Volunteer with VSA

Kia ora, Talofa Lava 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 Samoa. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.
  
We are looking for an experienced HR Specialist 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 the Samoa 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.
  
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 – Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) is Samoa’s lead agency for developing a sustainable agriculture and fisheries sector that secures food, nutrition and income for the country. 

The Corporate Services Division (CSD) of Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries provides core backbone support so technical divisions can focus on crops, livestock, fisheries, and biosecurity. Its mandate covers human resource management, finance, administration, asset management, and ICT, all in line with Samoan public service legislation and policies.

The Assignment
As VSA volunteer you will support the MAF HR team to address the current human resource challenges by bringing in specialised expertise and support for strengthening crucial areas such as:

• Staff appraisal and performance management processes.
• Regular coaching to improve staff motivation and retention.
• Limited capacity for robust occupational safety and health oversight.
• Records management systems and administrative processes need improvement.
• Assess the status of HR and Administration systems and processes and develop an appropriate pathway for improvements in areas that are needed, whether it be human development capacity or investment in tools and equipment.

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.

• Bachelor's degree in HR Management/Public Administration & Management and/or Postgraduate in HR Management/Public Administration/Management or a Master’s in Business Administration.
• Proficient in HR information systems and data literacy skills that will support decision-making processes.
• At least 4-5 years of proven experience in strategic thinking and the ability to align HR initiatives with overall business goals.
• Proven HR Knowledge and understanding of employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Proven communication skills and ability to effectively convey information clearly and professionally to all levels within the organisation.
• Well organised and efficient in managing multiple tasks, maintaining records, and prioritising meeting tasks on time.
• Ability to have knowledge and understanding of digital solutions and systems for integration and upgrade of the different processes and manual systems.
• Ability to critically analyse problems and develop practical solutions to improve HR processes.

The Country - Samoa 
Samoa is situated in the South Pacific approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It sits squarely in the cyclone belt and is highly vulnerable to devastating storms. Around three-quarters of its 195,000 population live on the main island of Upolu; the rest live on the neighbouring island of Savai'i or one of the seven small islets.

The traditional Samoan way, the fa’a Samoa, remains a strong force in Samoan life and politics where family is all-important, and elders are highly respected.
  
Each village is made up of extended families that are represented on the village council by a chief (matai). The more western-style parliamentary system in Samoa is highly influenced by traditional social systems and the family, civic and political duties performed by the matai at village level. The country is predominantly Christian.

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 Apia, Samoa.
• Flights, accommodation and other expenses covered by VSA.
• Make a lasting difference across the Pacific.