14 Free Online Courses from UN Agencies to Boost Your NGO Career

Discover 14 free online courses from UN agencies like UNICEF, WHO, and UNDP that can boost your NGO career and global development skills.

Build a Stronger Profile for NGO Jobs with UN Agency Courses

If you’re aiming for a career in humanitarian aid or global development, taking free online courses from UN agencies can give you a major advantage. These courses not only help you build professional knowledge but also strengthen your CV when applying for NGO jobs worldwide.

The best part? Many UN agencies offer free, high-quality e-learning opportunities covering everything from public health and climate change to leadership and humanitarian response.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of 14 top platforms offering free online courses directly from UN agencies and global development institutions.

1. UNICEF Agora

UNICEF Agora provides free access to courses on child rights, humanitarian response, and international development. This platform is ideal for anyone interested in working with children, education, or social protection programs.

Key Topics:

Child protection and rights
Emergency response
Gender equality in development

2. World Health Organization (WHO) – OpenWHO

The OpenWHO platform offers real-time learning on public health emergencies, infectious diseases, and pandemic preparedness. It’s perfect for healthcare professionals, field workers, or students interested in global health.

Key Topics:

Outbreak response
COVID-19 and emerging diseases
Health policy and governance

3. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Through Learning for Nature, UNDP offers free courses on sustainable development, nature-based solutions, and climate action. Learners also earn digital certificates upon completion.

Key Topics:

Environmental conservation
Green entrepreneurship
Sustainable development goals (SDGs)

4. UN Climate Change (UN CC:Learn)

At UN CC:Learn, you can explore courses on climate change, green economy, and sustainability policies. It’s a must for individuals passionate about environmental advocacy and climate justice.

Key Topics:

Climate finance
Policy design for sustainability
Green job opportunities

5. UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research)

UNITAR provides free and open-access courses focused on leadership, peacebuilding, and disaster response. Many UN staff and NGO leaders use this platform to improve field coordination and project management skills.

Key Topics:

Conflict resolution
Humanitarian coordination
Leadership for sustainable development

6. UNSSC (United Nations System Staff College)

The UNSSC offers self-paced online courses in leadership, team management, and sustainable development. These courses are highly relevant for anyone seeking a career in international organizations.

Key Topics:

UN reform and coordination
Communication and advocacy
SDG implementation strategies

7. World Food Programme (WFP) – Nutrition Academy

The WFP Nutrition Academy provides free online learning on nutrition, food security, and humanitarian logistics. It’s perfect for those who want to work in food and nutrition programs globally.

Key Topics:

Malnutrition prevention
Humanitarian logistics
Sustainable food systems

8. The World Bank Group – WBG Academy

World Bank Group’s Online Learning Campus offers structured courses on economic development, financial inclusion, and data-driven policymaking.

Key Topics:

Poverty reduction strategies
Digital finance
Sustainable economic growth

9. DisasterReady.org

DisasterReady.org is a top global platform offering over 600 free courses for humanitarian workers. It’s trusted by NGOs like Save the Children and the Red Cross.

Key Topics:

Humanitarian aid
Risk management
Emergency preparedness

10. Kaya by Humanitarian Leadership Academy

Kaya delivers free professional development courses for humanitarian workers, focusing on WASH, protection, and humanitarian coordination.

Key Topics:

Water and sanitation (WASH)
Protection and safeguarding
Project management in emergencies

11. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – Tembo

MSF Tembo offers learning resources for medical and non-medical humanitarian professionals. Courses are available in multiple languages and designed to strengthen field capabilities.

Key Topics:

Humanitarian medical response
Field logistics
Global health ethics

12. Save the Children Learning Hub

The Save the Children Learning Hub focuses on child protection, education in emergencies, and safeguarding. It’s ideal for anyone aspiring to work in child-focused NGOs.

Key Topics:

Education access
Safeguarding policies
Children’s rights in crisis situations

Why These UN Courses Matter for Your NGO Career

Taking free online UN courses not only enhances your professional skills but also demonstrates your commitment to humanitarian principles. Certificates from platforms like UNICEF Agora or OpenWHO make your CV stand out in job applications to NGOs and international organizations.

You’ll also gain:

Global recognition from UN-backed training programs.
Networking opportunities through online learning communities.
Updated knowledge on the UN’s latest initiatives and SDG targets.

Start Learning Today

Ready to advance your humanitarian or development career? Choose any of these 14 UN agency learning platforms and begin your free courses today. Whether you’re pursuing an NGO job, a career in global health, or climate advocacy, these resources are your best starting point.

Visit UNICEF Agora or OpenWHO to begin your first free course now!

Don’t wait — enhance your professional skills today and join thousands of learners preparing for a career in international development. Explore these free UN online courses and make your profile stand out to top NGOs and global organizations.