Frequently asked questions – Australian Volunteers forInternational DevelopmentWhat is the Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program?The AVID program provides the Australian community with the opportunity to share skills and build relationships withpeople and organisations in developing countries. It is funded by the Australian Government and managed through theDepartment of Foreign Affairs and Trade as part of Australia's official aid program.

What is an AVID assignment?A specific job or role that a skilled volunteer has been recruited to complete under the AVID program. Most AVIDassignments are designed to train, coach or mentor counterparts in specific skills within a host organisation in adeveloping country.

How is AVID delivered?The AVID program is delivered through three partners: Scope Global, Australian Volunteers International and AustralianRed Cross. For more information see Delivery partners

What is a host organisation?A volunteer works for and with an organisation in a developing country while they are on an AVID assignment. Theseorganisations are called host organisations.

What is an Australian Partner Organisation?An Australian-based organisation that may provide financial resources, technical expertise, professional networks,research, or other forms of support, either directly or indirectly, to specific volunteer assignments, host organisations orthe AVID program generally.

Who is eligible to apply?Australian citizens, holders of Australian permanent resident status and holders of a Special Condition Visa (SCV) forNew Zealand citizens are eligible to apply.

Is there an age limit?Applicants must be 18 years of age or over.

What is the average length of an assignment?The length of assignments vary depending on the needs of the host organisation. The average length is 12 months.However, the length can vary from between four weeks to two years. Some business volunteer placements are of ashorter duration.

How are volunteers selected?

Volunteers must apply through general recruitment and are selected through a competitive, merit-based recruitmentprocess which is managed by one of three partner organisations which deliver the AVID program. The host organisationmay also have the opportunity to review the applications of preferred candidates if requested. The same AVID deliverypartner also manages the pre-departure training, mobilisation, in-country management and return of volunteers.

How long does the application process take?

Prospective volunteers should allow from three to six months between being accepted for the assignment to arriving intheir destination country. Assignments may be delayed or withdrawn at any time due to security concerns, changingrequirements of host organisations, or other programming reasons.

Once I receive a conditional offer, what other checks are required?If you are selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to obtain a health clearance, Police Check andWorking with Children Check before a final offer can be made.

Does everyone need a working with children check?Yes. The AVID program is committed to the protection of children and young people. All candidates are required to havea Working with Children check, irrespective of the assignment and host organisation with which they are working.

Is there a code of conduct?Yes. The AVID code of conduct sets out the standards of individual behaviour required of all people assigned overseasthrough the Australian Government's volunteer program.

What support is provided?Each volunteer is managed by one of three AVID delivery partners - organisations with significant experience insupporting volunteers. From the application process to the return to Australia, volunteers are supported by theseorganisations. While on assignment, each volunteer has access to an in-country team who provides comprehensivebriefing on arrival in country and support as needed during their assignment.

Some of the other practical ways in which volunteers are supported by the program include:

volunteer allowancesreturn airfares to your country of assignmentpre-departure health assessment, vaccinations and travel consultation with a doctor specialising in travel medicinevisas24-hour emergency support arrangementspre-departure briefings and in-country orientationleave - one week's leave for three months servedre-entry support services, including post-assignment health assessment and debriefing.

What allowances are provided?Allowances are provided to enable volunteers to maintain safe and secure accommodation, transport and to have amodest lifestyle in their local community. Living and accommodation allowances are country-specific. All other allowancesapply equally to volunteers irrespective of their assignment location. The allowance rates and conditions are the sameacross all three delivery partners of the AVID program. For further information about conditions and allowances pleasecontact one of the AVID delivery partners or attend one of their information and recruitment sessions.

Where will I live?Volunteers are generally on assignment with host organisations that are located in capital cities in a developing country.Assignments with host organisations in remote or provincial locations will be identified on the advertised assignmentdescription.

Volunteers are provided with an accommodation allowance so that they can choose their own accommodation, except incases where accommodation is provided through arrangements with the in-country management office. Allaccommodation must meet the safety and security standards as assessed by the in-country manager.

What about safety and security?Volunteer safety and security is of utmost importance in the AVID program. Volunteers receive comprehensive securityinformation as part of their mobilisation as well as access to 24-hour emergency support arrangements. The AVIDdelivery partners have in-country program staff who provide support to volunteers while they are on assignment.

Can partners and children accompany the volunteer?Some financial support may be available for dependants (partners and children) who accompany an Australian volunteeron an assignment of 12 months or more. There are some limitations based on security, visa, cultural and program

on an assignment of 12 months or more. There are some limitations based on security, visa, cultural and programsupport issues. Dependants must be Australian Citizens, Australian permanent residents or hold a Special Condition Visafor New Zealand citizens.

Can partners also volunteer?As the AVID program uses a competitive, merit-based process to select volunteers, partners cannot be automaticallyplaced on an assignment in the same location. However a partner is welcome to apply for an assignment in the samelocation if they meet the selection criteria. They will then be considered as part of the standard selection process as forany other candidate.

Do I need to speak the local language?Fluency in the local language is not a requirement. However access to some language training may be available for up tofour weeks upon arrival in-country. Volunteers on assignments for more than six months can also apply in advance forreimbursement for some additional language training they may choose to undertake while on assignment.

What happens after the volunteer returns to Australia?Upon return to Australia, volunteers participate in a de-briefing meeting with the delivery partner to contribute theirlessons learnt about volunteer experiences. Returned volunteers can stay connected with the program by joining theReturned Australian Volunteer Network that provides access to personal and professional development opportunities.Delivery partners also provide complimentary events and professional opportunities for returned volunteers. Manyreturned volunteers share their volunteer experience through media and public speaking events or presenting at the pre-departure briefings for new volunteers.