UN says ‘Jamaica has the talent’ amid recruitment drive

Under the campaign banner “Jamaica Has the Talent. The UN System Needs It,” a delegation from UNV’s Latin America and the Caribbean Talent Acquisition team will touch down for a week-long series of in-person information sessions from April 20 to 24.

The mission aims to do more than just inform. Organizers say it is a direct appeal to Jamaican professionals with at least three years of relevant experience and a university degree to bring their expertise to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from public health and climate action to disaster risk management and governance.

“We know the caliber of talent that Jamaica produces,” a UNV spokesperson said ahead of the mission. “These sessions are about demystifying the application process and showing qualified Jamaicans exactly how they can serve, both at home and internationally, as UN Volunteers.”

The outreach will take the form of free, accessible information sessions in five locations across the island:

• Mandeville – Sunday, April 20
• Kingston – Monday, April 21
• Ocho Rios – Tuesday, April 22
• Black River & Savanna-la-Mar – Wednesday, April 23
• Montego Bay – Thursday, April 24

Attendees will receive practical, step-by-step guidance on how to apply for UN Volunteer assignments, navigate the UNV Global Platform, and understand which skills and roles are currently in highest demand within the UN System across the Caribbean.

The UNV programme is far from a symbolic gesture. In 2025 alone, the organization deployed over 17,000 professionals to more than 50 UN entities across 130 countries. Assignments range from full-time to part-time, and successful candidates receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes a monthly living allowance, health insurance, annual leave, and other entitlements.

Volunteers serve in substantive, professional roles — not as interns or auxiliary staff. Key sectors include education, project management, communications, climate resilience, and public health.

All events are open to eligible candidates and will be conducted in an accessible, informational format. Organizers stress that registration is required in advance.