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 Hiking Trail Designer 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 – Muanivatu Trails
Muanivatu Trails is a newly established, community-owned business venture based in Vuadomo Village, Fiji. While the organisation has made commendable progress in launching its eco-tourism and natural resource-based initiatives—such as a waterfall spa, hiking trails, oyster farming, and sea grape cultivation—it faces significant challenges in establishing strong and sustainable business practices. As the venture is still in its formative stage, there is an urgent need to build internal capacity and ensure that business operations are grounded in sound, contextual, and relevant practices.
The Assignment
Muanivatu Trails is seeking support to further develop and enhance its existing network of hiking trails, which are central to its eco-tourism offering under the 2027 Strategic Development Plan. While some trails are already in place, they require upgrades to meet safety, accessibility, and visitor engagement standards. The organisation currently lacks technical expertise in trail design, signage installation, and storytelling integration. There is also a need to establish structured systems for trail maintenance and management to ensure the long-term sustainability of the attraction.
As VSA volunteer, you will work closely with local staff and community members to upgrade current trails and develop new ones that are safe, informative, and culturally rich. This includes the installation of signage, development of visitor facilities, and incorporation of local storytelling elements to highlight the natural and cultural significance of the area. You will also support the community in creating practical maintenance systems and processes, building local capacity to manage the trails independently.
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 Hiking Trail Designer 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 3-5 years of hands-on experience in trail design, development, or similar outdoor infrastructure projects.
- Knowledge of sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices.
- Experience in community engagement and capacity building.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills. Ability to effectively work with diverse groups, including local communities, staff, and stakeholders.
- Adaptability and cultural sensitivity.
- Passion for outdoor activities and environmental sustainability. A genuine interest in hiking, nature, and eco-tourism to align with Muanivatu Trails' mission and values.
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 – Muanivatu Trails
Muanivatu Trails is a newly established, community-owned business venture based in Vuadomo Village, Fiji. While the organisation has made commendable progress in launching its eco-tourism and natural resource-based initiatives—such as a waterfall spa, hiking trails, oyster farming, and sea grape cultivation—it faces significant challenges in establishing strong and sustainable business practices. As the venture is still in its formative stage, there is an urgent need to build internal capacity and ensure that business operations are grounded in sound, contextual, and relevant practices.
The Assignment
Muanivatu Trails is seeking support to further develop and enhance its existing network of hiking trails, which are central to its eco-tourism offering under the 2027 Strategic Development Plan. While some trails are already in place, they require upgrades to meet safety, accessibility, and visitor engagement standards. The organisation currently lacks technical expertise in trail design, signage installation, and storytelling integration. There is also a need to establish structured systems for trail maintenance and management to ensure the long-term sustainability of the attraction.
As VSA volunteer, you will work closely with local staff and community members to upgrade current trails and develop new ones that are safe, informative, and culturally rich. This includes the installation of signage, development of visitor facilities, and incorporation of local storytelling elements to highlight the natural and cultural significance of the area. You will also support the community in creating practical maintenance systems and processes, building local capacity to manage the trails independently.
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:
- Full time 12-month Volunteering opportunity in 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?