Top 14 Free UN Agency Online Courses to Boost Your NGO Career in 2025

Explore 14 free UN agency online courses that can boost your chances of landing NGO jobs in 2025. Learn from UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, and more.

If you’re passionate about working with international organizations or NGOs, taking online courses from UN agencies is one of the smartest ways to strengthen your profile. These courses not only enhance your skills but also prove your commitment to global development, humanitarian work, and sustainability.

The best part? Most of them are completely free and accessible to anyone, regardless of nationality or background. Whether you’re aiming to work with UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, or Save the Children, these courses can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Below are 14 trusted platforms where you can take free certified online courses from UN agencies and other top humanitarian organizations.

1. UNICEF Agora

UNICEF Agora offers free courses on child rights, youth development, education, and humanitarian response.
You’ll also find materials that teach effective program management and leadership in development settings.
Ideal for those interested in education, social work, and child protection.

2. World Health Organization (WHO) – OpenWHO

OpenWHO provides interactive courses focused on public health, infectious disease prevention, and global emergencies.
It’s an excellent platform for professionals in health, disaster response, and humanitarian aid.
Courses include COVID-19 response training, vaccination programs, and outbreak management.

3. UNDP Learning for Nature

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) offers free learning on sustainable development, biodiversity, and nature-based solutions.
These courses help participants understand the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and environmental resilience.

4. UN Climate Change – UN CC:Learn

This platform offers globally recognized training on climate change, sustainable finance, and the green economy.
Upon completion, learners receive free certificates, which are valuable for careers in sustainability and environmental policy.
You can even take courses co-certified by UNITAR and the UN Environment Programme.

5. UNITAR Free and Open Courses

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) provides a wide range of free courses on leadership, diplomacy, peacebuilding, and disaster response.
These are perfect for professionals seeking international development or government-related NGO positions.

6. UNSSC (United Nations System Staff College)

UNSSC specializes in leadership, management, and sustainable development programs.
Courses here are designed for both new and experienced professionals who want to understand UN operations and leadership frameworks.

7. World Food Programme (WFP) Nutrition Hub

WFP’s learning platform focuses on nutrition, food security, and emergency response.
You can explore materials that show how WFP combats hunger and malnutrition globally — a great addition to your CV if you’re applying for nutrition or development roles.

8. World Bank Group Open Learning Campus

The World Bank Group offers free e-learning programs on economic development, financial inclusion, and policy reform.
It’s a fantastic platform for professionals interested in international finance and economic growth.

9. DisasterReady.org

DisasterReady.org is one of the most popular platforms for humanitarian and emergency response training.
It features over 600 free courses, including certifications from top NGOs like the Red Cross, Oxfam, and Save the Children.
It’s ideal for people interested in working in emergency aid, logistics, or field coordination.

10. Kaya by Humanitarian Leadership Academy

Kaya Connect provides a wide variety of humanitarian-focused training, including WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), protection, and project management.
You’ll also find leadership and soft-skill training courses designed by global experts in humanitarian work.

11. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – Tembo

Tembo by Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) offers specialized courses in medical, humanitarian, and emergency field contexts.
These courses are especially useful for aspiring health workers, project coordinators, and medical volunteers.

12. Save the Children Learning Hub

This platform provides in-depth training on child protection, gender equality, and education in emergencies.
It’s a great place to gain skills in humanitarian coordination, especially for those targeting child-focused NGO roles.

Why You Should Take Free UN Courses

Enrolling in these free UN and NGO courses can significantly enhance your professional portfolio. Here’s why:

Recognized certifications from global agencies.
Learn from real-world humanitarian experts.
Build credibility for NGO and international development job applications.
Access flexible, self-paced learning modules.

These online courses are perfect for students, job seekers, and professionals aiming to join organizations like UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, or Save the Children.

How to Get Started

Visit the course websites linked above.
Create a free account.
Enroll in the course of your choice.
Complete all modules and assessments.
Download your certificate and add it to your LinkedIn profile or CV.

Build Your Global Career with UN Agency Courses

Taking free online courses from UN agencies is more than just a way to learn — it’s a career investment. These certifications demonstrate your commitment to global issues and prepare you for opportunities with top NGOs and international bodies.

Start exploring the UNICEF Agora, OpenWHO, and DisasterReady.org today to begin your professional development journey.