Welcome to VSOInformation Talk

WHAT IS VSO?

VSO, Voluntary Service Overseas, is an international development charity that

works through volunteers

WHERE VSO WORKS

Countries VSO works in 44 countries - Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Malawi, Maldives, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Zambia. Now we operate in Latin America too.

WHERE VSO RECRUITS & FUNDRAISE?

Countries VSO recruit & fundraise in – Ireland, UK, The Nederlands, Canada, Kenya,India & The Philippines

HOW DOES VSO WORK?

Focuses on 6 areas:• HIV & AIDS• Education• Secure Livelihoods• Health• Participation & Governance• Disability

IS VOLUNTEERING FOR YOU?

Skills wanted:• Teachers• School Principals• Nurses, Midwives,

Doctors & Physios• Community Development• Business Professionals• Marketing Communications

IS VOLUNTEERING FOR YOU?

You need:• Degree• 3-5 years experience• Organisational

development / training experience

• Experience of creating strategies & budget management

WHAT MAKES A VSO VOLUNTEER?

• Sense of Humour• Patience• Flexibility / Adaptability• Sensitivity• Commitment• Team Worker• Good Communicator

PLACEMENTS AVAILABLE…

Long term placements:Live/work overseas for

1-2 yearsAt least 3 years

professional experience

Short term placements:Available at short

noticeNormally 10 years

experience requiredCan provide advice at

senior business level

VOLUNTEER PACKAGE

• Local wage• Return flights• Accommodation• VSO Medical Insurance • Visa & work permits• Time off • Training Sessions• Ongoing support

VSO Volunteer – Maria RaffertyEnglish Language CoordinatorEthiopia 2007 - 2010

Maria’s Workplace

Local School Maria Visits

Local School in Rural Area

Maria’s Accommodation

Cooking Facilities

Neighbours

Teacher Training

Returned Volunteer

Returned volunteer talk

Volunteer Journey

Application to Departure…

Application Received

Assessment Day:

• Group task

• Group discussion

• 1 to 1 interview

Placement Discussion: You are assigned a

personal Volunteer Placement Adviser

Matched to

Placement

Pre-Departure Training

Health and Security, work focussed training, preparing

for change, development issues

Departure!

Volunteer Journey

Arrival in-country to return to Ireland

In-Country Training

2 weeks – 3 months

• Language, culture, current political &

social issues

• Context of programme and placement

• Practical orientation and support

• Health, safety and security

Placement

Returned Volunteer Support

• De-briefing

• Resettlement pack

• Careers advice

• RV weekend

• VSO Dublin RV Group

WHY CHOOSE VSO?

• Our experience• Career development• Self fulfilment• It’s fun!

NEXT STEPS…

Complete application form or apply online at www.vso.ie

Contact VSO returned localgroup. Ask staff for details

Speak to staff member or Returned Volunteer

Contact us on 01 6401060 or info@vso.ie

Questions?