The UNICEF UNV Youth on the Move Programme 2026 is a global, paid United Nations Volunteer initiative designed to expand access to employment opportunities for refugee, asylum-seeking, internally displaced, and migrant youth. Hosted by UNICEF, the programme provides a structured pathway for young people to gain professional experience and contribute meaningfully to international development.
Overview of the Programme
The Youth on the Move Programme offers a 12-month paid UN Volunteer assignment within UNICEF country offices. It is specifically designed to address systemic barriers that prevent displaced and migrant youth from accessing internships and entry-level roles.
The UNICEF UNV Youth on the Move Programme builds on the success of the Youth on the Move Fellowship Pilot Programme—implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Migration Youth and Children Platform. This pilot included 23 young people from refugee and displaced backgrounds to work with UNICEF between 2022 and 2024 (see the video). While the 2024–2025 edition engaged 13 UN Volunteers with UNICEF in Cambodia, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Poland, Somalia, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.
The 2026 edition coincides with the International Volunteer Year (IVY) 2026 and builds on the momentum of previous cohorts.
Key Benefits
Participants in the programme will receive:
- Paid 12-month UN Volunteer placement
- Professional experience within UNICEF country offices
- Exposure to international development and humanitarian work
- Opportunities to build networks within the UN system
- Career development support and practical work experience
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Aged 20–32 years
- Refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, or migrants
- Facing barriers to education-to-employment pathways due to displacement or migration
- Based in the country of assignment
- Legally eligible to work in the country of assignment
Additional considerations:
- UNICEF promotes equity, non-discrimination, and inclusive recruitment
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
- Youth with disabilities are encouraged to apply
UNICEF is committed to equity, non-discrimination, and inclusive recruitment, particularly for youth on the move, including those with disabilities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply to support gender parity and address the heightened vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in displaced communities (see link).
Available Opportunities (2026)
Current programme locations include:
More opportunities may be added as the programme expands.
Application Process
To apply for the UNICEF UNV Youth on the Move Programme 2026:
- Register on the UN Volunteer Unified Platform
- Complete your profile and required documentation
- Review available roles and apply directly
- Consult guidance and application resources provided on the platform
To join the 31 March information webinar on the cohort, please click here.
How to apply? Visit the Unified Volunteer Platform or apply to the positions below. Register your profile by clicking on guidance and resources.
Programme Vision
The programme is grounded in the principle that talent is universal, but access to opportunity is not. It aims to address systemic exclusion faced by displaced youth by creating equitable access to employment pathways.
Core objectives include:
- Breaking barriers to entry into international organizations
- Promoting inclusion and representation within global institutions
- Unlocking untapped potential among displaced and migrant youth
- Supporting sustainable development through youth participation
The UNICEF UNV Youth on the Move Programme 2026 represents a significant opportunity for young people affected by displacement to gain paid, meaningful work experience within the United Nations system. It is both a career pathway and a strategic intervention aimed at advancing equity in global employment opportunities.
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