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Through the VIP Program, CHF International utilizes the skills of short-term volunteers willing to donate their time and energy to support our programs around the world and transfer technical skills to local partner organizations. As CHF strives to be a catalyst for change, these VIP volunteers embody that effort. In the past year alone VIPs have designed databases for HIV/AIDS programs in Kenya, trained craft entrepreneurs in Georgia and developed tools for cooperative business initiatives in the Philippines. All of our VIPs find creative ways to apply their skills and experience to the needs of the communities and organizations with which CHF works. Along with tangible results, our VIPs also infuse programs with fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Many times the VIP is able to provide the seed of an idea which continues to grow and flourish throughout the subsequent years of a project.
We recruit VIPs on an ongoing basis to fill short-term assignments in countries where CHF is active. Since 1998, CHF International has fielded 76 VIPs in 24 countries.
The process for fielding VIP Volunteers is demand driven. We encourage all interested candidates to apply to the VIP Program, but please note that sending in a resume does not guarantee an assignment placement. CHF seeks candidates for VIP assignments who have at least five years of professional experience, preferably with previous international experience. Foreign language capabilities are beneficial, but not required for most VIP positions. Professionals with expertise in marketing, community mobilization, water and sanitation, youth, HIV/AIDS, monitoring and evaluation, database design, and local governance are especially encouraged to apply.
For further information, please see the section below titled Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering.
To apply, visit our Employment Page or click here!
Below are just some of CHF International's VIPs. Click on their pictures to read more about their experiences:
Three Volunteers Conduct Impact and Market Research in Bonnie Conefrey: Supporting Mongolian Entrepreneurs Brian Tachibana: Overseeing Production of Fuel Efficient Stoves for IDPs in Darfur, Sudan
Armenia:
Paul Virk: Teaching Painting and Plastering
Techniques in Armenia
Aspet Ordoubigian: Improving the Drinking Water System in Armenia
Azerbaijan:
Amy Cogan: Bolstering Economic Development in Azerbaijan
Polly Watt: Increasing Economic Development And Generating Opportunities In Azerbaijan
Kristine Herman: Encouraging Women to Participate in Community Events in
Jacqueline Ann Ross: Business Training for Artisans in
George Wisniewski: Strengthening the Business Environment in
Bosnia:
Joan Kelly Horn: Former Congresswoman Teaches Bosnians Effective Advocacy Methods
Edwin Pawlowksi: Fostering Housing Development in Bosnia
El Salvador:
Dennis Mialki: Providing Reconstruction Assistance in
Ethiopia:
Georgia:
Cindy Owings: Sharing Textile Expertise with Georgian Artisans
Indonesia:
Lyn Nelson: Supporting Indonesian Artisans after Destructive Tsunami
Jordan:
Kerron Barnes: Providing Access to Small Enterprises in
Kosovo:
Merle Borchers: Enhancing Financial Services in Kosovo
Daniel Krotz: Organizing Training Curricula in Kosovo
Mongolia:
Alexandra Wise: Advising Small Businesses in Mongolia in Strategies for Growth
Bobby Barnes: Volunteering to Enhance Marketing Skills of Mongolian Entrepreneurs
Sarah Sanders: Enhancing Local Business Growth in Ger areas of Mongolia
Montenegro:
Matt Snell: Supporting Economic Development in Montenegro
Philippines:
Ann Henderson: Developing a Cooperative Housing Model in the
Michael Rothe: Providing Technical Assistance for Tracking the Impact of Cooperative Business in the Philippines
David Freed: Strengthening the National Housing Authority in the
Eric Guetschoff: Leadership Training in the Philippines
Robert Cox: Creating Urban Shelter in Urban Areas for Filipinos in Need
Poland:
Maria Rupp: Supporting Privatized Housing Organizations in
Romania:
Frank Adams, Molly Shultz, Sherry Sptizer, and Ezra Spitzer: Providing Hope and Courage for Uzbek Refugees in Romania
Walter R. Arnheim: Former Treasurer of Mobil Corporation Ensures Strategic Economic Growth in Romania
Ai Gek Beh: Strategic Improvements in
Lauren Bohatka: Strengthening the Competitiveness of Tourism Industry in
Bill Seas: Developing Recommendations for Financial Institutions in
South Africa:
Sohini Sarkar: Conducting a Rapid Micro-Credit Assessment in
Alex Miller: Strengthening Housing Cooperatives in
Janis Reek: Assisting Women in Construction in
Joseph Feinberg: Developing Business Plans for the Cooperative Housing Sector in
Sri Lanka:
Providing Relief through Arts & Microfinance in Sri Lanka
Sudan:
Obed Diener: Helping Prevent the Spread of AIDS through Education in
Yoko Matsumoto: Conducting Programs for DisplacedCommunities in
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Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering |
Q. What type of work does CHF International do?
CHF International currently has programs in community development, housing and infrastructure, microenterprise development, and non-governmental organization capacity building, among others. Since 1952, CHF International has assisted over 2.1 million families in nearly 100 countries. CHF’s programs include local communities and the local private sector in every step of development resulting in improved quality of life, greater stability, and increased prosperity.
Q. What is the VIP Program?
In the Visiting International Professional (VIP) program, CHF International recruits experienced subject-area experts for a variety of short volunteer assignments.
Q. How long do VIP assignments last?
VIP assignments are usually three weeks long. However, a particular assignment may last from two weeks to three months, depending on the needs of the host agency.
Q. Where are VIP assignments located?
Potentially VIPs can be placed in any of 30 or so countries where CHF operates programs. CHF has active programs in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. In addition, our Headquarters office in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area may utilize volunteers at various times.
Q. What types of VIP assignments does CHF International have?
Our field offices initiate VIP assignments to meet specific needs of CHF’s local partners. The host agency may be a governmental agency, nonprofit, or community-based organization; depending on the strategic mission of CHF within a specific country. A VIP may be requested to help an area meet specific development needs, including banking, environment, small business development community development, housing, microenterprise development, or organizational development.
Q. What qualifications does a VIP need?
CHF International is looking for technically skilled volunteers who have a minimum of five years experience in the requested area. The host agency has the opportunity to request specific skills in a Scope of Work. Ideally, we prefer that the volunteer have some experience working overseas; however, we will not limit our choices to only those individuals.
Q. I don’t have 5 years of experience. Do you have internship opportunities?
Applicants interested in internships opportunities should refer to the employment section of the website www.chfinternational.org. No calls please.
Q. Do I need to speak a foreign language?
Speaking a foreign language is not a requirement of the VIP, but is beneficial. As a condition of hosting a VIP, the host agency is required to have an English speaker available to work with the volunteer.
Q. What expenses does CHF International cover?
In most cases, CHF will cover applicable expenses related to the VIP assignment. This can include round trip airfare, visa fees, in country transportation relating to the assignment, housing, meals and incidentals.
Q. Who finances CHF International programs?CHF International’s work is supported in part by grants and contracts awarded by host governments and international development agencies. In addition, private foundations, corporations, organizations, and individuals make contributions to support CHF’s activities around the world.
Q. What is required of me as a VIP?
VIPs act as professional representatives of CHF International. They must work side by side with the local employees to transfer particular skills. Upon selection, VIPs will receive a Scope of Work defining the specific needs of the host agency. Any requested outputs in the Scope of Work must be completed; this may include training designs, a strategic plan, a business plan, etc. The VIP will also create a list of recommendations for the host agency that will be reviewed with the organization before leaving the country. A final report will be given to CHF within 30 days of the completion of the project. Working in the developing world can be challenging, you may be working and living in conditions that you would not normally be in. We expect volunteers to be realistic about their expectations of the VIP assignment and creative in applying their area of expertise.
Q. Will I go alone or with a group?
Currently, our program is placing individual VIPs. However, we will consider placing more than one VIP if a field office requests a team of professionals with specific skills.
Q. What is the recruitment process?
The first step in the process is to submit a resume at www.chfinternational.org. This information will be stored in CHF International’s VIP database. The process is demand driven. Sending in a resume does not guarantee a VIP assignment. Check the “VIP opportunities” webpage for current assignments.
When a Scope of Work is received from the field requesting a VIP, we search the database for the specific skills required and call candidates for interviews. At this point, we discuss availability, and check references. Once headquarters selects a VIP, we send a copy of the resume to the host agency for review. Once approval is received, final project dates are determined and CHF International sends the VIP a handbook that includes CHF policies, assignment instructions, and other helpful information.
Q. Is there a way to contact previous VIPs before I leave on the assignment?
Yes. Contact the CHF International VIP Coordinator for possible references.
Q. Can my spouse join me on assignment?
At this time we are limiting the assignments to the VIPs only. If a VIP’s spouse wished to join the expert, CHF International cannot cover any of the spouse’s expenses. CHF suggests that if a spouse does wish to join the expert on assignment, they visit toward the end of the assignment.
Q. Can I travel while I am on assignment?
We request that travel during the VIP assignment be limited to local sight-seeing trips, and that you do not leave the country. Additional travel can be done upon completion of the VIP assignment at the volunteer’s expense.
Q. What do I need to do to prepare for the VIP assignment?
Upon selection, the VIP Coordinator will be in contact to offer guidance and step-by-step instructions as well provide the VIP Handbook. A medical clearance letter must be signed by your doctor and provided to CHF International along with proof of international medical insurance. You must also have a passport and obtain the required visa and vaccinations preparing you for travel. The purchase of a travel guide is also recommended to assist you in packing for the assignment. Professionally, we request that you review the Scope of Work, and compile any materials needed for training, reference or instruction. Once you get in country, reference materials may be limited.