Australia Assists is an Australian Government funded program that deploys skilled humanitarian specialists to work with governments, multilateral agencies, and communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and the effects of conflict.

Australia Assists Phase 2 (2024-2034) will, over the next five years, see up to $96 million invested in mobilising and deploying humanitarian specialists to help prepare for and respond to humanitarian disasters globally, aligned with Australia's humanitarian priorities. Phase 2 builds on the success of Phase 1, a seven year program (2017-2024).

In 2023, 116 specialists deployed to 29 program partners in 37 countries across the Pacific, Asia, the Middle East, Africa. In 2024, the program will continue deploying specialists to these regions, including in response to sudden onset and protracted crises. The program will support local capacities and leadership, and increase disability inclusion and gender equality in deployments to improve the quality of humanitarian responses.

Australia Assists has two End of Program Outcomes (EOPO):

• Global partners benefit from timely, effective humanitarian expertise.
  Australia Assists deploys specialists to meet urgent needs during crises, ensuring expertise is available where and when it's needed.
• Host organisations strengthen climate-resilient disaster preparedness and inclusivity.
  By focusing on climate, gender equality, disability inclusion, and localisation, the program supports long-term improvements in disaster management practices.

Deployments

Specialists are deployed to national government agencies, UN agencies, non-government organisations, and private and academic sectors based on humanitarian needs and alignment with Australia's strategic priorities.

Deployment durations vary:

• Rapid Response Team deployments: Rapid Response Teams deploy within 48 hours’ notice, in response to humanitarian disasters, and are typically deployed for up to 14 days in country supporting with immediate response coordination.
• Short-term deployments: Typically, around three months, though can be shorter, focusing on immediate humanitarian emergency responses.
• Long-term deployments: Ranging from six to 12 months, aimed at building and strengthening the capacities of partner organisations.

Further Information

For more information about the program, contact the Australia Assists team via AustraliaAssists@australiaassists.org

Prospective Australia Assists roster members undergo a thorough application, vetting, and training process. Interested individuals can apply to join the roster via the Australia Assists website.
 

Related documents

• Australia Assists Annual Report 2022-23
• Australia Assists Annual Report 2021-22
• Australia Assists End of Program Evaluation and Management Response 2022
• Australia Assists Annual Report 2020-21
• Australia Assists Annual Report 2019-20 [PDF 3 MB]
• Australia Assists Annual Report 2018-19 [PDF]
• Australia Assists Mid-Term Review 2019