Organisational Development Adviser
Organisational Development and Human Resources
Closing date: 8/6/2026
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 your opportunity to become a VSA Volunteer to share your experience, skills and knowledge to serve and build capacity in Kiribati. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.
We are looking for an experienced senior leader someone with the right level of transferrable skills, experienced in policy and strategy development, who understands and shares the spirit of volunteering, with a keen interest in building capability in the Pacific (while embracing a new cultural experience).
The length of this assignment in Kiribati 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.
- Experience in developing strategic plans and policies
- Management experience, preferably within an NGO
- Understanding of organisational operations across a broad range of functions, e.g., finance,human resources, procurement.
- Strong communication, consultation and mentoring skills
- Proven experience in successful grant sourcing OR good knowledge of the grant sourcing process
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.
Our Partner Organisation – Teitoiningaina
Teitoiningaina is the National Catholic Women’s Association of Kiribati, with over 35,000 members across the country. Its strategic goals are to:
- Empower and equip women to manage their roles as wives, mothers, single parents, community, and church members.
- Reduce poverty, promote food security, and build climate change resilience.
- Support and sustain Christian living, peace and stability in the family, the community and society.
Key specific strategies to achieve these goals include training women on nutrition, cooking, sewing, handicraft making; implementing financial literacy and marketing programmes; and promotion of family health care programmes.
The Assignment
This assignment is a partnership assignment between VSA and Teitoiningaina.
A VSA volunteer is needed to support the development of a programme-based strategic plan in line with KV20 and the Association's constitution. This will include a review and development of the organisation's mission, vision and thematic areas, guiding the consultation and data-gathering process, developing goals and a strategic plan framework, and development of policies and procedures. This volunteer would also support Teitoiningaina's access to development funding and grants.
The Country – Kiribati
The Republic of Kiribati (‘kee-ree-bus’), formerly the Gilbert Islands, is a Micronesian country comprising 32 atolls and one raised phosphate island (Banaba), spread across all 4 of the world's hemispheres. Kiribati has a population of just under 120,000, half of whom live in the densely populated capital of South Tarawa.
The average height of the atolls is just over 2 metres above sea level, making Kiribati highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The mwaneaba (community house) is traditionally the centre of community life where community discussions, council meetings and celebrations occur, and important decisions are made.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply: 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.
Apply for this opportunity through our website: www.vsa.org.nz
For more information or if you have any questions on this assignment, email volunteer@vsa.org.nz.
For a copy of the Assignment Description, please click the apply button which will direct you to the VSA website. You will be able to download a copy from the advertisement.
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.
