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

Host entity: Ministry of Community Development and Social Services

Areas of expertise: Digital and social media, Communication, advocacy, public information, Information technology and telecommunications

Application deadline: 12/11/2026

Mission and objectives

To raise awareness and encourage participation in International Volunteer Day (IVD) on the 5th of December 2026 commemorations, highlighting the impact of volunteerism on community development and social change in Zambia.

Assignment 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 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.

Skills and experience

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

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.