Malteser Volunteers

The Malteser Volunteers programme is primarily open to Malteser members – both from the main organisation and from voluntary positions. However, external applicants are also welcome as long as they share the same core Malteser values. You can participate as an individual or as a small group. 

Your opportunities as a Malteser Volunteer are varied and include numerous services in different countries. You can volunteer in different areas, pursuing your own interests as well as acquiring new skills. Both the range and the duration of assignments depend on the requirements on-site and your own availability. You should plan for at least five days to provide meaningful and sustainable support. The maximum length per assignment is one month, though this may vary in exceptional circumstances. 

Areas of assignment:  

• Social and medical field  
• Medical services  
• First aid courses  
• Working with people with disabilities  
• Child and youth work (specialised care services for various target groups)  
• Support for people seeking protection and refugees (at the border, in emergency facilities, etc.)  
• Assistance for homeless people  
• Emergency prevention, disaster control (joint training)  
• Supporting, observing, and sharing knowledge in administration, logistics (transportation of relief supplies), or alongside other specialist services  
• Assistance with projects (e.g. building wooden houses for earthquake victims in Croatia, "Restart the Heart" training with AED devices)  
• Transport services  
• Visiting and companionship services 

As a Malteser Volunteer, you can work in any country where our Malteser partners operate, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Previous assignments have taken place in countries such as Albania, Germany, Lithuania, Romania, Croatia, Ireland, and Belarus. Other potential locations include, but are not limited to, Latvia, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, France, England, and Italy. Further locations may be added in the future, depending on demand. 

What do you need as a Malteser Volunteer? 

Skillset: As a volunteer, you should be open-minded, active, and curious. Depending on the assignment, certain skills may be advantageous, such as DIY skills or experience in working with certain groups of people. However, there are no specific criteria. The key is your motivation to make the world a better place and your willingness to support those in need on their own terms.  

Language proficiency: English (and/or the language of the assignment country) is required to facilitate effective communication with other volunteers and local communities.  

Age limit: The minimum age to volunteer is 18. 

To give you the best possible assistance on your journey as a Malteser Volunteer, we offer numerous support options on different levels. This ensures that prospective volunteers are not only well-prepared before but also well-supported during their assignment. The team at Malteser Foreign Aid is always available to you as your point of contact. 

Organisation: 

• Assistance with arranging accommodation 
• Information regarding insurance 
• Practical tips and checklists to help everything run smoothly 
• Support from contact persons both in Germany and on-site  
• Communication with hosting partners abroad 

Professional support:  

• Preparation for the assignment 
• Continuous guidance during your time on-site  
• Evaluation opportunities for comprehensive feedback 

Financial support:  

• Travel expenses subsidy of 50%, with a maximum subsidy of 250 euros per person 
• Accommodation is usually provided by the partner organisation 
• Covering meal expenses cannot be guaranteed 

You're in? Great! Here's what happens next:  

There aren’t any specific seminars planned before your assignment. Communication typically happens via phone or Teams/Zoom. In consultation and with the support of your liaison officer, you'll search for and book flights, as well as accommodation if necessary. Even before your trip begins, you can make a start with your assignment diary, which serves as a basis for evaluation meetings and is an extra help when it comes to both internal and external communication with other Malteser volunteers. Specific clothing (e.g. work shoes) may be necessary on-site. This should be packed along with the Malteser work clothes, if applicable.  

During your time abroad, your on-site liaison officer will be your first point of contact. However, you are also always welcome to reach out to the Malteser Foreign Aid team.  

A follow-up conversation will take place after finishing your assignment to reflect on your experiences and discuss any suggestions for future assignments. 

Ideally, your assignment as a Malteser Volunteer should be cost-free, including travel and accommodation expenses. Although covering meal expenses cannot be guaranteed, it is often (at least partially) covered by the foreign partner organisation. We advise you to clarify which costs will be covered and which you may have to pay for yourself with your partner organisation in advance.  

What costs are covered by the Malteser Hilfsdienst in Germany?  

When sending German Malteser Volunteers, the Malteser Hilfsdienst provides a travel cost subsidy of 50% of the total costs, with a maximum of 250 euros per person. The remaining 50% may be covered by the diocesan office after prior consultation and approval. Non-Malteser volunteers can expect the Malteser Hilfsdienst to cover a maximum of 50% of the costs. For questions regarding expenses, please contact us directly.  

What do Malteser Volunteers have to cover themselves? 

The Malteser Hilfsdienst in Germany exclusively covers costs and offers subsidies for German volunteers working abroad. Malteser locations in Germany that host foreign volunteers also receive financial support. Foreign Malteser Volunteers who want to work in Germany must cover their own expenses or get in touch with their delegating Malteser organisation for financial support. 

Social integration is hugely important for longer assignments. It might be a good idea to organise a day programme on a free weekend, for instance, to integrate the volunteer in the local community. As a hosting Malteser location, you should also invite the volunteer to your own events. This not only creates a positive and supportive environment for the volunteer but also allows the assignment to be even more effective. 

When hosting foreign Malteser Volunteers, any Malteser location in Germany will receive a daily allowance of 10 euros per day with a maximum of 250 euros per person.  

Would you like to host a volunteer and have questions? Feel free to email us!