Under the umbrella of Japanese ODA, the volunteer’s program commonly known and called as “Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV)” was launched in 1965. JICA dispatches volunteers who are eager to share their skills and experiences acquired in Japan with people in developing countries. The Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) dispatch program assists and responds to requests from developing countries through young people who wish to cooperate in the economic and social development of developing countries. 

The volunteers generally spend two years in developing countries, living and working with the local people while taking part in cooperative activities. In addition, the experience also benefits the volunteers themselves because they strive to overcome the various difficulties they face in their personal relations and work.

There are two main types of volunteers scheme under JICA volunteer’s program are Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) and Senior Volunteers (SV).

Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV)

JOCV are Japanese youth between the ages of 20 to 39 years. Those who are trained and qualified professionals in variety of technical disciplines, work at the local level in order to best meet host-organization’s needs. At the same time, assistance at local level deepens understanding of cultures, traditions, language and builds genuine friendship between volunteers and hosts.

Senior Volunteer (SV)

The senior Volunteer Program is a scheme aimed specifically at middle-aged people who have strong interest in technical cooperation activities in developing countries and want to make use of their skills and experience skills and substantial professional experience between the ages of 40 and 69 are recruited.

JICA Volunteer Program in Pakistan

JICA started dispatching JOCVs to Pakistan in 1995 and senior volunteers in 2001. As of end of February 2009, 153 JOCVs and 53 SV were dispatched in Pakistan mainly in the field of Health & Awareness, Literacy & Education, Information Technology, Japanese Language, Tourism, Vocational Training, Agriculture, Sports, Community Development, Industrial sector (Automobile and Textile), and Social Welfare & Special Education.

Requesting for Volunteer

The Government of Pakistan & Government of Japan have exchanged agreement for the dispatch of JOCV volunteers to Pakistan in 1992 and senior volunteers in 2000. All departments / institutions working under federal and provincial Governments and NGO’s who were registered with Govt. of Pakistan are eligible to apply for volunteer. 

An organization identifies an area for need of volunteer and write request letter with application form to ministry under which it falls with copy to JICA Pakistan office.

Collaboration between Japan and Pakistan 

The Government of Japan will be responsible for:

a) Travel expense between Japan and Pakistan 

b) Living allowance during volunteer’s assignment period in Pakistan.

c) Volunteer’s medical care and life insurance.

The Government of Pakistan will grant:

a) Exemption from income taxes and charges of any kind in respect of any allowance remitted to volunteers by the JOCV, such as the living allowance.

b) Exemption from customs duties, taxes and charges of charge of any kind in respect to equipment, materials and medical supplies.

c) Adequate housing accommodation.

d) Minimum essential equipment, materials necessary for the performance of volunteer activities. 

Contact:

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

4th Floor, Serena Office Complex, Plot # 17, Ramana 5

G-5/1 Islamabad.

Ph:+92-51-9244500-07

Fax:+092-51-9244508

URL:www.jica.go.jp/pakistan/english

Sadako Ogata, Japan International Cooperation Agency