Communications and Publications Officer
UniVol
Closing date: 8/9/2026
Download Job DescriptionApply onlineJob description
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 eleven assignments we will be aiming to deploy to in early 2027. This assignment will be working with the team at the Pacific Academy of Sciences seeking ways to support and enhance their communications systems and public engagement.
Our Partner and Assignment Summary:
For this assignment the VSA are working with the Pacific Academy of Science (PAS). A volunteer on this assignment will support PAS to strengthen their communications systems, public visibility, and engagement across Samoa and the wider Pacific region. As a newly established regional charitable organisation, PAS is continuing to build its profile as the Pacific voice for science and indigenous knowledge while promoting the work of Pacific scientists, researchers, and scholars.
This assignment will contribute to organisational growth by supporting the development and implementation of effective communication and publication practices that increase awareness of PAS programmes, research outputs, and regional initiatives through media engagement, website content, social media platforms, publications, and public outreach activities.
A volunteer would be working closely with the Secretariat team, local scientists, and university student interns, the volunteer will help strengthen PAS’ communication capability through practical skills sharing, mentorship, and systems development. The work of this role will also go towards supporting the preparation for a future fully funded Communications and Publications Officer position planned for 2027 by helping to set up sustainable communication processes and capacity building within the organisation.
About Samoa:
A volunteer deployed on this assignment would be based in Apia, Samoa. The volunteer will be based in a shared office located in the Oloamanu Building at the National University of Samoa in Apia. The office is situated within a secure University, providing a safe and accessible working environment with nearby public transport and access to essential amenities. The surrounding area offers convenient access to basic services, transport options, and university facilities. The workplace environment is considered safe and well-established within the university setting. Skills we are seeking:
We believe that for a volunteer to succeed on this assignment they would need a number of key skills. Given the nature of the assignment outstanding communication skills would be essential, this would extend to verbal, written and digital forms of communication. A volunteer would also need strong administrative and organisational skills, as well as research, planning and content development skills. A particular focus would be on the development of digital media but experience or an understanding of other publications like newsletters, reports or other promotional materials would be needed as well.
On top of all this a volunteer on this assignment would need to be able to collaborate and work well with others while balancing staying focused on the goals of the assignment. Willingness to learn Samoan will be key to a volunteer having a positive experience on assignment. This assignment would likely be well suited to a volunteer with an academic background in Communications, media, journalism, public relations or marketing.
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.
