Automative Specialist
Engineering & Built Environment
Closing date: 6/23/2026
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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 Fiji. Work alongside the Pacific Polytech to plan and create a brighter future for all.
We are looking for an experienced Mechanic, automotive expert or someone with the right level of transferrable skills, who understands and shares the spirit of volunteering, with a keen interest in reviewing and improving qualifications (while embracing a new cultural experience). The length of this assignment in Fiji will be 12 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.
- Practical and comprehensive experience in the fields of Automotive Light Mechanics, Automotive Electrical & Electronics, Auto-mechanics - Hybrids & EVs, or Heavy Automotives.
- Experience developing specialist training courses.
- A diploma or degree in the field of Mechanical engineering.
- Outstanding communication skills
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.
The Assignment: In this assignment with Pacific Polytech, you will play a key role in enhancing vocational education in Fiji by reviewing and improving
Provider Qualifications (PQs) for automotive mechanics. You will work closely with the Heads of School and trainers to identify gaps, update PQs, and ensure they meet industry standards and receive approval. You will bring a fresh perspective, and your expertise will help elevate the quality of training in areas such as Automotive Light Mechanics, Electrical & Electronics, Hybrids & EVs, and Heavy Automotives.
Additionally, you will provide
Training of Trainers workshops and hands-on coaching to enhance the skills and confidence of local trainers across multiple campuses. This collaboration will ultimately improve the learning experience for students and increase their employability, addressing the national skills gap. The assignment offers the opportunity to travel across Fiji, support grassroots education, and contribute to building a more skilled and resilient workforce. Our Partner Organisation - Pacific Polytech
Pacific Polytech is a not-for-profit technical training institution in Fiji, established in 2021 to address the gap left by the closure of the Technical Colleges of Fiji. It provides accessible Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to students, in both urban and rural areas. With campuses across Fiji and expansion plans underway, Pacific Polytech equips students with essential skills and qualifications for better employment opportunities. Committed to strengthening Fiji’s workforce, the organisation plays a vital role in supporting economic development by addressing the national skills shortage in key industries like manufacturing, construction, and services.
The Country – Fiji
Fiji includes the other 3 cultural groups called Fijians -Rotuma, Rabi, and Kioa (Rabian and Kioans) were resettled in Fiji after being evacuated from Ocean islands, Tuvalu and Kiribati).
It is a destination attraction for its coral reefs, clear lagoons, and tropical landscapes. Fijian indigenous society is very communal, with great importance attached to the family unit, the village, and the vanua (land). With the introduction of traditions such as Indian and Chinese and significant influences from Europe and Fiji's Pacific neighbours, particularly Tonga and Samoa, these various cultures have come together to create a multicultural national identity for Fiji.
Fiji has several development goals they are focusing on as a country such as lowering youth unemployment rates, reducing poverty, reducing child mortality and gender inequality, increasing environmental sustainability, and improving the health and education status of its citizens.
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/December-2024/AD-Automotives-Mechanic-FIJ-42106-Pacific-Polytech.pdf
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.
