Country Volunteer Strategies

Volunteering for International Development from Australia (VIDA) is part of the Australian aid network. It is funded by AusAID, the Australian Government’s Agency for International Development, and managed by Austraining International, an Adelaide-based human resources development company.

 

What does VIDA do?
VIDA recruits, prepares and supports Australians who volunteer to work in overseas countries. VIDA’s international volunteers share their knowledge and skills and in doing so help strengthen local capabilities. Volunteering generates strong relationships and benefits for everyone involved.

 

Our goal
Along with other aid agencies VIDA’s goal is to create a prosperous, peaceful and just world through greater cross-cultural understanding and the transfer of skills and knowledge.

 

Our partners
VIDA works closely with partner organisations in Australia. These can be companies, educational institutions or government and non-government agencies who have links with development in the Asia-Pacific region. Being a partner organisation helps agencies expand these links and make a positive development contribution.

 

VIDA also works closely with host organisations in overseas countries to make sure that its volunteer placements reflect the country’s needs and priorities.

 

Our guiding principles
VIDA supports volunteering initiatives that:
• respond to local needs, including those of host organisations (demand driven)
• encourage local ownership and sustainability
• complement AusAID strategies
• share a commitment with the host organisations
• promote community engagement through volunteer networking on return

VIDA’s innovative approach involves:
• working with Australian partner organisations and host organisations on the scope of assignments
• training Australian partner organisations and in-country managers in a multi-faceted approach— for example, using several volunteers to work on a single project
• integrating assignments within larger target activities to increase their impact and enhance development outcomes
• using both short (3 to 12 months) and long term (18 to 36 month) placements

 

How VIDA works
Volunteers will be placed in response to specific local needs in assignments identified by government, educational institutions, NGOs, International NGOs and private companies. They are supported by both regional and in-country managers.

 

Our regional manager:
• liaises with AusAID post, Australian partner and host organisations
• supervises the local in-country manager who is responsible for the safety and welfare of the volunteers
• works with host organisations on security and monitoring plans for each volunteer.

 

Security and safety
The safety of VIDA’s volunteers is paramount. VIDA Volunteers are briefed on risks relating to their assignments at pre-departure training and this is continued during in country orientation. The Australian managing contractor will ensure an approved risk management strategy is in place for duration of all contracts.