Volunteer with VSA

Kia ora, Halo 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 the Solomon Islands by working alongside the team in the Western Provincial Government.
  
We are searching for an experienced and knowledgeable advocate for Women’s rights and safety 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.

This is projected to be a 12 month assignment in the Solomon Islands, based mainly in Honiara. Please note that the VSA will support you by funding and organizing your flights, visas, insurances, accommodation, living allowance and utilities while you are deployed on this 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:

• A relevant qualification in Development studies, Social Sciences or other related fields
• At least three years’ experience working in the development sector or related field
• At least two years’ experience working in gender, disability and social inclusion
• Proven experience in leading and developing related policies or procedural frameworks

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: Western Provincial Government
Western Province is the largest of the nine provinces of Solomon Islands and is renowned for its beautiful tropical islands and world class diving and snorkelling locations. Beautiful coral reefs, WWII wrecks, eco-tourism lodges and headhunting shrines are other attractions in the province that makes it the biggest tourist destination outside of Honiara.

The Western Provincial Government (WPG) has been operating since 1978 when the country became independent. The province has its own Provincial Government Administration head by a Clerk. The role of the WPG is to develop the province, particularly rural areas. Planning is an important part of the WPG’s activities as this helps to ensure that development occurs in a considered manner.

The Assignment:
A VSA volunteer is being sought to support the Women’s Officer to create a women’s policy that can be used the guide the work of Western Provincial Government on women’s issues and gender. The volunteer will support with putting in place mechanisms that will result in the Women’s Officer working more collaboratively to implement projects through SAFENet and provide input into funding proposals for the work of the Women’s Division.

The Country – The Solomon Islands:
The Solomon Islands has over 900 islands, 5,000 rural villages and 550,000 people. Between 1999 and 2003 it experienced a period of conflict which took a heavy toll on the country and left a need for reconciliation and on-going peace and security measures.

A request for assistance by the government in 2003 led Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific Island countries to form the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) which restored peace and security.

VSA has established a strong presence in Solomon Islands through its ongoing partnerships with multiple in-country partners, including strong relationships with Solomon Islands Government. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono| How to apply:
Please apply for this opportunity through our website. For more information or if you have any questions on this assignment, contact our recruitment team via email at: volunteer@vsa.org.nz.

We are looking for a volunteer with:

• 12-month volunteer assignment based in the Solomon Islands
• Use your skills and experience to help support positive outcomes for women
• Flights, accommodation, and living expenses funded by VSA