The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme has opened applications for a Knowledge Management Specialist position, offering experienced professionals the opportunity to work remotely while supporting global volunteerism and sustainable development initiatives. The full-time, home-based role is available under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-10) and applications close on 5 August 2026.
Hosted by the UN Volunteers (UNV) programme under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the position focuses on strengthening knowledge management systems, evidence generation, research dissemination, and stakeholder engagement to advance volunteerism as a key contributor to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About the Opportunity
The successful candidate will join the Volunteer Advisory Services Section (VASS), which serves as UNV’s global knowledge and policy hub on volunteerism. Reporting to the Policy Specialist (Evidence), the Knowledge Management Specialist will coordinate knowledge management strategies, enhance collaboration across UNV teams, and improve the visibility and accessibility of volunteerism research and evidence.
A central responsibility of the role is managing and enhancing the UNV Knowledge Portal on Volunteerism, which serves as a comprehensive platform for knowledge sharing and evidence dissemination.
The portal includes:
- Country profiles containing volunteerism data.
- A global evidence library featuring publications on volunteerism.
- An interactive knowledge exchange platform for discussions, collaboration, and learning.
Key Responsibilities
The Knowledge Management Specialist will lead several strategic initiatives, including:
- Coordinating knowledge management activities across UNV.
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive Knowledge Management Strategy and Work Plan.
- Strengthening evidence generation to support advocacy and policy initiatives.
- Improving existing knowledge management systems and digital tools.
- Monitoring the effectiveness and usage of the UNV Knowledge Portal.
- Producing analytical reports, strategic notes, blogs, and policy briefs.
- Supporting communication and dissemination of research findings.
- Organising online and in-person knowledge exchange events.
- Promoting the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) 2026.
- Supporting research, data collection, analysis, and presentations.
- Providing technical support to UNV regional offices and field teams.
- Establishing systems for research referencing and citation management.
The specialist will also collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure volunteerism knowledge reaches governments, development partners, research institutions, and the wider international community.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should possess strong academic qualifications in knowledge management, research, communications, or related disciplines.
Education requirements include:
- Master’s degree in Information Science, Knowledge Management, Research, Communications, or a related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience; or
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 7 years of professional experience.
A research-focused degree is considered an advantage.
Professional Experience
UNV is seeking candidates with substantial experience in knowledge generation, research, and policy analysis.
Essential experience includes:
- Research and knowledge management.
- Application of research methodologies.
- Managing knowledge platforms and information systems.
Desirable experience includes:
- Development programming related to the SDGs.
- Publishing analytical papers, research reports, blogs, and thought leadership articles.
- Experience in volunteerism and community engagement.
- Previous work within the United Nations system or other international organisations.
Required Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate expertise in:
- Knowledge generation.
- Strategic communication.
- Digital literacy.
- Systems thinking.
- Data analysis and evidence-based decision-making.
- Marketing research.
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
- Relationship management.
The role requires the ability to transform complex research into practical knowledge products that support advocacy, policy dialogue, and programme implementation.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Fluency in English.
Knowledge of another official UN language, particularly:
- French
- Arabic
- Russian
will be considered a significant advantage.
Contract Details
Key information about the vacancy includes:
- Position: Knowledge Management Specialist
- Agency: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
- Location: Home-Based
- Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-10)
- Duration: One year
- Schedule: Full-time
- Application Deadline: 5 August 2026
Eligibility
This vacancy follows UNDP’s tiered recruitment process and is currently open to Tier 0, Tier 1, and Tier 2 candidates only, in accordance with UNDP recruitment guidelines.
Interested professionals are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements carefully before submitting their applications.
The position offers an exceptional opportunity for experienced knowledge management professionals to contribute to global volunteerism, strengthen evidence-based policymaking, and support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development while working remotely within the United Nations system.
