Outreach Volunteer (OV)

Outreach Volunteers (OVs) are trusted members of the refugee community who support UNHCR and its partners in strengthening communication and engagement with refugees and asylum seekers. Their role is to help ensure that information flows both ways — from UNHCR to the community and from the community to UNHCR — in a safe, respectful, and inclusive manner.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Act as a link between UNHCR/ Partner organization and the refugee community.
• Share timely and accurate information with the community.
• Identify and refer persons with specific needs for appropriate services to UNHCR/ Partner organization.
• Conduct outreach to vulnerable individuals and support home visits.
• Support community-based interventions and events.
• Promote and represent refugee rights and responsibilities, and peaceful coexistence.
• Collect data and contribute to program improvements.
• Participate in training to strengthen knowledge and skills as a volunteer.

Important Note:

OVs are not responsible for solving individual refugee problems and do not have the authority to make decisions on services or assistance. Their role is to facilitate communication, not to intervene directly.

OVs will never take or ask for money from anyone in the community — all support and services from UNHCR and its partners are free of charge.

If you need help or information from an Outreach Volunteer, you can reach out to their contacts listed below.

An official OV is someone who has:

• Been appointed by UNHCR and/or its partner organization;
• Received relevant training for their role;
• Holds a valid Certificate of Appointment, signed by UNHCR or its partner.

If you are unsure whether someone is an official Outreach Volunteer or if you have any concerns about the work the OV is carrying out, please contact UNHCR at [email protected] or YCWS at [email protected].