Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Policy Clinician
Closing Date: 29 March 2026
Category: Youth Engagement & Community Development
Kia ora, Nisa Bula Vinaka and warm Pacific greetings,
Te Whāinga | Our Purpose is
Te Hono Tangata - Te Huringa Ora.
Ka hono a Te Tūao Tāwāhi i ngā tūao pūkenga ki ngā whakahaere me ngā hapori i te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa me tua atu, hei tautoko i ngā wawata kua tautuhia ā-rohe, ā, kia tutuki ai te panoni toitū.
Connecting People – Transforming Lives.
Volunteer Service Abroad connects skilled volunteers with organisations and communities in the Pacific and beyond to support locally identified aspirations and achieve sustainable change.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
This is your opportunity to become a VSA Volunteer to share your experience, skills and knowledge to serve and build capacity in Fiji. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.
We are looking for an experienced AOD Clinician or someone with the right level of transferrable skills, who understands and shares the spirit of volunteering, with a keen interest in building capability in the Pacific (while embracing a new cultural experience).
The length of this assignment in Fiji will be 12 months.
VSA will support you by funding and organizing your flights, visas, insurances, accommodation, living allowance and utilities while you are on assignment.
Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako – Essential skills/experiences for the role
If you are interested in this opportunity, below are some of the key skills and experiences that we’re looking for.
Important note: Due to our VSA funding requirements, our volunteers must be a NZ citizen or NZ Permanent Resident to progress further in our recruitment process.
Our Partner Organisation – Empower Pacific
Empower Pacific is a renowned non-governmental organisation in Fiji that provides a comprehensive range of professional counselling services nationwide. Established in 1994, Empower Pacific provides services to communities and vulnerable individuals/groups, working in partnership with government and other community agencies. The organization’s service provision includes a variety of programs aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of clients as well as facilitating opportunities for learning and personal growth. Services provided include professional counselling, social work, targeted interventions for gender-based violence, child protection, and other specialized initiatives aimed at improving individual and group wellbeing.
The Assignment
As specialised AOD Policy Clinician you will support the development and implementation of robust AOD organisational policies and standard operating procedures. You will provide technical guidance, mentorship and training to strengthen integrated treatment approaches within the organisation’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) response. Success will be reflected in established AOD policies and procedures, and strengthened prevention, mitigation and recovery frameworks that address the intersection of AOD, mental health and HIV at both organisational and national levels.
The Country – Fiji
Fiji includes the other 3 cultural groups called Fijians -Rotuma, Rabi, and Kioa (Rabian and Kioans) were resettled in Fiji after being evacuated from Ocean islands, Tuvalu and Kiribati).
It is a destination attraction for its coral reefs, clear lagoons, and tropical landscapes. Fijian indigenous society is very communal, with great importance attached to the family unit, the village, and the vanua (land). With the introduction of traditions such as Indian and Chinese and significant influences from Europe and Fiji's Pacific neighbours, particularly Tonga and Samoa, these various cultures have come together to create a multicultural national identity for Fiji.
Fiji has several development goals they are focusing on as a country such as lowering youth unemployment rates, reducing poverty, reducing child mortality and gender inequality, increasing environmental sustainability, and improving the health and education status of its citizens.
Me pēhea te tuku tono| How to apply:
Apply for this opportunity through our website.
For more information or if you have any questions on this assignment, email volunteer@vsa.org.nz.
For a copy of the Assignment Description, please click the apply button which will direct you to the VSA website. You will be able to download a copy from the advertisement.
Te Whāinga | Our Purpose is
Te Hono Tangata - Te Huringa Ora.
Ka hono a Te Tūao Tāwāhi i ngā tūao pūkenga ki ngā whakahaere me ngā hapori i te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa me tua atu, hei tautoko i ngā wawata kua tautuhia ā-rohe, ā, kia tutuki ai te panoni toitū.
Connecting People – Transforming Lives.
Volunteer Service Abroad connects skilled volunteers with organisations and communities in the Pacific and beyond to support locally identified aspirations and achieve sustainable change.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
This is your opportunity to become a VSA Volunteer to share your experience, skills and knowledge to serve and build capacity in Fiji. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.
We are looking for an experienced AOD Clinician or someone with the right level of transferrable skills, who understands and shares the spirit of volunteering, with a keen interest in building capability in the Pacific (while embracing a new cultural experience).
The length of this assignment in Fiji will be 12 months.
VSA will support you by funding and organizing your flights, visas, insurances, accommodation, living allowance and utilities while you are on assignment.
Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako – Essential skills/experiences for the role
If you are interested in this opportunity, below are some of the key skills and experiences that we’re looking for.
- At least 3 years' experience in Policy legal and technical writing.
- A level Diploma or Degree in AOD Counselling, Mental Health, Psychology, Social Work or another related field.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in policy implementation specific to AOD.
- Knowledge of best practices in substance abuse prevention, psychoeducation and Counselling.
- Knowledge of legal frameworks and ethics related to substance abuse prevention and intervention.
- Strong communication and facilitation skills, with active listening capability.
Important note: Due to our VSA funding requirements, our volunteers must be a NZ citizen or NZ Permanent Resident to progress further in our recruitment process.
Our Partner Organisation – Empower Pacific
Empower Pacific is a renowned non-governmental organisation in Fiji that provides a comprehensive range of professional counselling services nationwide. Established in 1994, Empower Pacific provides services to communities and vulnerable individuals/groups, working in partnership with government and other community agencies. The organization’s service provision includes a variety of programs aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of clients as well as facilitating opportunities for learning and personal growth. Services provided include professional counselling, social work, targeted interventions for gender-based violence, child protection, and other specialized initiatives aimed at improving individual and group wellbeing.
The Assignment
As specialised AOD Policy Clinician you will support the development and implementation of robust AOD organisational policies and standard operating procedures. You will provide technical guidance, mentorship and training to strengthen integrated treatment approaches within the organisation’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) response. Success will be reflected in established AOD policies and procedures, and strengthened prevention, mitigation and recovery frameworks that address the intersection of AOD, mental health and HIV at both organisational and national levels.
The Country – Fiji
Fiji includes the other 3 cultural groups called Fijians -Rotuma, Rabi, and Kioa (Rabian and Kioans) were resettled in Fiji after being evacuated from Ocean islands, Tuvalu and Kiribati).
It is a destination attraction for its coral reefs, clear lagoons, and tropical landscapes. Fijian indigenous society is very communal, with great importance attached to the family unit, the village, and the vanua (land). With the introduction of traditions such as Indian and Chinese and significant influences from Europe and Fiji's Pacific neighbours, particularly Tonga and Samoa, these various cultures have come together to create a multicultural national identity for Fiji.
Fiji has several development goals they are focusing on as a country such as lowering youth unemployment rates, reducing poverty, reducing child mortality and gender inequality, increasing environmental sustainability, and improving the health and education status of its citizens.
Me pēhea te tuku tono| How to apply:
Apply for this opportunity through our website.
For more information or if you have any questions on this assignment, email volunteer@vsa.org.nz.
For a copy of the Assignment Description, please click the apply button which will direct you to the VSA website. You will be able to download a copy from the advertisement.
We are looking for a volunteer with:
- 12-months fulltime volunteering opportunity in Suva, Fiji.
- Flights, accommodation and other expenses covered by VSA.
- Make a lasting difference across the Pacific.
VSA covers flights, accommodation, insurance and some expenses. A living allowance is also provided.
Does volunteering with one of the largest and most experienced agency in international development interest you?