Other opportunities in the aid program

The delivery of the Australian aid program is achieved with the combined input from a range of individuals and organisations.

Non-government organisations

The strength of non-government organisations (NGOs) to mobilise public support for aid and their links with community groups in developing countries greatly assists Australia's government-to-government programs delivered by AusAID. AusAID supports NGOs through a number of funding 'windows'.

See non-government organisations for more information on how AusAID works with NGOs.

Volunteer programs

Australian volunteers play a vital role in the fight against poverty. To assist Australian volunteers, AusAID awards carefully targeted contracts to volunteer organisations, and coordinates an extensive volunteers program.

While AusAID is unable to directly assist people interested in volunteer work placements, we do encourage those interested to contact other organisations for further information on how you can make a contribution to overseas development as a volunteer.

More information on volunteering overseas.You may also wish to contact the Australian Council for International Development [external website], the peak body for most Australian non-government aid organisations.

Project work

Each year contracts are let by AusAID for work related to the development and implementation of aid activities in partner countries. If you are interested in working on projects in the field, see tenders and grants.

United Nations Junior Professional Officer Program

The Junior Professional Officer Program provides young professionals interested in pursuing a career in the United Nations with hands-on experience in international issues. Australian Junior Professional Officers are sponsored by AusAID to work in the United Nations on development-related assignments that vary based on country-specific, regional, sector-based or thematic priorities. When these opportunities are available they will be advertised on the AusAID website under current vacancies.

United Nations Young Professionals Program

Australian nationals aged 32 or younger are invited to apply to the United Nations Young Professionals Program, a recruitment initiative that brings new talent to the United Nations through an annual entrance examination. For young, high-calibre professionals across the globe, the examination is a platform for launching a career at the United Nations.

Further details: United Nations Young Professionals Programme [external website].