Thinking about Volunteering at the UN

So, I've been doing a little research about UN Volunteers. Really any of these would suffice, whichever is easiest to get into. Apparently, they pay you a hefty amount of cash as long as you do what you signed up for. Just looking for some advice/direction on this.

Well if youre looking for a job that will set you up for the rest of your life without doing any real work, look no further than getting a paid position in the UN. I know a guy who works in that organization and all he ever does is go to meetings in which nothing gets done and yet he has a pension for the rest of his life and a fully paid living allowance.

If all you want to do is get paid, the UN would fill the bill. If you actually want to do something, there are other alternatives that might be more satisfying.

humbolt said:

If all you want to do is get paid, the UN would fill the bill. If you actually want to do something, there are other alternatives that might be more satisfying.

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I mainly want to see the world. I would essentially get paid to go to other countries and help out in less-fortunate populations where people are not so fortunate as here in the West. I don't trust the UN Security Council, but - for example - the Julian Assange situation: they were the only faction that actually is trying to help him not accusing him of BS like rape (which at this point I'm wholly convinced was the U.S. throwing dirt on him to try to get him arrested quicker so they could whisk him away to some CIA Black-Site where he would mysteriously 'disappear' for exposing crimes committed by the U.S. government and the IC). Again, the motives of the Security Council are questionable (especially considering their support for terrorist groups, like Hamas and Hezbollah), but I believe the UN as a whole, and a majority of UN employees (most of Volunteers are young people around my age) just want to help make a difference - even if their actions and gross difference made during their time with the UN are minute at best.

In my embassy days I had exposure to many of the UN employees and volunteers in developing countries. Unlike the beurocrats in NY the grunts on the ground actually roll their sleeves up and get real work done. Some of their programs combating human trafficking are good. I knew a UN guy in Cambodia whose job was to locate places with underage prostitution, lean on the police to shut them down, and provide aide and education to the victims. It can be very rewarding work but it can also be depressing.

Abbazorkzog said:

I mainly want to see the world. I would essentially get paid to go to other countries and help out in less-fortunate populations where people are not so fortunate as here in the West. I don't trust the UN Security Council, but - for example - the Julian Assange situation: they were the only faction that actually is trying to help him not accusing him of BS like rape (which at this point I'm wholly convinced was the U.S. throwing dirt on him to try to get him arrested quicker so they could whisk him away to some CIA Black-Site where he would mysteriously 'disappear' for exposing crimes committed by the U.S. government and the IC). Again, the motives of the Security Council are questionable (especially considering their support for terrorist groups, like Hamas and Hezbollah), but I believe the UN as a whole, and a majority of UN employees (most of Volunteers are young people around my age) just want to help make a difference - even if their actions and gross difference made during their time with the UN are minute at best.

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You might want to look at US AID.

Abbazorkzog said:

~ Just looking for some advice/direction on this.

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I did 3 years in Nigeria with a different agency in the early 90's and met some wonderful people. If you have a skill, you can go far and it's really rewarding seeing people change their lives (the old "teach someone to grow food vs handing them food" story comes to mind).

The other voluntters are also worth getting to know - the guy based in the brothel (yeah - the researchers didn't check where they were housing him) in the village 50 miles away is now a UN healthcare worker designing and fitting prosthetics to people who stepped on mines in Afghanistan. He also works with the UK health system - designing and fitting prosthetics for returned military as well as domestic and industrial accident victims.

So basically, look at what skills you can offer, look at how you can develop your skills and make a living from that as well as helping people. It could help you in surprising ways when you return to the US.

Abbazorkzog said:

I mainly want to see the world. I would essentially get paid to go to other countries and help out in less-fortunate populations where people are not so fortunate as here in the West. I don't trust the UN Security Council, but - for example - the Julian Assange situation: they were the only faction that actually is trying to help him not accusing him of BS like rape (which at this point I'm wholly convinced was the U.S. throwing dirt on him to try to get him arrested quicker so they could whisk him away to some CIA Black-Site where he would mysteriously 'disappear' for exposing crimes committed by the U.S. government and the IC). Again, the motives of the Security Council are questionable (especially considering their support for terrorist groups, like Hamas and Hezbollah), but I believe the UN as a whole, and a majority of UN employees (most of Volunteers are young people around my age) just want to help make a difference - even if their actions and gross difference made during their time with the UN are minute at best.

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Ive been on assignments with the ICRC and MSF. No amount of self education could prepare me for the reality of the situation once I got to the area I was assigned to. You do get to experience different cultures but it's far from a holiday. Depending on where you end up you could experience extreme cultural differences, have to overcome language barriers, need to work long and demanding hours and be prepared to miss home terribly.

I'd support and encourage anyone who has a desire to step out of their comfort zone and help others in need to do so. You never know what you will learn, whom you will impact, and how it will change both their world and yours. I was fortunate enough to meet and work with fantastic people from all backgrounds and all walks of life and our working relationship and experiences have created life long bonds.

Also really important to make sure that there are support services available if you need help fitting back into some kind of normality when you return home. Really wish you all the best on whatever path you decide to follow.