You can make an impact by sharing your skills and experience with some of the most marginalised people in the world; become a VSO volunteer. You'll do something very different. You'll use your inspiration, expertise and professional skills to help communities access quality healthcare, better education and livelihoods opportunities.
Explore all our volunteering opportunities
Your opportunity to change lives
From VSO you’ll get something few other volunteering organisations offer: the opportunity to use your skills and professional experience to create lasting change.
You'll do something very different. You'll use your inspiration, expertise and vital practical skills to empower people to access quality healthcare, education and livelihoods opportunities.
By working in close collaboration with local partners, the impact you make will last long beyond your time volunteering.
The confidence I have gained from this experience is something that will definitely help me be much bolder in future career decisions.Greg GungollVolunteer business adviser, Bangladesh
Volunteering will change your life
Volunteering with VSO is a unique experience.
You will benefit from invaluable opportunities for both personal and career development – creating incredible memories, and often forging life-long friendships, along the way.
You’re in safe hands
We’ve been working with volunteers across Africa and Asia for over 60 years. We have a huge amount of experience, having supported more than 80,000 volunteers in that time.
Volunteering with VSO is a significant commitment. We provide comprehensive support during your time volunteering with us, so you can focus on what matters: making a difference.
How we'll support you
We’re here to support you at every stage of your volunteer journey with us.
No matter where you’re volunteering, we’ll provide you with:
- induction both before and orientation during your time volunteering,
- ongoing support from our local offices,
- an offer of a post engagement review
If your placement involves relocating, we’ll also provide:
- all travel, vaccinations, expenses and accommodation,
- comprehensive medical cover,
- dedicated local medical and security support,
- a reasonable local living allowance.
How we support you before, during and after your placement
Can I volunteer with VSO?
VSO volunteers come from a range of backgrounds. To volunteer with us, you’ll need a degree or equivalent in a related field and at least three years’ relevant professional experience. All applicants are assessed individually, based on their VSO competencies, skills, experience and qualifications.
Live and current roles
We’re always recruiting skilled professionals from different backgrounds and sectors. Could it be you?
| Opportunity | Location | Apply by |
|---|---|---|
| National Peace Building and DRR Advisor - National Volunteer | Moyale, Kenya | |
| Communication Specialist - National Volunteer | Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh | |
| Project Assistants– RECOVER (National Volunteer) | KPT, BTB, Kampong Chhang, Cambodia | |
| Health Policy and Advocacy Advisor (Volunteer-role) | Various Countries, Various Countries |
Talent pool roles
Keep up-to-date with new opportunities
If you haven’t yet found the right role for you, sign up to receive our regular email newsletter and you’ll be the first to hear about future opportunities, along with the latest news and stories from our work across Africa and Asia.
Volunteer stories
“Be ready to meet new people and build communities, gain knowledge and a sense of purpose.”
Hear from Lameck Dition Sandram from Malawi, who volunteered in Sierra Leone where he worked on VSO’s Unlocking Talent (UT) project, applying his 25 years of experience in education to train staff and collect real-time project implementation data.
Celebrating Active Citizenship - 2022 Volunteer Impact Award Winners
On Thursday 8 December 2022, VSO hosted its annual Volunteer Impact Awards, celebrating the exceptional contribution of volunteers from around the world. If you missed the ceremony yourself, we’ll be rounding up our 2022 winners in this blog!
“It's been my happiest time. You have to volunteer when you get a chance” - Kamal
Kamal Jaga, 40, from the UK, volunteered for VSO Psychosocial Support Project in Ethiopia, a country ragged by internal conflict that created an estimated 2.2m internally displaced people.