Job description
Share your nursing expertise and make a lasting impact in strengthening healthcare practises.
Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) is seeking experienced nursing professionals to partner with health and education institutions across the Pacific. These assignments support local nurses, educators, health leaders and training organisations to strengthen healthcare delivery and workforce development.
If you are passionate about mentoring others, building local capability and working alongside colleagues in diverse cultural settings, we would love to hear from you!
We currently have the following assignments available:
Bougainville
- Nurse Learning Advisor
Fiji
- Nursing Unit Management Mentor
Kiribati
- Midwifery Education Adviser
Papua New Guinea
- Clinical Nurse Educator
- Community-based Geriatric Nurse Mentor
- Clinical Nursing Mentor
Solomon Islands
- Nursing Education Mentor - Helena Goldie
- Nursing Education Mentor -Gizo
- Nursing Education Mentor - Honiara
Depending on the role and partner organisation, VSA nursing volunteers may:
- Mentor and support nursing and midwifery educators
- Strengthen clinical teaching and assessment practices
- Support curriculum development and quality improvement initiatives
- Build leadership and management capability within health services
- Assist with professional development programmes for nursing staff
- Support community health, aged care and chronic disease management initiatives
- Work collaboratively with local counterparts to achieve sustainable outcomes.
We are looking for
Applicants that have:
- A Bachelor on Nursing, or Midwifery or equivalent tertiary qualification or higher
- Current nursing or midwifery registration
- At least 3-5 years of relevant clinical, education, leadership, or management experience.
- Strong communication, mentoring and relationship-building skills
- An ability to work respectfully across cultures and within resource-constrained environments.
- A commitment to capacity building and knowledge sharing.
What VSA offers
- The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to health outcomes in the Pacific.
- Pre-departure preparation and on-going support.
- Living allowance and accommodation provided
- International flights, insurance and in-country support including language lessons
- A rewarding professional and personal development experience.
About VSA
Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) in New Zealand's leading international development organisation. We work in partnership with communities, governments and organisations throughout the Pacific to share skills, strengthen capability and create lasting positive change
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Apply Now! We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed, we still want to hear from you.
At VSA, we recognise that transferable skills, adaptability, cross-cultural awareness, relationship-building abilities, and a shared commitment to sustainable development can be just as valuable as specific technical expertise.
If you are an experienced nursing professional looking to contribute your skills in a meaningful international development context, we encourage you to copy the link below or apply through our website www.vsa.org.nz
Together, we can strengthen nursing education, clinical practice and health outcomes across the wider Pacific region.
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.
