Answers to Common Questions

Is there any fee to apply or join a mission?

No. Nomad Impact is a non-profit connector. We do not charge volunteers or host organisations and we do not process payments. If a third-party cost ever appears (rare), it will be optional and clearly stated in the brief.

Is this paid work?

No. This is skilled volunteering. There is no salary or stipend. For short on-site sprints, the host organisation provides basic accommodation and meals on working days. International travel, visas and insurance are the volunteer’s responsibility unless the brief explicitly says otherwise.

Remote or on-site?

Remote-first. Most work happens online (2–5 hrs/week). Some missions may offer an optional on-site sprint (3–10 days) to wrap up training and handover. On-site is never required.

What’s the usual time commitment and duration?

Typical missions run 2–6 weeks, with 2–5 hrs/week plus a 30–45 min weekly check-in. On-site sprints, if any, are short (3–10 days).

Who covers which costs?

Host org (on-site days only): accommodation + meals on working days; reasonable local travel for mission tasks. Volunteer: international travel, visas, travel/health/liability/evacuation insurance, personal expenses, days off. Nomad Impact: matching, scoping support, templates, safeguarding guidance, light coordination.

Will I replace a local job?

No. Missions are designed for capacity building and handover, not substitution. We avoid tasks that a local professional could or should be hired to do.

What will I actually deliver?

A small set of clear, documented deliverables (e.g., a lightweight site, a mini brand kit, a petition flow). You’ll also provide a handover package (how-to notes, links, short walkthrough).

How do you select volunteers?

We look for skills match, availability, clarity of communication, and safety mindset. We aim for a quick intro call and a tight scope before confirming.

Do I need a background check?

Usually no for short, remote missions without direct contact with vulnerable groups. If a mission involves sensitive contexts or youth work (rare), we may request additional safeguarding checks and supervision by qualified staff.

What about visas and legal compliance for on-site sprints?

We don’t provide legal advice. The host org validates the appropriate visa/permit and activity type locally. We keep the on-site work short, clearly voluntary, and non-remunerated to avoid employment confusion.

Is there insurance coverage?

Volunteers must carry personal travel, medical, and liability insurance for any on-site activity. Hosts are asked to confirm basic on-site accident coverage where applicable. We provide a simple safety & safeguarding brief.

Is there insurance coverage?

Volunteers must carry personal travel, medical, and liability insurance for any on-site activity. Hosts are asked to confirm basic on-site accident coverage where applicable. We provide a simple safety & safeguarding brief.

What safety standards apply to accommodation?

Private/secure room where possible, locking door, basic hygiene, safe water, reasonable connectivity, and proximity to the work site. If standards can’t be met, you can decline the on-site component without penalty.

What tools do we use?

We favour accessible, low-cost tools (e.g., WordPress/Elementor, Canva, Google Workspace). You’ll use your own laptop and accounts; credentials handed over to the host use shared org accounts whenever possible.

Who owns the work I produce?

Deliverables are licensed to the host organisation for ongoing use. We aim for open formats and lightweight documentation. You can reference your work in your portfolio unless confidentiality applies.

How is impact measured?

Simple signals: deliverables live, templates reused, workflows running, basic analytics, and a 30/90-day follow-up to see what stuck. We collect short feedback from both you and the host.

Can I donate to the host organisation?

Entirely optional and separate from volunteering. Nomad Impact doesn’t take a cut. If you choose to give, please donate directly to the host via their official channels.

What if I need to withdraw or reschedule?

Tell us early. We’ll pause or re-match as needed. The same applies if a host’s priorities change—no hard feelings; we keep scopes small to minimise disruption.

How do communication and time zones work?

We agree one weekly time slot with the host and keep the rest async in a shared workspace. Plain language first; short Loom/recordings welcome.

Can I travel with a companion or work from a different location on-site?

Missions are scoped for one volunteer. Any companion travel must be independent and not rely on host accommodation/meals. On-site work happens where the host can ensure safety and supervision.

Will I get a certificate or reference letter?

Yes—upon completion and handover, we can issue a short confirmation letter. References are case-by-case with host consent.

What’s your code of conduct?

Be respectful, local-led, and Do-No-Harm. No harassment, discrimination, or unsafe practices. Protect data, seek consent for photos, and avoid publishing sensitive details.

How do I apply?

Click Express interest, share your skills and availability, and we’ll book a 15-minute intro. If it’s a fit, we confirm scope, timeline, and start.