Volunteer with VSA

Change your scene and become a VSA Volunteer and share your experience, knowledge, and skills to transform the lives of many.
Work with our partner organisation to create a fair future for all. 
 
VSA will organise and fund, flights, visas, insurance, accommodation, living allowance and utilities while on assignment. 

Please note VSA Volunteers must be a NZ citizen or permanent resident. 

Volunteering with VSA 
 
Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) is not your typical volunteering agency, we are committed to building sustainable communities across the Pacific. If you’re an experienced Geographic Information System (GIS) & Data Management Specialist, looking for an extraordinary overseas experience in the Pacific to build into your field of expertise – working collaboratively with the Live & Learn Environmental Education (LLEE) Society,then read on, as we have an exciting opportunity in store for you!
 
Our Partner Organisation - Live & Learn Environmental Education (LLEE) Society

Live & Learn Environmental Education (LLEE) Society is a non-profit, non-political organization that comprise of a network of registered organizations across Asia Pacific, including LLEE-Samoa. 

A major project implemented by LLEE across the Pacific is the Climate
Resilient Islands (CRI), funded by NZ MFAT, that aim to strengthen the resilience of rural community to the impacts of climate change through
nature-based approaches.

CRI has three interconnected outcome areas:
1. Improved ecological resilience through nature-based land management.
2. Enhanced community resilience through nature-based livelihoods and food security.
3. Improved community preparedness and resilience to climate-related disasters.
The CRI programme uses a complex range of approaches and concepts, combining a diversity of activities communities can use to explore the interdependence of people and ecosystems, understand ecological complexity and develop nature-based plans for adaptation and resilience.

LLEE-Samoa is taking a bold and fearless approach to the customization and application of the CRI toolkit to ensure it adds the most value to the partnerships between the Government Ministries, coordinated the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) and Villages in the implementation of their CIM Plans.

The aim is to shift the focus of the CRI toolkit customization and support for evidence-based climate resilient planning processes to farming communities and farmer-based organizations instead of village and district-based communities. The customization of the CRI toolkit for Samoa will also ensure alignment and with the implementation of the Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Sector Climate Change Policy (SAFCCP 2023-2028).

The Assignment

This assignment is a partnership assignment between VSA and Live and Learn Environmental Education – Samoa (LLEE-Samoa).
Live & Learn Environmental Education (LLEE) Society recognizes the need to strengthen the resilience of rural farming communities through the development sustainable strategies, plans and processes.

A volunteer will provide technical expertise through advising on systems and processes to support the implementation of a plan to customize and adapt the CRI toolkit by strengthening the organization's strategies, capacity building and capabilities for the collection, storage and interpretation of geospatial and geography data. Additionally, the volunteer will also the volunteer will also assist the community with decisions on land-based natural resources and ecosystems.

The Volunteer

Are you someone who wants to make a difference, have a sense of adventure and like the challenge of being outside your comfort zone?  VSA Volunteers are technical experts who impart their skills and knowledge to the local community. You will need to be flexible, adaptable, resourceful, resilient with a passion for Aotearoa and the wider Pacific community.

We're looking for a volunteer with the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree - Computer Science, Data Sciences, Geographic Information Systems, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in database administration.
• Demonstrated experience in the use of GIS equipment and programming.
• Sound understanding of data migration methodologies and tools.
• Experience developing guidelines and standards for the storage and retrieval of data.
• Excellent communication skills – verbal and written.
• Experience in training, coaching and mentoring.

Desirable

• Detail orientation with commitment to data accuracy and integrity.
• Ability to deliver on tasks in a timely manner.

The Country

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 neighboring 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.
  
Apply Now!

Apply for this amazing opportunity through our website. For more information on this assignment, email volunteer@vsa.org.nz.

To review the full assignment description please copy and paste the below link into your browser: 

If you are on the VSA website, please click on the download assignment description tab above.

We are looking for a volunteer with:

• Flights, accommodation and other living expenses funded by VSA!
• Full-time 12 months volunteering opportunity in Apia!
• Make a lasting difference in Samoa!