• Governance:
• Governance:
• CSAP

CSAP

The Commonwealth Service Abroad Programme (CSAP) places 30 volunteers experts a year to assist member countries.

It is also the Secretariat’s primary initiative in response to national disasters such as the December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the October 2005 Pakistan earthquake.

Since its launch in 2001, CSAP has emerged as a highly demanded, commended and cost-effective programme attracting over 160 Projects.

Criteria for project selection includes a contribution to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and conformity with the national and the Commonwealth Secretariat priorities.

Its current capacity is for undertaking some 15 projects a year - indicating a workload stretching some 10 years.

Innovativeness is at the heart of CSAP, both in its projects and methods. CSAP provides technical assistance only. It does not provide funds, build factories or construct buildings.

CSAP's varied menu of assistance includes:

• provision of expertise
• hands-on, on-the-job training
• exposure to new operating technologies and innovative practices
• limited provision of tools
• technology transfer
• sharing of experiences
• customised software
• community workshops
• stakeholder retreats

For most projects, a combination of elements is custom designed and delivered through short-term interventions over the course of the project cycle. Typically, there are three to four interventions, each lasting for a few weeks at a time, over a period of 12-18 months.

CSAP works together with local project authorities in delivering measurable results. The time, effort and resources inputted by local project authorities far exceed any assistance from CSAP, and this investment and ownership is the most important factor in the success of projects and satisfaction of clients.

CSAP's Vital Statistics

• Since mid 2001, 160 project requests received from 25 countries
• An annual budget of about £250,000 and a staff of 1 effecting savings of about £500,000 per annum in foregone fees and consultancy charges
• A capacity for undertaking some 15 projects a year
• Order book in terms of projects stretching for 10 years
• Savings of over £ 1 million achieved for the Commonwealth Secretariat so far (since mid 2001)
• A typical project cycle is 2 years
• At any point of time, some 40 projects on-going and in implementation while another 40 projects in design and development stage
• A naturally occurring 50:50 gender balance of experts
• Open for business seven days a week!

Further Information for Prospective Volunteers

CSAP maintains a roster of expert volunteers and will not undertake any project unless and until, a talented volunteer is available of whom it could be proud. The prime trait that CSAP looks for in an expert is the ability to deliver results. Other desirable characteristics include being culturally sensitive, creative and innovative.

If you think you have what it takes check yourself against the criteria in Are you CSAP Material?

Please note the current capacity of CSAP is limited to about 15 projects a year requiring some 30 experts a year.

Requesting CSAP Assistance

In the government of each Commonwealth country, there is a designated Point of Contact (POC) from whom a request for CSAP assistance must come for CSAP's consideration. However, CSAP welcomes any specific project proposal for its opinion and ideas before you submit it formally to the government officials in your country.