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 Farming Advisor 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.
  
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. Through national frameworks such as the Agriculture Sector Plan, MAF focuses on boosting local production, strengthening rural livelihoods, and promoting climate‑resilient, environmentally sustainable practices across crops, livestock and fisheries.

Within this mandate, the Animal Production and Health Division (APHD) based at Vaea plays a central role in safeguarding and improving Samoa’s livestock systems. The division typically oversees animal health services, including disease surveillance, vaccinations and veterinary laboratory support, to protect cattle, pigs, poultry and small ruminants and the families who depend on them. It also supports improved animal husbandry, breeding and nutrition, working with farmers to raise productivity while maintaining strong biosecurity and animal welfare standards that contribute directly to national food security and rural incomes.

The Assignment 
As VSA Farming Adviser volunteer you will build critical capacity by collaborating with the team to revive and manage these farms effectively, updating the farm policy, developing a flexible long term management plan, repairing infrastructure, and improving pasture and stock quality to resume sales of female replacements and meet demand for males. You will further strengthen farmer extension through targeted training, model farm demonstrations, data monitoring tools, and climate-smart practices, aligning with MAF’s goals for enhanced productivity, resilience, and food security. Your hands-on support will empower the division to sustain operations independently while addressing immediate production gaps.

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.

• Degree or equivalent experience in agriculture, horticulture, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years' experience working with farmers in an advisory capacity
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring/training skills
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in sustainable or climate-resilient agriculture
• Computer and Financial Literacy 
• Adaptability and flexibility in getting the job done
• Patience and willingness to work in an environment with limited resources
• Team player

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.


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