Community & social development
Contribute your skills and passion to support locally led development in the Pacific, Asia and Africa.
The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian Government-funded initiative that matches skilled Australians with partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia and Africa, supporting them to achieve locally led development goals.
Australian volunteers work with partner organisations on community and social development projects. If you’re interested in cross-cultural exchange, experiencing new opportunities and challenging yourself, learn more about becoming an Australian volunteer. Assignments are suited to skilled volunteers who are willing to share their knowledge, be flexible and adaptable, and contribute to strengthening capacity in the local context.
Whether you're looking to volunteer in-country or remotely, check out the latest community and social development assignments and discover the right fit for you.
Can't find the right assignment? We add assignments regularly - sign up to the monthly Assignment Alert to view new assignments.
Practical support so you can focus on your assignment
- Volunteers receive an accommodation allowance and a living allowance for daily expenses like food and internet. We also cover flights, insurance and more.
- We provide extensive support including 24/7 emergency assistance, psycho-social support, comprehensive travel insurance and on the ground support from in-country teams.
- We support volunteers' professional development, cultural awareness, and international connections with learning opportunities at all stages of the volunteer journey, including a comprehensive pre-departure briefing.
A community approach to ending HIV
Australian volunteer Beau Newham reflects on his experience at Yayasan Gaya Dewata, a community-based organisation in Bali, Indonesia working to end HIV, and to reduce stigma and improve support for those currently living with HIV.
Skills we're looking for
We’re looking for volunteers to support locally led community and social development projects in a range of organisations. A broad range of assignments are available in counselling and social work, policy and planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning, gender equity, program and project management, and more! Available assignments depend on the current priorities of the program's overseas partner organisations.
Help build the capacity of professionals working in the public and private sector. In addition to technical expertise, we look for volunteers with skills such as:
- Adaptability and resilience
- Cultural sensitivity
- Relationship-building
If you think you have the right skills, experience and attitude, check out the latest community and social development assignments.
How we support community and social development volunteers
Financial support
Find out about the allowances and reimbursements provided to volunteers.
Learn moreSafety & security
Understand how we support volunteers to remain safe and secure.
Learn moreLearning & development
Discover the learning and development support we provide to volunteers.
Learn more
Explore current community and social development assignments
Web Developer
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Mentor
Senior Partnership Specialist (Clean Energy and Skills Development)
Museum Collections Officer – Forest Ecosystems and Wildlife
Behaviour Therapist
Organisational Sustainability & Resource Mobilisation Mentor
Sport and Exercise Science Education Mentor
Innovation & Enterprise Development Mentor
