Systems Digital Services Librarian
Education & Training
Closing date: 11/27/2025
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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 Digital Services Librarian 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 4-6 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 degree in Library Science or information management or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience in acquiring and implementing Digital Library Systems.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work well independently and in a team.
- Proven experience with digital asset management systems and institutional repositories.
- Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and provide technical support.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
- Knowledge of copyright and licensing regulations.
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 - St. Peter Chanel Catholic College of Secondary Teacher Education (Ulapia).
St. Peter Chanel Catholic College of Secondary Teacher Education (Ulapia) was established to address the long-standing shortage of qualified secondary school teachers, particularly in mathematics and science subjects. The College's vision is to prepare the next generation of educators who not only educate but also inspire and motivate their students to reach their full potential.
St. Peter Chanel Catholic College of Secondary Teacher Education provides education covering knowledge areas including pedagogy, content, epistemology, psychology, sociology, and religious education.
The College offers rigorous academic programmes and practical experience in diverse educational settings, ensuring our graduates are prepared for success in any teaching environment, be it urban or rural. As one of the leading teacher training institutions in PNG, the College aims to create a supportive and challenging learning environment that equips graduates for success both in the classroom and beyond. One of the major goals of the College is to provide a high-quality education that equips future teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful impact on the lives of their students.
The Assignment
This assignment is a partnership assignment between VSA and St Peter Chanel Catholic College of Secondary Teacher Education (Ulapia).
In this assignment a VSA volunteer that is an experienced Systems & Digital Services Librarian (SDSL) is required to assist in developing, implementing, and managing digital library systems and technologies.
The VSA volunteer will oversee the selection and implementation of necessary infrastructure (platforms) and the integration of digital resources.
The VSA volunteer will also provide training and mentorship in managing digital collections to ensure effective technology use for enhancing library services and user experience. Additionally, the volunteer will offer training, coaching, and mentoring to staff and students to improve access to quality digital teaching and learning resources, ultimately aiming to better meet student needs and enhance learning outcomes.
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 opportunity through our website.
For more information or if you have any questions 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/March-2024/Systems-Digital-Services-Librarian-PNG-41964-PD.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.
