The Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID) is developing a new program to continue its international development volunteering program in which it funded several Australians to take up developmental assignments overseas. In the new program, AUSAID is currently seeking Expressions of Interest from organizations to become Core Partners for implementing it. The previous volunteering program was reviewed recently and based on the recommendations, the new program has been designed to “to maintain current key strengths and identify solutions to challenges in the existing program.” The parameters set up for the program are: single program and identity; simple ways for Australians to volunteer; better connection with the broader aid program; better reporting and promotion of the impact of volunteering; a more effective and efficient program; and cross-cutting considerations.
The objectives of the new program are:
a) continue to support Australian volunteers in development activities as part of the Australian aid program; and
b) facilitate greater community engagement with development through an Australian Government initiative.
The Core Partners in this program will “initially collaborate on the design of the new program. Collaborating early in the design process with experienced Core Partners who have a stake in the success of the new program will ensure it is practical and achievable, and meets a variety of stakeholders’ needs. The aim is for Core Partners to then work with AusAID on the implementation of the program. Roles and responsibilities of different parts of AusAID and Core Partners during implementation will be agreed during the design process. AusAID will work with partners to identify priority countries and sectors for volunteers and target volunteer numbers.”
Selecting, briefing and mobilising volunteers, consulting and supporting host organizations and providing in-country management and support will be the key activities to be undertaken by Core Partners. The program is expected to begin from 1 July 2010 to 20 June 2015 and its design phase will be from January to March 2010. The last date to submit the EOI is 29 October 2009. For more, visit this link.
