Monitoring Evaluation Research & Learning Adviser | Volunteer Service Abroad/Te Tūao Tāwāhi

Job 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 Samoa. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.

We are looking for an experienced Project manager, Data analyst or Policy expert 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 Samoa will be 12 months, with a possibility to extend the assignment in the future.

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 relevant Tertiary qualification in Governance/Public Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation or similar
Strong analytical skills – proven experience in data management and analysis
Extensive Project Management experience of 5+ years
Ability to use appropriate research methods to collect accurate and reliable data
Experience and technical knowledge in Agriculture and Fisheries
Comprehensive knowledge and experience with the full MS suite (MS Excel & MS Word)
Excellent communication skills
Experience working in a policy and planning unit
Experience working with results frameworks or logical frameworks

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 – Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries The goal of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) is to raise awareness and promote ways of sustainable farming and fishing activities that will maintain food security for years to come.

The ministry is the focal point in providing support to farmers and fishers through policy development, research, training, and resource management, and at the same time, promoting sustainable practices to increase productivity and economic resilience. The ministry aims to increase exports and strengthen local and international partnerships and market access

The Assignment

This assignment is a partnership assignment between VSA and MAF, the main goal of the assignment is to ensure that MAF will have robust and effective processes and practices in place to track progress and measure impact and inform strategic decisions.

The Policy, Planning, Sector Coordination & Communication Division within MAF They have identified a priority need for assistance and expertise to effectively monitor and evaluate all the activities and projects in the ministry/sector.

This would include the Sector Plan, Corporate Plan, Samoa Food System Pathway, Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Climate Change Policy, and their alignment to the SDGs. They are also responsible for overseeing the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) framework for the ministry and across the sector. The volunteer on this assignment will help support MAF to develop robust and effective MERL processes and practices while being able to track progress and measure impact and inform strategic decisions

During this assignment the volunteer will be reporting directly to the Assistant Chief Executive Officer and will be accountable to the Chief Executive Officer. On a day-to-day basis, the volunteer will predominantly work with the Senior Planning Officer and relevant personnel. 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.

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.

For a copy of the Assignment Description, please click the apply button which will direct you to the VSA website. You will be able to download a copy from the advertisement.

What’s included

Included when you join us

Flights

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.

Insurance

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.

Accommodation

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.

Living allowance

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.

Pre-departure training

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

In-country support

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?

Understand the recruitment process

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.

Participate in the briefing course

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.

Be adaptable and resilient

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.

Manage health and safety

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.

Engage in fundraising efforts

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.

Complete necessary documentation

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.