Remote Volunteering Opportunity with the United Nations in Research and Data Analysis – 2026
Applicant criteria
- NationalityNo specific nationality required
- Age18 - 60
- GenderBoth
Opportunity criteria
- LocationRemotely
- Deadline2026-11-05
Opportunity description
The United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UN ODET) has announced three online volunteering opportunities for 2026 in research, data analysis, digital policies, and open-source software. The assignments will last 12 weeks, requiring 16 to 20 hours of volunteering per week.
These opportunities aim to support the development of the Open Source Enablement Compass project, a research tool designed to examine the use of open-source software in government institutions worldwide and analyze national policies and initiatives that promote digital transformation.
Volunteers will contribute to collecting data from official sources, conducting comparative research across countries, developing surveys and conducting interviews with experts and government officials, and analyzing findings to prepare reports and country profiles. These activities will help develop recommendations that support governments in adopting open-source technologies.
Benefits
Volunteer remotely from anywhere in the world.
Collaborate with the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UN ODET).
Gain experience in research and international digital policy analysis.
Participate in developing the Open Source Enablement Compass project.
Develop skills in collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.
Gain experience in designing surveys and conducting research interviews.
Learn about government policies related to digital transformation and open-source software.
Strengthen skills in preparing comparative studies and research reports.
Build professional connections with experts and specialists in technology and public policy.
Contribute to an international project that supports digital cooperation and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Have the opportunity to receive a certificate of appreciation upon successful completion of the online volunteering assignment, in accordance with United Nations Volunteers (UNV) policies.
Duties & responsibilities
Volunteers will work under the supervision of the specialized team at the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UN ODET) across three main areas:
1. Research and Data Collection
Research government initiatives, policies, and strategies related to the use of open-source software.
Examine countries' experiences in implementing open-source technologies within government institutions and public administrations.
Collect information from government sources, databases, and published research.
Develop surveys and structured tools to collect data from relevant stakeholders.
Analyze challenges, outcomes, and lessons learned from government initiatives.
Research approximately 5 to 8 countries or initiatives per volunteer, depending on the volume and complexity of the available information.
2. Interviews and Consultations
Participate in conducting interviews with open-source software experts.
Engage with government officials and public administration specialists.
Gather expert insights on emerging trends and best practices.
Organize information collected through interviews and surveys.
Identify common challenges and lessons learned from different countries' experiences.
Contribute to approximately 3 interviews or consultations per volunteer, depending on participant availability.
3. Data Analysis and Report Preparation
Analyze qualitative and quantitative data collected during the research process.
Prepare comparative studies on open-source software policies.
Develop country profiles highlighting government initiatives and experiences.
Prepare approximately 3 brief country profiles or equivalent analytical contributions per volunteer.
Produce concise reports, with each country profile typically consisting of approximately two pages.
Identify findings and recommendations that can help governments improve their digital policies.
Contribute to updating the project's research database.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Hold a bachelor's degree.
Have experience in research and analysis in technology, digital policies, or legal and regulatory matters.
Be able to conduct comparative studies across countries or initiatives.
Possess strong skills in collecting, organizing, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.
Have experience developing research methodologies, databases, or structured analytical tools.
Demonstrate excellent research, writing, and report preparation skills.
Be able to summarize complex information and draw conclusions and recommendations.
Possess good communication skills.
Be fluent in English.
Be able to commit to volunteering for 16 to 20 hours per week over a period of 12 weeks.
Relevant Fields and Specializations
This opportunity is suitable for professionals and individuals with experience in:
Data Science and Information Analysis.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies.
Digital Policy and Technology Governance.
Knowledge Management and Report Writing.
Scientific Research and Comparative Studies.
Technology Law and Regulations.
Digital Transformation and E-Government.
Open-Source Software.
Explore More Volunteering Opportunities in Türkiye
Explore more volunteer opportunities in Germany
Ready to apply?
Remote Volunteering Opportunity with the United Nations in Research and Data Analysis – 2026