ABV works with private sector organisations, government agencies, local NGOs and other civil society organisations such as charities or community groups.

Although we work with many different clients, we have a particular focus on the private sector, which we see is as the engine for economic development. Most of our clients are micro, small or medium-sized businesses that require assistance with a specific problem or business need.

As a client-driven organisation, we believe it is important that the work we undertake is driven by real need as identified by the client. We do not impose our services on clients.

All ABV assignments are based on skills exchange and building the capacity of the local organisation and their staff. ABV experts are neither employees nor temporary staff members. They will not do the work for clients, but work in partnership, making joint decisions at all stages of an assignment. An important goal for an ABV expert is to share their work skills through training and mentoring. When an ABV expert is on assignment, we expect an appropriate counterpart(s) from the client organisation to be present at the workplace and involved in what the expert is doing.

We expect all clients under the Australian Government Volunteer Program to contribute in some way toward the in-country costs of hosting an expert. Where possible, this may  include a contribution towards the cost of the expert’s airfare. If it is not feasible for for a client to make a contribution, ABV may subsidise the assignment.

For more information on hosting an ABV expert, please contact your local In-Country Manager (ICM).