Strategy and Planning Advisor
Policy, Governance, Monitoring & Evaluation
Closing date: 5/1/2026
Download Job DescriptionApply onlineJob 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 an opportunity to become a VSA Volunteer to share your experience, skills and knowledge to serve and build capacity in the Solomon Islands.
Ideally, we are looking for a skilled and experienced volunteer, with a particular focus around strategy, analysis and planning. All while being someone who understands and shares the spirit of volunteering, with a keen interest in building capability in the Pacific.
Please note that the VSA will supports our volunteers 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:
- Undergraduate qualification education, public policy, social science or related field
- At least three years’ experience design strategies and MERL frameworks
- Strong analytical and planning skills
- Excellent problem-solving abilities
- Great organisational and communication skills
Our Partner Organisations: Literacy Association of Solomon Islands (LASI) & Coalition for Education Solomon Islands (COESI)
Literacy Association of Solomon Islands (LASI) was started in 1992 and registered in 2007. The organisation was started by like-minded people who wanted to reduce illiteracy levels in Solomon Islands especially among young people and adults who cannot read and write. LASI’s aim is to reduce illiteracy so that young people and adults can participate effectively in community life. They do this by advocating for greater access to education for all. Key stakeholders are the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority, Coalition for Education Solomon Islands and other non-government organisations. To achieve its goals, LASI develops curriculum and other materials for use in literacy and numeracy classes. They also do this by supporting literacy efforts through coordination and delivery of services for non-formal education initiatives. The Coalition for Education Solomon Islands (COESI) is a coalition of non-government organizations dedicated to the advancement of educational opportunities for all Solomon Island citizens. It was established in 2004. COESI works at grassroots and national level, along with other civil society and non-government organizations to advocate for the development of education especially for the marginalized groups. COESI, another VSA partner organisation, is seeking to refresh their strategic plan to ensure that it is current. They would also like to be able to follow an implementation plan that is realistic and they can measure progress against the outcomes they seek to achieve. The Assignment: On this assignment a volunteer would be working with two partner organisations, LASI and COESI. While working with LASI the focus would be around the development of a new strategy for the organisation. The volunteer would be working with the board and wider team to gain an understanding of its current projects, its vision and strengths, to support development of a strategy. While working with the team at COESI a volunteer would be working to support the review of their strategy. Both organisations may also need support around developing an evaluation framework and implementation plans for their respective strategies. The Country – The Solomon Islands: The Solomon Islands has over 900 islands, 5,000 rural villages and 550,000 people. Between 1999 and 2003 it experienced a period of conflict which took a heavy toll on the country and left a need for reconciliation and on-going peace and security measures. A request for assistance by the government in 2003 led Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific Island countries to form the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) which restored peace and security. VSA has established a strong presence in Solomon Islands through its ongoing partnerships with multiple in-country partners, including strong relationships with Solomon Islands Government. Me pēhea te tuku tono| How to apply: Please apply for this opportunity through our website. For more information or if you have any questions on this assignment, you are welcome to email our recruitment team at: volunteer@vsa.org.nz. Noting that due to our VSA funding requirements, our volunteers must be a NZ citizen or NZ Permanent Resident to progress further in our recruitment process.
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.
