Are there age limits for development workers?

If you are over 21 and under 62 then you can apply.

Are placements always for two years?

No, not always. For some posts, shorter placements are considered if it is felt that development workers can still make an effective contribution. In many cases though, two years is necessary to give you the chance to become fully effective and make a lasting impact.

Do I have to apply for a specific post?

No. Rather than applying for one particular post, you can make a general application in your skill area.

What if I'm interested in several posts?

That's fine. Just indicate on your application form if you feel there is more than one post you are suitable for.

Will my qualifications and experience be appropriate?

The range of skills we're looking for is incredibly varied, covering a wide variety of occupations. However, whatever your field of work, you need to have a combination of a relevant professional qualification and relevant work experience - normally at least two years.

Who will I be working for?

Your employer will be the organisation in southern Africa with whom you are placed, not Skillshare Africa. However, Skillshare Africa Country Office staff will be there to provide support throughout your placement.

My partner wants to come with me. Is that possible?

Skillshare Africa welcomes applications from couples where both have relevant skills. Also, some placements will accept accompanying partners. Where this is possible, Skillshare Africa will generally pay for flights and medical insurance for your partner. You must make it clear though, when applying, that you wish your partner to accompany you. It is also important that accompanying partners have fully thought through the implications of the move they are making and attend the pre-departure training week.

And my children?

In certain cases, Skillshare Africa is able to accept applicants with children. It must be stressed though that the decision to take children with you calls for careful consideration of many issues, such as living conditions and the education facilities available. As with partners, Skillshare Africa will generally provide flights and medical cover for accompanying children.

Who handles the pre-departure administration such as booking flights and arranging work permits?

We do. Of course, you will need to do some of the work yourself at times, but we will help you to get all the right documentation.

Will I receive training?

Development workers recruited from the UK will receive pre-departure training to gain a better idea of what to expect while living and working in Africa. Training will cover issues relevant to all, such as the practicalities of day-to-day life and your likely status in the community and at work. You will also learn how your role fits into the activities of Skillshare Africa as a whole. Orientation and training covering other issues is given on your arrival in southern Africa. You may also receive specialist training as needed.

Do I need to speak another language?

English is widely spoken across most of southern Africa. However, wherever you're placed, learning to speak the local language will help you integrate with your colleagues and the local community more easily. We therefore provide language training in country to get you started. In Mozambique, where Portuguese is the most widely spoken language, every development worker is given two months training in Portuguese at the start of their placement.

What and how will I be paid?

You will be paid either a local salary or an allowance. This will enable you to afford a reasonable standard of living in the country where you are working. For most development workers, the allowance is paid monthly in arrears and consists of two payments, one in your country of placement and another in your country of residence. It will be paid either by Skillshare Africa, by your employer in Africa, or by a combination of both. Our benefits package includes other grants and allowances. These may vary and are not universal.

What about National Insurance?

If you are eligible for inclusion in the state social security schemes of the UK or the Republic of Ireland, Skillshare Africa will pay contributions to that scheme for the length of your placement. For other nationals, we will pay you an equivalent sum.

Will I have to pay anything towards my accommodation?

Most development workers are provided with rent-free accommodation complete with basic furnishings. However, you will have to pay for utility bills out of your allowance. And if you are on a local salary contract, receiving more than the standard allowance, you may have to pay some or all of the rent

What's the accommodation like?

It can vary considerably from placement to placement, depending on whether you are based in an urban or rural location. You could be housed in a block of flats or find yourself traditional African housing. You might also have to share accommodation with another development worker, although you will always have your own room.

Will I get holidays?

Yes. We aim to ensure a minimum of 20 days leave per year in addition to the statutory holidays of the country you're working in. Most development workers use their holidays to fully explore the country they're working in. Bear in mind that Skillshare Africa covers the cost of flights at the start and finish of your placement only.

What if I fall ill?

The vast majority of development workers enjoy good health during their time in southern Africa. However, medical facilities to treat most conditions are available in all the countries in which we operate. If necessary, you will be transferred to another country or even repatriated to receive treatment. Your medical costs will be paid by Skillshare Africa, as will any innoculations you may need.

What's the role of Skillshare Africa Country Office staff?

As well as being responsible for the development and promotion of Skillshare Africa in their own countries, Country Office staff provide advice and support when needed to development workers and their employers.

Will I receive support on my return once my placement is over?

In order to help you resettle, you will receive a Welcome Home Pack. You will be invited to a feedback session, which is an opportunity to reflect on your experience. You will automatically be made a member of Friends of Skillshare Africa, our supporters association. Friends of Skillshare Africa share experiences and have the chance to remain actively involved with Skillshare Africa.