May
07, 2026
10:30 - 11:30 CEST
This session introduces the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and the unique opportunities it offers to UN personnel. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to become a UN Volunteer, how the recruitment process works, what the UNV benefits package includes, as well as the support available to volunteers. The session will spotlight the ‘hidden benefits’ of volunteering, such as skills development, hands-on field experience, and access to professional networks. These often-overlooked benefits can play a key role in shaping career pathways within the UN system and beyond.
Sandra Le Gray is a seasoned HR professional with over 29 years of experience within the United Nations system. Her career spans a wide range of roles and contexts. She began as a national UN staff with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in Croatia and later served as a UN Volunteer in Timor‑Leste, where she successfully led the largest volunteer recruitment within the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) for a peacekeeping mission. Since 2002, Sandra has been based at UNV Headquarters, where she is responsible for volunteer recruitment and plays a key role in knowledge sharing, mentoring, and coaching new colleagues and volunteers. She holds an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability from University in UK and is a certified Digital HR Practitioner and Leadership Coach. Sandra is deeply passionate about connecting with people, making a positive impact on their lives, and supporting them in achieving their goals. As a career coach, she is committed to empowering individuals to thrive, find balance, and build meaningful and fulfilling professional lives.
Tobias Wollnik currently serves as an Operations Associate with UNV, where he leads the organization’s global Volunteer Talent initiatives. He is an HR professional with over 15 years of international experience spanning recruitment, administration, project management, and operations. In his current role, he leads Talent Acquisition and Outreach projects, focusing on strategic talent sourcing and innovative hiring approaches, including the development of Vetted Talent Pools. Tobias has extensive experience supporting recruitment in fast-paced, multicultural environments and collaborating closely with hiring managers and stakeholders to attract, engage, and retain high-quality candidates. His expertise includes talent sourcing, team leadership, process improvement, and strengthening partnerships between clients and talents. Throughout his career, Tobias has led diverse teams and contributed to the development of effective hiring practices that enhance efficiency, transparency, and client satisfaction. He is passionate about building collaborative teams and connecting talented professionals with opportunities that support organizational mandates and deliver meaningful impact.
