Small-scale Pig Farming Training Advisor | Volunteer Service Abroad/Te Tūao Tāwāhi

Job description

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 Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) is not your typical volunteering agency, we are committed to building sustainable communities across the Pacific. If you’re an experienced Pig Framer/ Breeder, looking for an extraordinary overseas experience in the Pacific to build into your field of expertise – working collaboratively with the epartment of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), then read on, as we have an exciting opportunity in store for you! Our Partner Organisation - Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) The Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is the national institution responsible for the oversight and development of the country's agriculture and livestock sectors. As the backbone of PNG’s economy, agriculture supports the livelihoods of a significant portion of the population and is critical to the nation’s goals for inclusive, sustainable economic growth and food security . The Assignment This assignment aims to increase pig meat production by introducing improved pig breeds, supporting efficient breeding, farming, and husbandry systems, and training local farmers. Through these initiatives, the assignment seeks to enhance food security and contribute to the resilience and development of local economies. To achieve this goal, the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) is seeking the assistance of a Pig Farming Training Advisor to provide technical support, coordination, and expertise in implementing improved pig breeding and farming practices. As trainer, you will focus on capacity strengthening and capability development in several key areas, including enhancing breeding and husbandry systems and providing advisory support on sustainable breeding, farming, and animal health practices

The Volunteer Are you someone who wants to make a difference, have a sense of adventure and like the challenge of being outside your comfort zone? VSA Volunteers are technical experts who impart their skills and knowledge to the local community. You will need to be flexible, adaptable, resourceful, resilient with a passion for Aotearoa and the wider Pacific community. We're looking for a volunteer with the following:

A tertiary qualification in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
Proven expertise and experience in livestock development, specifically in pig breeding and production, animal husbandry, feed formulation, and biosecurity measures.
Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programmes
Ability to mentor, coach, and support others

The Country

Most people living in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are Melanesian, but some are Micronesian or Polynesian. PNG has over 800 known languages although there are three official languages: Tok Pisin, English, and Hiri Motu. Numerous indigenous languages are still used by people from a society that ranges from traditional village-based life to modern urban living.

Underlying the Papua New Guinean culture is the wantok system. Wantok, or ‘one talk’, refers to the people who speak your language or your extended family/clan; a Papua New Guinean’s primary loyalty will be to their wantok.

The country is predominately Christian, with indigenous faith and spirituality still important to many locals.

The people of Papua New Guinea are famously warm and hospitable and the isolated mountain ranges are often home to unique fauna and flora found nowhere else in the world.

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 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

Flights

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.

Insurance

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.

Accommodation

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.

Living allowance

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.

Pre-departure training

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

In-country support

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?

Understand the recruitment process

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.

Participate in the briefing course

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.

Be adaptable and resilient

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.

Manage health and safety

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.

Engage in fundraising efforts

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.

Complete necessary documentation

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.