Established in 1970, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) provides opportunities for volunteers to contribute to peace and development through volunteerism.
Agency for Volunteer Service (AVS) is the Hong Kong cooperating organization of United Nations Volunteers (UNV) since 1998 and seeks to promote international volunteerism. In 2013, an updated Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two parties to provide new opportunities for youth to participate in volunteering worldwide.
UNV-Hong Kong Universities Volunteer Internship Programme
With a view to furthering youth volunteerism, the Programme funded by Home Affairs Bureau was launched by Agency for Volunteer Service (AVS) in 2015, with support from Hong Kong Volunteers Association and Peace and Development Foundation. It allows local university undergraduates to participate in a 6-month volunteer internship under the UN Youth Volunteer modality serving under UN field units or agencies in oversea.
The Programme contributes to global peace and development worldwide while enabling the selected undergraduates to develop their personal capacities and global vision.
Target Volunteers
Around 30 undergraduates (full-time degree programme) in Hong Kong would be selected from the nominations of the partner universities.
Partner Universities
City University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Baptist University
Hong Kong Shue Yan University
Lingnan University
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Education University of Hong Kong
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The University of Hong Kong
* In alphabetical order
Eligibility
at the time of application, enrolled in a full-time undergraduate# degree programme in one of the partner universities
holder of valid Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, aged 18-30 and recommended by own university with good reference
commitment to global peace and development
proficiency in spoken and written English; knowledge of other languages of the working destination will be an asset
volunteering experience in or out of Hong Kong
high motivation, enthusiasm, and adaption ability to different culture and environment
good communication and interpersonal skills
literacy in computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and social media
#
“full-time undergraduate” refers to student who has enrolled in a 4 years or above full bachelor degree programme in one of the partner universities. Student who participates in exchange and internship programme or is enrolled in a master or doctoral degree programme is not eligible to join this Programme.
Commitment of Volunteer Interns
participate in pre-departure training in Hong Kong and orientation in the duty station
complete a 6-month volunteer internship
submit final report on the volunteer internship
participate in post volunteer internship debriefing
share experience and inspirations gained
are liable to compensate Agency for Volunteer Service for all costs incurred (airfare, living allowance, assignment cost, related administrative fee etc.) if they withdraw from the Programme during volunteer internship period
Volunteer Internship
Duration
:
around 6 months
Locations
:
UN agencies / field units overseas
Service Scope
:
health and education; disaster risk reduction in the area of environment; youth issues and other areas with focus on information technology
Job Duties
:
administrative support, monitoring and evaluation, communications and outreach, etc.
Fieldwork
:
volunteer interns will have the opportunity to participate in short-term field work organised by the UN agencies to experience the frontline work of the local service units (such as refugee assistance, disaster response, climate change, etc.), and to gain better understanding on the related issues
Agency for Volunteer Service
Address : 602, Duke of Windsor Social Service Building
15 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Phone : (852) 2527 3825
Fax : (852) 2866 2721
E-mail : unv@avs.org.hk