Who are Volunteers?
Volunteers are people of Japanese nationality who are academically and technically qualified citizens committed to contributing their skills and expertise to developing countries.
What is the age group of Volunteers?
There are two age categories of Volunteers - Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, known as JOCV, and Senior Volunteers known as SV.
The age JOCV is between 20 and 39, while SV is between 40 and 69.
What is the purpose of the Volunteer Programme?
To contribute to the social and economic development of recipient countries, and to promote mutual understanding between Japan and recipient countries while supporting their activities.
Are JICA Volunteers similar to other volunteers attached to charities?
These Volunteers share the same objective, namely to contribute to the social and economic development of communities within developing countries.
However, JICA Volunteers are dispatched by the Government of Japan following formal requests (and agreements with) governments of developing countries.
All expenses for the dispatch of Volunteers are derived from Japanese taxpayers' money. The terms and conditions of dispatch are slightly different.
In which fields are Volunteers working in?
Volunteers have been dispatched to South Africa since 2002, and recently, Volunteers have been working in mainly education sectors such as vocational training, mathematics education in primary schools, and science through science centres.
Volunteers merely assist people in developing countries in fields in which they are dispatched, and don't replace people already working in these fields.
What kind of qualification do Volunteers have?
Volunteers are dispatched according to the requirements of developing countries. Suitably qualified and experienced Volunteers will be selected following receipt of such requests from developing countries.
What kind of organizations receives Volunteers?
Due to the nature of agreements between the Government of Japan and the Government of the recipient developing countries, Volunteers are only dispatched to non-profit organisations including government departments. Their positions within the recipient organisations should in no way cause conflict with existing positions.
Can I apply for both JOCV and SV at the same time?
Yes, it is possible to apply for both JOCV and SV at the same time.
How many Volunteers can my organisation request?
You can request as many volunteers as you like. However, your request must meet the criteria set out by JICA, and your organization must follow the cost sharing approach.
Do Volunteers pay taxes in host countries?
No, volunteers don't pay taxes as per bilateral agreement between recipient countries and Japan.
Do host organisations pay salaries and medical expenses for Volunteers?
No, volunteers receive an allowance from JICA to cover basic necessities and incidentals, and are covered by medical aid and insurance taken out by JICA. However, any expenses relating to accommodation and transport should be provided by the recipient organisation. It is not necessary to pay volunteers directly.
Are Volunteers allowed to own private cars?
Only SVs are allowed to own private cars for private purposes. JOCVs are not allowed to own cars. Both JOCV and SVs are not allowed to drive any car during official trips. Please allocate drivers for your activities.
Can we employ Volunteers permanently after their assignment?
Yes, but Volunteers must return at least once to Japan at the end of their contract with JICA. A visa must be obtained by yourself.
How long are Volunteers dispatched for?
The duration of their dispatch depends on the request from host organizations. It's usually two years, but may be extended for a maximum of one more year in accordance with agreements between Volunteers and recipient organisations. There are also short-term Volunteers for a period from one to 10 months.