Frequently Asked Questions

• If I am registered, how soon will I get an assignment?

  There is no easy answer this question. If there is demand for your skills you may receive an invitation quickly, or you may have to wait for some months for an opportunity.

• Why is a Police Check important?

  Federal Police Checks are a requirement for all ABV Volunteers. The Australian Government works with host governments to minimise the possibility of introducing any kind of criminal activity into their countries.

• So if I’m successfully registered, what is the next step?

  When an assignment application is received from a client, and is approved by Head Office, we issue email invitations to all suitably-qualified Volunteers registered on our database. Volunteers who are available and interested are expected to respond to ABV Head Office within 2 weeks. The CVs of several Volunteers are then forwarded to the client who makes the final selection of Volunteer. We inform unsuccessful candidates by email. You are also welcome to check the Upcoming Assignments page of our website – it is updated weekly. If you did not receive an invitation for an assignment you think you might be suitable for, please contact us and we will give you more information about that assignment.

• How will I know if an assignment is suitable for my skills?

  The first step is to read the Assignment Description and try to make an assessment of how well your skills and experience matches the clients stated needs. If you are unsure, you are welcome to contact the ABV Assignment Manager who has been speaking with the client, as they will have a good idea of what type of person they are looking for. Clients will then make an assessment of your skills based on your CV – so it is very important your CV clearly states all your areas of expertise and experience!

• How many assignments can I do?

  This depends on the demand for your skill sets. If there is a high demand you may receive invitations to undertake several assignments. However, we attempt to offer volunteering opportunities to as many of our Volunteers as possible and preference may be given to Volunteers who have not undertaken an assignment in the last 12 months.

• How old are ABV Volunteers?

  Maturity is an advantage with ABV volunteering. The average age of ABV Volunteers is in their fifties. However, some of our Volunteers are in their 20s (usually if their skill sets are in newer fields such as environmental science or information technology) and Volunteers can undertake assignments up to the age of 80 (after which we are unable to purchase insurance).

• Is ABV a faith-based organisation?

  No. We are non-religious and apolitical.

• How safe is it to be a Volunteer?

  The safety of our Volunteers is a priority. We do not work in areas experiencing active conflicts (wars), and we do not send Volunteers into dangerous or unstable areas of a country. ABV works in countries where there is reasonable political stability, and the basic infrastructure is in place for the country to develop economically. We follow the advice provided in the travel advisories posted on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and we liaise with AusAID and our In-Country Managers regularly to ensure we are up-to-date with our country information. Should an emergency situation arise (e.g. war, political unrest, natural disaster) we will evacuate Volunteers.

• What happens if I get sick while on assignment?

  It is not uncommon for first-time Volunteers to experience a bout of mild illness in reaction to unfamiliar foods or water. Usually these illnesses can be treated with standard drugs found in most first-aid kits. Should an accident or serious illness occur the In-Country Manager will give advice and assistance about the best medical treatment available. On rare occasions Volunteers are medically evacuated.