If your volunteer experience is substantive and if an organization would have paid for it but for a very good reason that you address, then volunteer experience can be cited competitively in your job hunt.

FORBES: Can A Volunteer Beat A Paid Professional For A Job?

"I think it's a good experience for me, and very good for my country, " Adrien said.

WSJ: Adrien Niyonshuti: A Long, Amazing Ride to the Olympics - Jason Gay

Journey for Change Notebook: June 2009 The trip to the United Nations was a very good experience.

CNN: The story