- Assurance that you are going to a registered and verified NGO, with ethical and impactful programmes. AfID does all the work to ensure this beforehand, specifically:
- Taking each organisation through a thorough and detailed registration process, that includes: several calls with AfID, application forms, collecting references from donors, partners or previous volunteers; signing Terms and Conditions that outline the responsibilities of hosting organisations towards volunteers and commitment to the programmes of support.
- Evaluation of their programs, funding, child protection policies –AfID’s Programmes Team has a deep and professional understanding of the sector and different types of organisations that can exist in developing countries all over the world, which is based on many years of experience and having trained staff.
- Assurance that your accounting skills are needed, will be utilised effectively and bring value to the organisation. AfID provides:
- Guidance to partners to evaluate and understand their needs in term of accounting support and define clearly and concisely the role and tasks of the volunteer.
- AfID has regular follow-ups and receives updates from the partners, to make sure we have always the accurate information before you go there. If you are the second volunteer, you will receive reports and recommendations of the previous volunteer as well, and have the possibility to receive a handover.
- AfID provides clear structure and guidelines for the partner to follow for a successful placement: we have a detailed MoU in place, to be signed by volunteer and partner; Model of Agenda Daily Work Plan, Induction Guide and support to the partner in preparing documents and information before the volunteer arrives; ensuring there is a proper Introduction day, welcoming in the team, local support with Safety matters and logistics, follow-ups and reports.
- Receiving a set of 3-4 options that match your skills and experience, as well as preferences in terms of location, partner focus, role, budget restrictions, available dates and length of placement. You go when you can, where you want, and do work that is meaningful needed and inline with your professional skills and experience.
- 1 to 1 preparation of each volunteer before you start the assignment - on what to expect from volunteering with an NGO in a developing country, the most common issues and possible solutions, discussing any concerns or questions, preparing for living in a different environment and many useful tips gathered through 10 years of experience working with more than 1300 volunteers.
- Ongoing support during the placement - any problem you might have during your placement, may it be with your logistic arrangements, working environment, communication with the local team, questions on accounting or even cultural shock – we are there for you and in 9 of 10 cases we can find a solution! Having AfID involved throughout the process and feeling supported with any need or difficulty, has been one of the most appreciated features of our service that we receive in feedback from volunteers.
- Assurance that your work is continued and developed after your assignment – through AfID’s ongoing programme of support, a charity is likely ot receive a series of volunteers from AfID over the course of a number of years, each building on the work of their predecessor. We remain in touch with all our partners and have regular follow-ups to see how they continue to develop based on the recommendations of our volunteers. While they require further on the ground training or support, we continue to support them with pro bono volunteers.
- Access to the network of fellow AfID volunteers – you will be able to connect with other volunteers who are supporting other partners at the same time and region as you, if you wish to meet and share experiences. You will also be connected to past and present AfID volunteers through our Facebook Group, where you can ask specific questions, get advice or simply share lovely stories and pictures from your experience. If you come across an unexpected accounting issue during your assignment we will invariably have a past volunteer who has tackled a similar problem that we can direct you to.
- Receiving many resources from AfID to help you prepare for your assignment – once you register as a volunteer with AfID, you will receive online materials and many useful resources to help you prepare for working in international development sector. You’ll have access to AfID Workshop presenter John Cammack’s books, case studies, manuals (such as the QuickBooks online manual) and useful tools to use during your assignment. AfID has also prepared a Travel and Security Handbook with useful tips on preparing for your travel (organising flights, getting travel insurance, vaccinations, visas etc), as well as tips on how to share your experience with the world (how to create a blog, organise your stories, etc).
