About the opportunity
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN system-wide service for volunteerism, established in 1970 and administered by the UNDP. UNV mobilizes qualified and diverse volunteers to support peace, development, human rights, and humanitarian action. The Executive Coordinator reports to the UNDP Administrator and leads UNV within the institutional framework established by the UN General Assembly and UNDP Executive Board. Combining the roles of executive leader, strategic manager, and principal advocate, the incumbent directs organizational strategy, resource mobilization, external relations, and the modernization of volunteer management. In addition, the role includes delegated responsibility for coordinating common premises and services at the UN Bonn campus and liaising with German federal, state, and municipal authorities.
Salary and benefits
- Fixed-term appointment of 2 years with the possibility of extension
- Competitive UN salary and benefits package associated with the D2 grade level
- Opportunity to lead a global organization with over 17,000 deployed volunteers and headquarters personnel
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in Social or Political Sciences, Economics, Public or Business Administration, Management, or a related field (or a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience)
- More than 15 years of relevant experience combining policy, partnerships, programme leadership, and strategic resource management
- Progressively senior management experience with international organizations or Member States' public service, demonstrating high-level engagement in diplomacy and international development matters
- Fluency in English; fluency in another official UN language is an asset
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Completed application form via the online recruitment system
When to apply
- Date posted: October 30, 2026
- Application closing date: November 23, 2026 at 04:59 UTC
How to apply
- Access the official UN/Oracle Recruiting Cloud candidate portal for vacancy requisition 37771.
- Review the job description, required qualifications, and competencies.
- Submit your online application before the November 23, 2026 deadline.
Additional information
- The position is classified at the D2 grade level with a fixed-term appointment type.
- Mobility requirement: Mobility required, non-rotational.
- Location: Bonn, Germany.
- Continuation of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon successful completion of a probationary period.
- UNV does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Extensive executive management experience at the D2 level within international organizations or government public service.
- Deep professional background in driving institutional change, digital transformations, and strategic partnerships within the UN system.
- Demonstrated ability in resource mobilization, financial sustainability, and global operations management.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires relocation to Bonn, Germany, along with mandatory mobility requirements.
- High-stakes senior leadership role with extensive oversight responsibilities for global personnel and operations.
- Strict application deadline of November 23, 2026.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is well-suited for a seasoned international development executive looking to steer global volunteerism policy, direct organizational modernization, and represent a major UN entity at the highest intergovernmental levels.
Our take
Highly qualified senior leaders with over 15 years of international experience and a strong background in UN policies and diplomacy should seriously consider applying before the November 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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