Clinical Nursing Mentor - Volunteer in PNG
Healthcare & Medical
Closing date: 2/3/2026
Download Job DescriptionApply onlineJob description
The Assignment The Clinical Nursing Mentor position is part of a collaborative initiative supported by the VSA Programme in PNG, aimed at enhancing healthcare outcomes through improved clinical capacity and capability among nurses and allied healthcare workers.
This initiative focuses on targeted training and mentorship to equip nursing students and healthcare professionals with essential skills for effective patient care. The Clinical Nursing Mentor will provide expert guidance, training, and mentorship to nursing students and healthcare professionals in East New Britain, with the objective of enhancing clinical competencies, improving patient care practices, strengthening healthcare service delivery, and identifying and addressing gaps in clinical nursing education and practice.
This volunteer position combines clinical expertise with teaching skills to ensure that nursing students receive high quality, hands-on learning experiences in real healthcare settings.
Whenever practicable, the mentor will also support the strengthening of management and leadership capabilities among healthcare workers to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
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:
- Registered Nurse with a valid practising licence and extensive clinical experience in a hospital or healthcare setting.
- Proven track record in clinical mentoring and training, ideally within nursing education or capacity-building programmes.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of effectively mentoring and supporting diverse groups of healthcare professionals.
- Commitment to delivering quality patient care, adhering to evidence-based practice, and pursuing professional development.
- Excellent relationship management skills (ability to relate well to people from different backgrounds and cultures) combined with a respectful and culturally sensitive demeanour.
- Ability to work independently, possibly remotely, and be self motivated.
- Patience, flexibility, and tolerance when working in a multicultural context.
The Country
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.
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: https://vsa.org.nz/assets/Assignment-Descriptions-2019-2020/2024/October-2024/Clinical-Nursing-Mentor-PNG-42065.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.
