Job description
Becoming a UniVol is a unique experience of a lifetime, providing many personal and professional opportunities that will have a positive impact for years to come.
What is UniVol?
The UniVol programme is a collaboration between VSA and some of New Zealand's tertiary education institutions. If you are accepted into the programme, you will be offered a placement with one of VSA’s partner organisations in a Pacific country. UniVol assignments typically begin in February each year and run for 6-10 months.
As a university graduate, our UniVol programme gives you a unique opportunity to expand your horizons through volunteering – living and working with VSA's partner organisations overseas will transform your own life as well as the lives of others.
The experiences and challenges on assignment will provide you with both personal and professional development that will set you apart from others. Make the most of your time abroad by learning new life skills which will be valuable wherever your career takes you.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible, you must be graduating this year or, have graduated within the last 2-years, aged between 18-30-years, and are a NZ citizen or NZ permanent resident.
Applications for next year's deployment will open in April and the recruitment process will be finalised by the start of October. The UniVol team will be visiting universities between May and August so keep an eye on our website for when our Roadshow will coming near you!
Timelines:
Applications Open: 15th June 2026
Applications Close: 2nd August 2026
1st Round Interview week: 18th August 2026
Panel Interviews: 1st September 2026
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the team at univol@vsa.org.nz
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.
