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 Dental 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 6 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.

• Proven experience in General dental practice
• Fellow in General Dental Practice
• Bachelor's Degree in Dental Surgery and/or equivalent qualification from a recognised Dental Institute
• Fully registered dental practitioner with the Dental Council or equivalent of the home country.
• High standard of written and verbal communication.
• Ability to maintain professional relationships respectfully, acknowledging the skills of the local staff.
• Ability to work flexibly in a constantly changing and challenging environment.
• Proven cultural competency and ability to work in a resource-limited setting.   

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 Health – Oral and Dental Health Services
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is a core government organisation in Samoa that employs over 1400 employees with a core mandate to deliver health care services for Samoa. The vision of MOH is to “accelerate health and well-being for a healthy Samoa.” The mission is to provide comprehensive people centred health care services through the delivery of preventative, promotive, curative, and rehabilitation services whilst empowering the people of Samoa to take ownership of their health.

The Assignment 
As a Dental Speiclist volunteer, you will assist by building the capacities and training local staff through one-on-one/team sessions, or on-the-job training and mentoring. You will be available on-site at both clinical units and dental community outreach to teach and support existing personnel, provide confidence to staff with regards to their current skill sets, knowledge base, and subsequent management of patients:

• Strengthen referral pathways between the Denal Urgent Care unit and other units internally, as well as the General Outpatients & ED, inpatient wards, and rural district hospitals.
• Strengthen workforce capability through supervision of junior dentists and other dental professionals
• Develop and strengthen professional development activities and programs between Dental Services and other medical units and other partner organisations such as the Samoa Red Cross, National University of Samoa, Fiji National University, Otago University etc.

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.