How do organisations develop assignments?

Once you have identified a need within the Host Organisation the HO or APO should contact the In Country contact.

The ICM will help the Host (and the APO where applicable) to develop an assignment that fits with the priorities of the Australian Volunteers Program in country.

Austraining International considers a number of factors when assessing the suitability of proposed assignments:

• Country Quotas – the Australian Volunteers Program supports a certain number of assignments in each country, each financial year.
• Country Volunteer Strategy (CVS) – the Australian Volunteer program has a strategy for the sectors and geographical areas it places volunteers in each country. A minimum of 75% of assignments must align directly with AusAID’s priorities.
• Capacity Building Focus – assignments are designed to build the capacity of the Host Organisation in line with the Millennium Development Goals by working alongside and building the capacity of local staff as opposed to replacing them.
• Sustainability of Outcomes – the volunteer should work towards outcomes that will continue to benefit the HO’s work upon the volunteer’s departure.
• Host Organisation – should have the capacity to host a volunteer.
• Realistic Expectations – there must be realistic expectations of what the volunteer will be able to contribute during their assignment. Expectations should match the requested skills and experience of the volunteer and the length of the assignment.

Contributions

HOs and APOs are encouraged to make financial or in-kind contributions to support the assignment. The contributions demonstrate their commitment to supporting the volunteer and achieving assignment outcomes. Austraining International understands that not all organisations will be in a financial position to provide extensive support and contributions will be assessed on a case by case basis.