Generally, we recruit volunteers to a database. Once registered on the ABV database, you will then be considered for assignments. ABV is a client driven organisation that responds to client requests for assistance, rather than imposing ourselves on clients. Once a client’s request for assistance has been approved, ABV Project Managers will search for suitable volunteers whose skills and experience match those required for the assignment. Registered volunteers are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming assignments via the Upcoming Assignments page on this site.

To provide a better service to our clients, ABV prefers to offer clients a choice of volunteers who are suitable and willing to undertake their assignment. ABV sends the client the CVs of interested volunteers, and the client makes a choice based on those submitted. After ABV confirms this selection, we make all the arrangements between the volunteer and the client.

Registration as a volunteer does not guarantee that you will be contacted for an assignment. That decision ultimately depends on the specific requests for assistance that ABV receives from its clients. Some volunteers are contacted about an assignment within a few months of registering – some are contacted after a few years! However, this should not discourage you as it may be that we receive an application from a client in the near future for a volunteer with your skills.

Some volunteers only want to be placed in a particular country at a particular time. This will greatly limit your chances of going on an assignment. ABV advises volunteers to be open to any assignment offer that comes to them. If the assignment is unsuitable, you are most welcome to say “No” and wait for the next one. Saying “No” won’t affect your chances of being offered assignments in the future.