Social Media & Communications Assistant-UniVol
UniVol
Closing date: 8/10/2025
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2025/2026 Graduate Volunteer (UniVol) Programme
Have you recently graduated, or graduating in 2025?
Are you willing to take your knowledge, skills and experience to build capacity in the Pacific?
Are you ready to embrace and fully immerse into Pacific culture?
If you have answered “yes” to all the above questions, then please keep reading as the Volunteer Services Abroad (VSA) - Te Tūao Tāwāhi UniVol Programme is looking for motivated, service-minded and passionate graduates for our 2026 intake!
VSA’s UniVol programme aims to provide new graduates with a unique cultural experience in the Pacific while contributing to existing VSA programmes and improving international development education in New Zealand.
To be eligible for this programme you will need to:
- Be a New Zealand citizen or Permanent Resident
- Be 30 years old or under
- Have recently graduated, or graduating in 2025, from a New Zealand University.
Your Gateway to Global Impact and International Development!
As part of our programme, you’ll receive comprehensive support, including:
- Fully covered travel expenses – no need to worry about flights or transport costs
- Accommodation provided – your home away from home, taken care of
- Living allowance – so you can focus on your mission without financial stress and more!
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.
VSA connects skilled volunteers with organisations and communities in the Pacific and beyond to support locally identified aspirations and achieve sustainable change.
VSA is New Zealand's largest and most experienced volunteering agency working in international development. We provide skilled volunteers from Aotearoa to support organisations in the Pacific and beyond through capacity building, both in-country and virtually.
About the Assignment - The UniVol will work alongside the Policy, planning and Communication Division (PPCD) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to provide support and assist with building capacity and promoting all MAF programmes.
The Policy, Planning and Communication Division (PPCD) handles all communications, information, and awareness of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF).
Agriculture is the backbone of Samoa’s economy, providing livelihoods for a significant portion of the population and contributing substantially to the nation’s food and nutrition security and exports. However, the full potential of the agricultural sector remains untapped, particularly in terms of awareness and communication.
The Partner Organisation - Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) in Samoa was officially established in 1972 to manage the development of agriculture and fisheries. The key priorities of MAF are to improve food security, support farmers and fishers, and protect the environment (ocean and land). The ministry promotes
the growing of more local food, which will reduce the reliance on imported food items from abroad. It also works to train farmers and fishers, provide better tools and knowledge, and encourage young people to join the sector and to uphold the value of sustainable farming and fishing if they learn the right skills.
The Country - Samoa 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 neighbouring 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. About You
Essential
- Qualification and proven experience in Media and Communications or a relevant field.
- Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), report writing skills.
- Ability to develop media software.
- Experience in communications and social media platforms.
- Ability to train and mentor in communications and the effective use of social media.
- Demonstrated proficiency in operating various types of media equipment, with a strong understanding of each device and best practices for their effective use.
Desirable
- Skills in graphic design.
- Skills in photography and videography
Apply Now!
At VSA, we value the unique perspectives and cultural capabilities that Māori and Pacific peoples bring to our work. We’re especially eager to welcome candidates who are deeply connected to whānau, community, church, work, or lived experiences that strengthen ties to Māori and Pacific peoples.
If this resonates with you, please highlight your connections, experiences, and cultural strengths in your cover letter and CV—we’d love to hear about how you can make an impact with VSA!
You can apply for up to five (5) UniVol assignments. You do not need to create a separate cover letter for each, however, please state in your cover letter which assignments you are applying for in order of your most preferred assignment.
Apply now for this opportunity through our website www.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-2019-2020/2025/UniVol-2026/Social-Media-Communications-Asst-UniVol-SAM-42180.pdf
Please note, we cannot guarantee that if you are successful, you will be offered your first preferences.
For more information or if you have any questions, please email univol@vsa.org.nz.
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 encourages volunteers to become ambassadors for the kaupapa. You will be invited to fundraise 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.
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.
