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I am not sure what kind of expert I need, where do I start?

Arrange a meeting with an ABV In-Country Manager. If you have several problems to solve the ICM may recommend that ABV sends an expert out for a short period to undertake a scoping assignment. During these brief assignments (a week to month in duration) the expert will look closely at your organisation’s needs and recommend a program of assignments if there are a number of problems that need to be addressed.

How long will an expert stay with my organisation?

All ABV assignments are short-term. This means that your assignment (or each assignment that is part of a program) will range from one to three months.

Do experts bring their spouse and children on assignment?

Most experts undertake assignments on their own. Some do however travel with their partners and/or children, however, they are not financially suppoted by ABV in any way. Clients are not expected to finance accompanying partners and/or children either. If an expert does intend on traveling with a partner and/or children, ABV will check with you to ensure that accompanying family members are appropriate for the assignment situation.

What does an accompanying spouse do while the expert is on assignment?

Accompanying partners are responsible for filling their time. They may have useable skills and if so, local volunteering may be an option. Suggest they make contact with local schools, churches or community groups if they wish to volunteer their time and skills locally.

Our village/organisation cannot afford to accommodate an expert. Can ABV still help us?

Yes ABV may still be able to assist you. Please contact the local ABV In-Country Manager. S/he will meet with you, assess your financial situation and make a recommendation.

What if I am absent for a few weeks during an assignment?

Brief absences of a day or so may be unavoidable. However, if you know you will be absent from the workplace for an extended period, consider delaying the start of the assignment. It is important that you (or a nominated counterpart) are with the expert as much as possible during an assignment. If you delay the assignment start, remember that the expert may not be available at a later time due to their own commitments.

Do I need to entertain the expert on weekends?

All experts need quiet and privacy so they can be on their own in the evenings and at weekends, to relax, read, catch up with washing, or explore the local area. Those who are with a partner are quite happy to spend their spare time together and may travel away on weekends. However, experts who are alone may become a little lonely or homesick and will appreciate occasional invitations to join family dinners or outings. Consider giving them helpful local information about the location of shops, churches, English language libraries and bookstores, cultural festivals, beauty spots etc.

How much will the expert know about my country?

Experts are given a lot of information by ABV and are also expected to do their own research and reading about your country and culture before they arrive. The In-Country Manager is also expected to provide an in-country orientation within a week or two of their arrival. However, depth of knowledge will vary and most will appreciate you sharing information about your culture and traditions. Try to involve the expert in local customs, festivals and family events if possible.

Will the expert speak my language?

It is unlikely that an expert will be able to speak the local language in the majority of cases. Almost all experts will have English as a first language. Please direct any questions you may have about language and translation issues to your In-Country Manager.

Can I contact experts directly before they come?

If you are having trouble choosing between the CVs sent, we encourage you to contact each of the experts to discuss the assignment with them before making a decision. Once an expert is selected we encourage you both to stay in touch about the assignment details. Any pertinent information should be copied to ABV Head Office, In-Country Manager or local Agent.

What if I am experiencing problems with my expert?

If you are experiencing any problems with your expert you should contact the ABV In-Country Manager or local Agent as soon as possible.