Manager People, Safety & Workplace

Join VSA as the Lead for People, Safety & Workplace, where you will combine hands-on and strategic leadership to foster a values-driven, supportive, and inclusive team. In this generalist role, you will shape workplace culture, ensure people feel empowered and supported, and contribute to a not-for-profit committed to people-centred change.

What you'll do

This role combines operational delivery with strategic leadership of VSA’s People, Safety and Workplace function within a small, collaborative and close-knit team. You’ll lead the design and implementation of our People, Hauora, and Health & Safety strategies and initiatives, including:

• Recruitment, onboarding, and performance processes that attract, grow and retain great people while fostering inclusion and belonging
• Embedding our new comprehensive Hauora, Health and Safety Framework to keep our team safe and thriving
• Acting as a trusted advisor and coach to managers and kaimahi, providing reliable, high-quality, culturally aware advice on people matters
• Fostering a culture of learning, professional growth, and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Strengthening organisational systems, policies, and practices to support engagement, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness
• Ensuring our Wellington office facilities run smoothly and supports a positive working environment.

Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako – Essential skills/experiences for the role

• 5+ years senior HR or people leadership experience in a generalist role (not-for-profit experience is advantageous).
• A relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience), with a solid understanding of NZ employment law (knowledge of employment law in the Pacific is advantageous).
• Excellent people skills to build trust, psychological safety and work respectfully across cultures.
• Strong communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.
• A collaborative, proactive approach and a genuine passion for supporting, coaching, and developing people.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and growing cultural capability in our VSA team.
• Experience leading initiatives that strengthen organisational culture, engagement, and inclusion.
• An understanding of remuneration and job evaluation systems.
• Confidence using data to generate insights and guide decision-making.
• Experience leading coaching, performance, and inclusion initiatives that strengthen organisational culture.
• Experience using EmploymentHero (or similar HRIS) is an advantage, but not essential.
• Tech-savvy with Office 365 and a proactive, can-do attitude.
• A genuine interest in international development and making a difference.

Why VSA
At VSA we believe in the power of people helping people. VSA is Aotearoa’s largest international volunteer charity, sending skilled Kiwis to work alongside communities in the Pacific, supporting locally led change through sharing skills and knowledge.

We’re all about manaakitanga – respectful partnerships, cross-cultural learning, and sustainable change. Our work is guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and underpinned by manaakitanga, respectful partnerships, and the spirit of volunteering.

Your work will help create a supportive workplace that enables our staff and volunteers to make a meaningful difference across the Pacific.

Te tono – How to apply:
Volunteer Services Abroad values diversity and is committed to an inclusive, flexible, and supportive workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and welcome the unique talent and experience you will bring to the VSA team.

This role is based in Wellington CBD. If you would like to know more about this role or VSA, or have any questions about applying, please reach out to Kate Maxwell (Hiring Manager) at kmaxwell@vsa.org.nz (kmaxwell@vsa.org.nz) or 027 204 5612, or Ngaire Titov-Smith (Current People, Safety & Workplace Manager at ntitov-smith@vsa.org.nz (ntitov-smith@vsa.org.nz) or 027 447 7005.

To apply please submit your cover letter & CV via www.Seek.co.nz (https://www.seek.co.nz/job/90828411) or directly through careers@vsa.org.nz (careers@vsa.org.nz)

Applications Close:

Sunday 22 March at 5pm. We will review applications as they are received and may invite suitable candidates to interview before the closing date.

All applicants will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in New Zealand.