Curatorial Advisor
Closing Date: 14 March 2026
Category: Youth Engagement & Community Development
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 Vanuatu. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.
We are looking for an experienced Curatorial 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 Vanuatu 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:
Our Partner Organisation – Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta
The Assignment
This assignment is a partnership assignment between VSA and Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta (VKS).
The current exhibits at the National Museum of Vanuatu have been in place since its opening in 1995 with little change. VKS need new, vibrant, and modern exhibits. There is a need for strategic planning and long-term vision to guide exhibitions, programs, and community engagement in alignment with national cultural priorities. The museum also requires expertise in exhibition design and development to create engaging, educational, and culturally relevant displays, as well as support for developing new galleries and renovating existing spaces.
The December 2024 earthquake left damage to the floor, ceiling, fans, and lighting in the Museum. VKS will be receiving funds by beginning of 2026 from UNESCO for the restoration of the National Museum.
The museum also seeks support in funding and resource mobilisation, including identifying grant opportunities and advising on the effective allocation of resources. Enhancing community engagement is a priority, with programs designed to connect local communities, schools, and visitors to the museum’s cultural offerings.
The Country
Vanuatu is situated on a volcanic archipelago of 86 islands where traditional lifestyles exist side by side with modern tourist resorts. Around 110 indigenous languages are still spoken by an average of only 2,000 people per language, making it the country with the highest density of languages per capita in the world.
The majority of people living in Vanuatu are Melanesian. It is a predominantly Christian country. Vanuatu culture retains a strong diversity derived from regional variations and an adherence to custom (traditional practices and lifestyles).
Vanuatu's economy is primarily agriculture-based and engages approximately 80 per cent of the population. Copra, kava and beef make up more than 75 per cent of total agricultural exports, with agriculture accounting for around 20 per cent of GDP.
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. Noting that due to our VSA funding requirements, our volunteers must be a NZ citizen or NZ Permanent Resident to progress further in our recruitment process.
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 Vanuatu. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.
We are looking for an experienced Curatorial 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 Vanuatu 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:
- Museum and gallery management
- Exhibition design and development
- Project management and coordination
- Strategic planning
- Fundraising and proposal writing
- Procurement
- Budget planning and oversight
- Excellent communication skills
Our Partner Organisation – Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta
The Assignment
This assignment is a partnership assignment between VSA and Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta (VKS).
The current exhibits at the National Museum of Vanuatu have been in place since its opening in 1995 with little change. VKS need new, vibrant, and modern exhibits. There is a need for strategic planning and long-term vision to guide exhibitions, programs, and community engagement in alignment with national cultural priorities. The museum also requires expertise in exhibition design and development to create engaging, educational, and culturally relevant displays, as well as support for developing new galleries and renovating existing spaces.
The December 2024 earthquake left damage to the floor, ceiling, fans, and lighting in the Museum. VKS will be receiving funds by beginning of 2026 from UNESCO for the restoration of the National Museum.
The museum also seeks support in funding and resource mobilisation, including identifying grant opportunities and advising on the effective allocation of resources. Enhancing community engagement is a priority, with programs designed to connect local communities, schools, and visitors to the museum’s cultural offerings.
The Country
Vanuatu is situated on a volcanic archipelago of 86 islands where traditional lifestyles exist side by side with modern tourist resorts. Around 110 indigenous languages are still spoken by an average of only 2,000 people per language, making it the country with the highest density of languages per capita in the world.
The majority of people living in Vanuatu are Melanesian. It is a predominantly Christian country. Vanuatu culture retains a strong diversity derived from regional variations and an adherence to custom (traditional practices and lifestyles).
Vanuatu's economy is primarily agriculture-based and engages approximately 80 per cent of the population. Copra, kava and beef make up more than 75 per cent of total agricultural exports, with agriculture accounting for around 20 per cent of GDP.
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. Noting that due to our VSA funding requirements, our volunteers must be a NZ citizen or NZ Permanent Resident to progress further in our recruitment process.
We are looking for a volunteer with:
- Experience in museum and gallery management
- Exhibition design and development
- Ability to integrate modern technology into museum displays
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?