International Volunteer Day/Year – IVD/IVY 2026 Online Volunteers

International Volunteer Day/Year – IVD/IVY 2026 Online Volunteers

Attention! Please note that this is an Online Volunteering assignment. It's a short-term, task-based and non-contractual remote assignment; Online Volunteers are not UN Volunteers and do not receive any allowance or entitlements as part of the Online Volunteer assignment but receive a certificate of appreciation after successful completion. In addition, UNV is not involved in the selection process or collaboration.

Host entity: Ministry of Community Development and Social Services

Advertisement end date: 2026-11-12T00:00:00

General

Description of assignment title: International Volunteer Day/Year – IVD/IVY 2026 Online Volunteers

Assignment country: Zambia

Duration: 28 days

Sustainable Development Goal: 8. Decent work and economic growth

Modality: Online

Work schedule: 1 - 5 hours per week

For how many hours per week will the volunteer be required?: 1 - 5 hours per week

Number of Assignments: 200

Details

Mission and objectives

The International Volunteer Day (IVD) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through Resolution A/RES/40/212 on 17 December 1985. The Resolution invites Governments to observe IVD every year and heighten awareness on the important contribution of volunteer service, thereby stimulating more people to offer their services as volunteers. Over the years, governments, the United Nations (UN) System and civil society organizations have successfully joined volunteers around the world to mark the Day on 5 December. The Day is an opportunity for everyone to promote volunteerism, encourage governments, Volunteer Involving Organizations (VIOs), Civil Society Organizations and UN Agencies to support volunteer efforts and recognize volunteer contributions to the achievement of peace and development at local, national, and international levels.

Context

The International Volunteer Day (IVD) was established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution A/RES/40/212 on 17 December 1985 and is observed annually on 5 December. The Day raises awareness of the value of volunteerism and encourages governments, volunteer involving organizations (VIOs), civil society, UN agencies, and communities to support and recognize volunteers’ contributions to peace and development at local, national, and global levels.

In addition, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), recognizing volunteerism as a key driver of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). IVY 2026 promotes greater support, investment, and recognition for volunteers while highlighting their role in advancing sustainable development, particularly in underserved and crisis-affected communities.

In Zambia, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS), in collaboration with the Zambia Volunteer Coordination Committee (ZVCC), will commemorate IVD 2026 and mark the closure of IVY 2026 across all 116 districts. The national celebration will be held in Lundazi, Eastern Province, on 5 December 2026, bringing together Government, VIOs, civil society, the private sector, UN agencies, traditional leaders, and communities to promote volunteerism and recognize its contribution to peace and sustainable development.

Task type

Multimedia content creation

Task description

The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services seeks to recruit 200 Online Volunteers who will:

1. Create a comprehensive campaign plan that includes key messages, target audiences, and promotional strategies on IVD and IVY 2026.
2. Develop engaging content for social media, press releases, and community events. This includes success stories, volunteer testimonials, and information on local volunteering activities on IVY 2026 from all the 116 districts across the country.
3. Create event posters for various volunteer activities relating to IVY 2026.
4. Create web stories for social media distribution.
5. Create advocacy messages on the value of volunteering for development and peace, and/or SDGs.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience: No experience required

Languages: English, Level: Fluent, Desirable

Required education level: Secondary education Digital media, social media strategy, marketing, communications, public relations Required skills and experience: Strong social media presence and influence, excellent written communication and graphic creation skills, familiarity with content creation platform (e.g Canva, Instagram Reels, Tiktok), ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Area(s) of expertise: Digital and social media, Communication, advocacy, public information, Information technology and telecommunications

Driving license: -

Skills and experience

Required education level, background in communication, marketing, and media studies is an asset.