Aquaculture Training Mentor - Volunteer in PNG
Agriculture & Horticultural Sustainability
Closing date: 10/13/2025
Download Job DescriptionApply onlineJob description
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 Papua New Guinea. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.
We are looking for an experienced Aquaculture professional 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 the Papua New Guinea will be 6 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:
- A tertiary qualification in Aquaculture, Marine Biology, Fisheries, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of experience in aquaculture production, management, or research, with a focus on sustainable practices.
- Experience in aquaculture training and education.
- Sound knowledge of fish biology, nutrition, health, and diseases.
- Strong skills in training and capacity-building.
- Excellent communication and report-writing abilities.
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 - the National Fisheries Authority
The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is the government agency responsible for managing and conserving Papua New Guinea's fisheries resources. Established under the Fisheries Management Act 1998 and related regulations, the NFA develops and enforces policies and regulations for the fisheries sector. The Authority's responsibilities include conducting research, issuing fishing licenses and permits, monitoring compliance, and promoting sustainable fishing practices. It collaborates closely with various stakeholders, including government entities, the private sector, NGOs, and communities, to ensure the sustainable management of fishery resources. Together, these efforts support the economic well-being of Papua New Guineans and enhance food and nutrition security. Furthermore, through its arm – the National Fisheries College (NFC) – the NFA provides training in fishery resources management.
The NFC is part of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and is the leading institution providing technical and vocational training programmes related to various aspects of fisheries and marine resource management. These programmes cover Commercial Fishing Operations, Post-Harvest Operations, and Aquaculture. NFC provides training and education in aquaculture as part of its broader efforts to promote sustainable economic development, enhance food security, strengthen livelihoods, and address challenges related to poverty and nutrition in Papua New Guinea. NFC's educational and training facilities include the NFC College in Kavieng and the Nago Island Mariculture Research Facility (NIMRF).
The Assignment
This assignment is a partnership assignment between VSA and the National Fisheries Authority.
The primary goal of this assignment is to enhance the National Fisheries College’s capacity and capabilities to develop and deliver sustainable aquaculture training, education, and research programmes. This will support the long-term sustainability and resilience of the aquaculture sector and contribute to positive environmental, economic, and social impacts.
The Country – Papua New Guinea
Most people living in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are Melanesian, but some are Micronesian or Polynesian. PNG has over 800 known languages although there are three official languages: Tok Pisin, English, and Hiri Motu. Numerous indigenous languages are still used by people from a society that ranges from traditional village-based life to modern urban living.
Underlying the Papua New Guinean culture is the wantok system. Wantok, or ‘one talk’, refers to the people who speak your language or your extended family/clan; a Papua New Guinean’s primary loyalty will be to their wantok.
The country is predominately Christian, with indigenous faith and spirituality still important to many locals.
The people of Papua New Guinea are famously warm and hospitable and the isolated mountain ranges are often home to unique fauna and flora found nowhere else in the world.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply: 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: https://vsa.org.nz/assets/Assignment-Descriptions-2019-2020/2024/August-2024/Aquaculture-Training-Mentor-PNG-42031.pdf
If you are on the VSA website, please click on the download assignment description tab above.
What’s included
Included when you join us
VSA organises and fully funds return economy-class international flights between New Zealand and your host country, plus any approved domestic travel connected to your assignment.
You’re covered under VSA’s comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy, which also includes emergency evacuation and personal belongings coverage. Before departure, you’ll receive full information on what’s covered and how to access support.
VSA arranges and funds safe, furnished accommodation throughout your assignment, whether you're in a capital or rural location. A housing checklist ensures your needs are met for comfort and security.
You’ll receive a modest monthly living allowance, paid into a local bank account, designed to cover essentials like food, transport, and utilities. This is in line with VSA’s cost-of-living support for volunteers.
Before you leave, VSA provides a multi-day residential briefing in Wellington, fully funded by VSA. This includes cultural orientation, language training, health and safety guidelines, and logistical preparation to get you deployment-ready
From your first day on assignment, you’ll have strong in-country support from VSA staff, Programme Managers and Coordinators, who provide orientation, security briefings, pastoral care, and ongoing assistance throughout your placement.
Preparation
How to prepare?
Be prepared for a comprehensive recruitment journey. This includes initial screening, background checks, and two interviews, one of which is a panel interview with a subject matter expert. Only after successfully completing these steps will you receive a provisional offer and begin the onboarding process. It’s essential to wait for VSA’s confirmation before making significant life changes, such as resigning from your job or selling property, as there may be delays in immigration or medical clearances.
Once accepted, you'll be invited to attend a multi-day residential briefing in Wellington. This course equips you with tools for success, covering cultural orientation, safety protocols, health preparation, and assignment logistics. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with other outgoing volunteers.
Volunteering abroad can be both deeply rewarding and personally challenging. Conditions may be unfamiliar, and change is often constant. Bring flexibility, a sense of humour, and a willingness to learn from others, you’ll grow alongside the community you’re there to support.
You’ll need to complete a health screening and ensure all required vaccinations are up to date. VSA provides medical and travel insurance, but you are also responsible for managing your day-to-day wellbeing. Think about how you'll maintain mental and physical health while overseas.
VSA asks volunteers to become ambassadors for the kaupapa. You will be asked to fundraise $1,000 to support the programme and raise awareness about your assignment. We provide resources and guidance to help you share your story and connect your networks with the impact of your work.
The platform we ask you to use is Raisely.
From visa applications to police checks and health forms, there are a few critical administrative tasks before departure. Our team will guide you through the steps to make sure everything is completed on time and with ease.
