Administration Assistant - Univol
UniVol
Closing date: 8/9/2026
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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.
Volunteer Services Abroad (VSA) connects volunteers with organisations and communities in the Pacific and beyond to support locally identified aspirations and achieve sustainable change.
We are New Zealand's largest and most experienced volunteering agency working in international development, placing over 100 volunteers each year. For the last twenty years the VSA has been operating our Univol programme, a volunteering programme with assignments specifically designed with recent graduates in mind. Each assignment represents an amazing opportunity to get involved in developing capability and capacity across a number of key areas.
As this assignment is a part of our Univol programme, it is one of ten assignments we will be aiming to deploy to in early 2027. This assignment will be working across a youth programme seeking ways to support and enhance youth development in Apia, Samoa.
Our Partner and Assignment Summary:
For this assignment we have partnered with Teen Challenge Samoa (TCS). They began their operations in May 2017 under the umbrella of Apia Harvest Centre Church which is an English-speaking church of the Assemblies of God denomination in Samoa. TCS is committed to helping young people ranging from young teens through to young adults in their late twenties develop holistically by offering counselling and mentoring programs with a focus on developing and nurturing the whole person, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
A UniVol volunteer on this assignment would be deployed in Samoa early in 2027 to help support the team with their programme and outreach development, in addition to this support with organisational and process design would also be something the volunteer on this assignment could be working on. By the end of the assignment the aim would be for the team at TCS to have improved and strengthened a number of their processes.
About Samoa:
A volunteer deployed on this assignment would be based in Apia, Samoa. The TCS offices are in the Apia Harvest Church compound, a two minute walk from the VSA office in the township area, and close to a number of amenities. Volunteers would have access to work from the VSA offices and the TCS offices. As part of the Recruitment process for applicants progressing on this assignment, we would offer opportunities to connect with the team in country and former volunteers to learn more about Samoa prior to deployment.
Skills we are seeking:
We believe that for a volunteer to succeed on this assignment they would need a number of key skills. First and foremost we would be looking for a volunteer with amazing analysis skills, creative problem solving skills as well as organisational awareness. In terms of relevant academic background, we could consider applicants across a wide array of skill sets from Business Administration, Industrial Psychology, Communications, Finance and accounting to name a few. Unsurprisingly communication skills would also be key in both the ability to connect with who you are communicating with but also someone who can also pick up languages quickly, willingness to learn Samoan will be key to a volunteer having a positive experience on assignment.
Application Instructions:
If this opportunity is of interest, please apply through the link below. If you have any questions about this assignment or the Univol programme as a whole you are more than welcome to check in with the Recruitment team via email at volunteer@vsa.org.nz.
Please note applications will be closing in early August 2026, so get any applications or queries in prior to that as the team will be assessing applications and queries as they arrive.
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.
