
- Minimum 3 years professional experience (Flagship and Tier II only)
- Advanced degrees preferred for Flagship roles
Languages
- Fluency in English or French required
- Additional UN languages are an asset
- Proficiency in regional languages valued
Integrity and Clearance
- Valid police criminal clearance certificate from country of residence
- No record of misconduct
- Commitment to UNESCO REF Code of Conduct
Health and Availability
- Medical fitness (self-certification)
- Minimum 6 months availability preferred
- Commitment to complete mandatory training
Values and Commitment
- Alignment with Global Goals and UNESCO's mission
- Respect for diversity and impartiality
- Willingness to sign Lichfield Charter Acknowledgement
Financial Arrangements
- Volunteers are generally responsible for travel, visas, and insurance
- Specific provisions may apply in exceptional circumstances
- Standard nominal fee for ID card and Capacity Development Kit
- International applicants pay an additional dispatch surcharge for global courier and customs handling
Volunteer Modalities
| Modality | Scope of Work | Expected Output | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Technical | Policy research, data analysis | Evidence-based briefs | 6 or 12 months |
| Engagement Fellows | ICT, digital education, heritage preservation | Toolkits, training modules | Project-based |
| Experts Community | Fieldwork, awareness campaigns, training | Outreach reports, impact metrics | 3 or 6 months |
| Administrative Support | Coordination, documentation, logistics | Event reports, databases | 3 or 12 months |
Mandatory Training Programme
All confirmed volunteers must complete a two-month mandatory training programme before full assignment.
- Modules: UNESCO REF mandate, UN Code of Conduct, project management, safeguarding, ICT tools, duty of care
- Assessment: Continuous evaluation and final applied project
- Outcome: Qualification certificate endorsed by The Lichfield and UNESCO REF
- Note: Only successful trainees proceed to assignments
Application Checklist
Ensure all documents are included in your submission before applying.
Selection and Screening Process
- Application Review: Comprehensive review of all submitted documents
- Interview: Competency-based panel interview
- Assessment: Role-specific written or project exercise
- Verification: Reference and background checks
- Probation: Initial 8-week probationary period with KPI review
Identity Card & Volunteer Capacity Development Kit
Upon successful completion of the mandatory training programme and passing competency evaluation, approved candidates will be required to:
- Pay a nominal fee covering the production and dispatch of their official UNESCO REF Volunteer Identity Card and standardised Volunteer Capacity Development Kit
- Provide a passport-size photograph for ID card issuance
- Submit a specimen signature for official records and authentication
The Volunteer Capacity Development Kit
Every approved volunteer globally receives the same standardised physical kit, designed to ensure consistent onboarding, operational readiness, and alignment with UNESCO REF frameworks and The Lichfield screening protocols. The kit includes:
Covers in-country production and local courier dispatch to the volunteer's stated address.
The international dispatch surcharge covers global courier service, customs handling, and secure delivery, it is not an additional service charge.
Performance and Recognition
- KPIs: Clear deliverables tied to programme goals
- Reviews: Quarterly feedback sessions
- Recognition: Certificates of Service, publication credits, networking opportunities
- Future Opportunities: Priority consideration for consultancies and professional roles
Make Impact
That Matters.
Join a global network of committed professionals working to advance sustainable development, preserve cultural heritage, and build lasting capacity across Africa and beyond. Your expertise, freely given, can change lives.
Building global capacity through volunteering, partnership, and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.