VISITING INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONALS PROGRAM

The innovative Visiting International Professionals (VIP) Program was started in 1998 when volunteers were sent to work on CHF programs in Jordan, Poland, and the Philippines. Today, volunteers in the VIP program have contributed almost 3,000 days of work to CHF projects in 28 countries around the world. VIPs that have worked on CHF projects have come from a variety of backgrounds and typically have at least five years experience in their fields. Areas of expertise have ranged from IT professionals to youth coordinators to construction managers to microfinance specialists. Among the volunteers that have offered their time and skills to benefit CHF programs are a former congresswoman, bank officers, private sector corporate executives and graduate students.The nearly 100 volunteers to date have worked overseas and in the US on a variety of assignments, which can last from two weeks to twelve weeks. VIPs work side by side with local employees to transfer and contribute their skills. Each VIP is highly valued as a contributor to CHF projects worldwide, bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm in addition to their skills and experience.

To learn more download the VIP brochure, view a list of former VIPs, read a blog by one of our VIPs or read the Frequently Asked Questions below.
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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. 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.