The novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is placing significant strains on health systems, essential public services and communities globally, and the United Nations (UN) is calling for volunteers as it scales up its responses.
UN entities are working closely with national governments, community groups, the health sector and industry to respond to this crisis with a multi-sectoral, equitable and human rights focused approach.
Meanwhile, UN Volunteers is inviting skilled professionals to support the UN system’s response as national UN Volunteers. These are expected to join efforts in mitigating the economic, social and health impacts of the crisis, and to safeguard progress made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
In a statement just released, the UN said international UN Volunteer assignments would follow, once travel restrictions are lifted.
People with qualifications and experience in the following areas are being encouraged to register (or update their profile) on UNV’s web application system and enter COVID-19 as a keyword in ‘Motivation Statement’.
The areas of concern include, Health systems (epidemiologists, public health, health statisticians), Health supply chain (pharmacists, equipment, cold chain), Medical (medical officers, doctors, nurses, lab technicians), Medical waste management, WASH (with a focus on hygiene) and Surveillance.
Other areas in which volunteers are being needed are; Psychosocial support (counselling), Logistics, Procurement, Emergency management and coordination, Socio-economic & health assessment, Gender based violence, Anthropologists/sociologists and Communications.
Candidates need to have at least two years of professional experience, be at least 22 years old for national UN Volunteer assignments, and at least 25 years old for international UN Volunteer assignments. Duration: from 3-12 months (with possibility of extension)
With the coronavirus pandemic extending to some of the world’s poorest countries, the United Nations is in a race against time to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19. UN country teams are redoubling their support for frontline responders and working to help vulnerable countries strengthen their healthcare infrastructure.