Your hybrid assignment will contain multiple phases, with at least one in-country phase and one remote phase. It’s important to prepare for your transition from one to the other.

The order of phases and corresponding dates can be found in the assignment description. 

Getting started and orientation

Building a relationship with your partner organisation and in-country team is critical.

• Your in-country team will invite you to join an orientation program, which may include language lessons.
• Your partner organisation will provide you with adequate work resources to get the job done in both the in-country and remote phases of your assignment.

Assignment phases

A key part of the hybrid volunteering journey will be managing the planning and the transition between in-country and remote phases.

There are a range of considerations to beginning your assignment with an in-country phase or remote phase. We encourage you to think how this applies to your assignment so that you can make the most of each phase of your hybrid assignment.

For example, starting remotely is an opportunity to get to know your colleagues and start planning what you will do when in-country while your visa and paperwork process, so that you can hit the ground running when you arrive in-country.

Alternatively, if you start your assignment in-country, this is an opportunity to agree on communication practices with your partner organisation for the remote phase of your assignment. 

Most importantly, there is no down time between the phases. Travel time and leave are still part of your assignment. If your assignment is still active when you land in Australia after your time in-country, you will be considered in your remote phase, and vice versa.

Safety and security

• While in-country, your in-country team will work with you to complete a Personal Security Plan and Accommodation Security Plan.
• You’ll participate in a safety and security briefing as part of your country orientation.

Monitoring, evaluation and learning

Monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) is an important part of the program. All volunteers and partner organisations are required to complete MEL activities. The following MEL forms will be completed by you and your partner organisation. The forms are completed online through your portal account.

• Prepare an initial Assignment Plan with your partner organisation to outline objectives and activities.
• Conduct a mid-year review for assignment of 11 months or longer.
• Conduct an End of Assignment Evaluation at the end of your assignment.

Learning and support

In addition to your orientation, you have access to information and online resources as well as a Learning Portal for additional learning and collaboration opportunities.

Staying connected

There are a range of professional and personal development opportunities, and chances to network with other volunteers and partner organisations.

Depending on the duration of your assignment, you may have the opportunity to participate in:

• catch ups hosted by your in-country team
• online webinars
• Communities of Practice discussion forums

Well-being and personal safety

Volunteers have access to a range of support while on assignment, including:

• Support from your in-country team
• Psychological support services 

While in-country

• You will have access to health care services and insurance cover
• You will also be supported to maintain your own personal safety with training and by completing self-care plans.

Travel and leave

During your in-country phase, you are able to take leave and may wish to travel.  

• Volunteers are entitled to a minimum of four weeks (20 working days) annual leave per year, accrued on a pro rata basis.  
• You must request approval from your partner organisation and consult with the in-country team when planning leave. The partner organisation is within its rights to request changes to the timing and duration of leave in accordance with its own organisational priorities.  
• Leave and travel requests are submitted to and approved by your in-country team.  

During your remote phase, please advise your partner organisation and the in-country team if you are taking leave for more than a week.