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FAQs
What is UNDP?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in some 170 countries and territories, supporting their own solutions to development challenges and developing national and local capacities that will help them achieve human development and the Sustainable Development Goals. In Mongolia, our work is concentrated on three main focus areas:
- Inclusive growth
- Effective governance
- Climate change, environment and energy
- In all our activities, we promote gender equality and the protection of human rights.
How is UNDP related to the UN?
UNDP is at the centre of the UN’s efforts to reduce global poverty. At the global level, UNDP chairs the United Nations Development Group (UNDG), which includes the UN’s key players in international development. UNDP is also helping to reinforce joint action on development in such forums as the Economic and Social Council, and the General Assembly of the United Nations. At the country level, UNDP plays two important roles, one as a partner for development work and the other as manager of the Resident Coordinator system. Moreover, UNDP's support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) puts partnership at the centre of all aspects of our work.
Where is UNDP located?
UNDP has its headquarters in New York City, but works primarily through its offices in about 170 countries and territories.
When and how did UNDP come into being?
UNDP is based on the merging of the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance, created in 1949, and the United Nations Special Fund, established in 1958. UNDP, as we know it now, was established in 1965 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. A comprehensive book on the history of UNDP entitled The United Nations Development Programme, A better way? was published in 2006 and can be purchased directly from the publisher.
Does UNDP offer financial assistance to individuals for study/training programmes or other type of projects? No. UNDP's mandate does not permit us to provide financial assistance to individuals (including students seeking scholarships for their studies), companies or private groups. We work in collaboration with the Government of Mongolia on development programmes and projects. To learn more about UNDP’s work with civil society organizations, the private sector, foundations and key donors and partners, please visit our Partners web page.
I am a vendor looking for business opportunities with UNDP. Who should I contact? Current procurement notices for vendors are available on the Procurement section. General information on UNDP’s procurement processes, such as the solicitation procedures for the procurement of goods and services, FAQs, statistics and more is available on the UNDP Procurement website.
How can I access UNDP publications? You can access most of UNDP’s publications on our Publications section. This site includes flagship and most recent publications and links to publications by topic.
Does UNDP have an annual report, or a document describing activities and financial aspects of its work?
UNDP In Focus annual reports summarize UNDP’s main activities, showcase success stories on the ground and contain information on where our money comes from and how we spend it. The website of UNDP’s main governing body, the Executive Board, contains major policy, financial, budgetary and administrative-related documents.
How is UNDP accountable for its work?
UNDP has a long-standing commitment to accountability and transparency, with UNDP Country Offices publishing financial, procurement and programme information on their respective websites each year. UNDP has developed and published an Information Disclosure Policy that makes clear our commitment to making information about our programmes and operations available to the public. Moreover, as part of UNDP’s strategy to strengthen the accountability framework for the Organization and to provide opportunities for bringing to light any misconduct, wrongdoing by any individuals working for or doing business with UNDP, the Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) has established an Investigations Hotline and other measures to ensure that persons wishing to report fraud may do so, free of charge, using a number of different options
What is the Human Development Report?
The annual Human Development Report is UNDP’s flagship independent publication. Its editorial autonomy is guaranteed by a special resolution of the General Assembly (A/RES/57/264), which recognizes the Human Development Report as “an independent intellectual exercise” and “an important tool for raising awareness about human development around the world". The reports focus the global debate on key development issues, providing new measurement tools, innovative analysis and often controversial policy proposals. They are guided by the belief that development is ultimately a process of enlarging people’s choices, not just raising national incomes. The independent teams of experts who write the Reports draw on a worldwide network of leaders from academia, government and civil society who contribute data, ideas, and best practices. For further information and to access global, regional or national human development reports online please visit the HDR Web site.
I want to make a donation to UNDP. To what address do I send the contribution?You can make a donation through UNDP's giving platform: https://digitalgood.undp.org/.
How do I apply for a job with UNDP? All current UNDP vacancies and online application forms are available on our Jobs section.
How do I apply for an internship with UNDP? For information on Internships at UNDP, please visit our Internships website.
Does UNDP accept volunteers? Yes. In 2010, more than 7,700 UN volunteers from 160 countries supported UN partners in their peace and development activities in the field. To become international UN Volunteers, who are UN Volunteers serving abroad other than their own country of nationality, visit and register online in the UNV database.
Generally, the UNV programme draws a short-list of three to five profiles from the UNV database for each assignment, which are then submitted to the relevant authorities of the country requesting the services of a UN Volunteer. The requesting authorities make the final choice and select the candidate who best fulfils their needs and requirements, usually following an interview and/or an in-depth assessment. To become national UN Volunteers, who are UN Volunteers serving within the country or territory of their own nationality (for instance, as Mongolian national you cannot serve as international UN Volunteer in Mongolia but only serve as national UN Volunteer), check Vacancies.
Is there an age limit for UN Volunteers?
Age Limits:
- For regular international UN Volunteer, at least 25 years old.
- For international UN Youth Volunteer, must be between 18 and 29 years for the whole duration of their assignment
- For national UN Volunteer, at the minimum of 22 years old.
For more information, please refer to ‘Types, Eligibility and Qualifications of UN Volunteers’ under ‘How to Volunteer’.
Where do international and national UN Volunteers work?
UN Volunteers are assigned to a Host entity which is a UN organization, or different entity such as a non-governmental organization that requested the service of UN Volunteer.Together with other UN personnel, UN Volunteers work within the framework of specific UN development project designed by various UN agencies or directly assigned to support any given office functions of specific UN agency and contribute to the neutrality and visibility of the United Nations.
What benefits are entitled to UN Volunteers?
The key benefit of being a UN Volunteer is the personal satisfaction the volunteer assignment brings to you as you make a positive impact on peace and development. However, we support you during your assignment in several ways, e.g. through a monthly volunteer living allowance, annual leave, or medical insurance. UN Volunteers are not paid but receive monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA). VLA is strictly intended to allow the UN Volunteer to sustain a modest and secure standard of living and is not a salary and is not meant as compensation or reward for the volunteer service