Business Development Advisor VAN 42351
Finance & Business Support
Closing date: 9/2/2026
Download Job DescriptionApply onlineJob description
Connecting People – Transforming Lives.
Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) connects skilled volunteers with organisations and communities across 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 and use your business expertise to support communities and local enterprises in Vanuatu.
We are seeking an experienced Business Development Advisor to work alongside the Office of the Registrar of Cooperatives and Business Development Services (ORCBDS) in Lakatoro, Malekula.
In this role, you'll help strengthen the capability of local businesses, cooperatives, producers, and government staff by sharing your skills in business planning, strategic development, training, and market growth. You will work alongside local counterparts to support sustainable economic opportunities that can continue long after your assignment has ended.
This assignment is for 18 months (with the option to extend) and is based in Lakatoro, Malekula, Vanuatu .
VSA provides support by funding and organising flights, visas, insurance, accommodation, living allowance, and utilities for the duration of your assignment.
Why Volunteer with VSA? This is more than a volunteer assignment. It's an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution while gaining a truly unique life experience.
As a VSA Volunteer you'll receive:
- Flights to and from Vanuatu
- Furnished accommodation
- Living allowance and utilities
- Comprehensive insurance cover
- Visa support
- Professional and personal support throughout your assignment
- Opportunities to develop your cross-cultural and international development experience
- The chance to live and work alongside local communities while contributing to sustainable change
Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako | Essential Skills and Experience
If you're interested in this opportunity, here are some of the key skills and experiences we're looking for:
- A relevant qualification, or significant experience, in business development, business management, commerce, economics, or a related field
- Experience supporting business growth, enterprise development, or small business management
- Strong strategic planning and business advisory skills
- Experience conducting market research and identifying business opportunities
- Sound financial management, budgeting, and planning skills
- Experience facilitating workshops, training, coaching, or mentoring others
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- The ability to work collaboratively across different cultures and environments
- A practical, solutions-focused approach and willingness to share knowledge with others
Our Partner Organisation The Office of the Registrar of Cooperatives and Business Development Services (ORCBDS) supports cooperatives, community groups, local producers, and businesses throughout Vanuatu.
Working closely with the Department of Industry and the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards , ORCBDS helps communities strengthen governance, improve business practices, and create opportunities for economic growth.
Based in Malampa Province, the team works directly with local communities to support sustainable livelihoods and stronger local economies.
The Assignment The goal of this assignment is to strengthen business support services and increase economic opportunities for producers, cooperatives, and small businesses across Malampa Province.
Working alongside local counterparts, you will:
- Provide business planning and business administration support
- Deliver practical workshops and training programmes
- Strengthen employment and business management practices
- Support local producers to improve systems and record-keeping
- Help build networks and collaboration opportunities between businesses and producers
- Support quality improvement and product development initiatives
- Assist local businesses to explore domestic and export market opportunities
- Help identify barriers to market access and develop practical solutions
- Support preparations for future export opportunities through the Malekula Packhouse
A key focus of this role is mentoring and capability building. You'll work alongside local staff to transfer knowledge, strengthen skills, and support sustainable outcomes that continue beyond the life of the assignment. The Country | Vanuatu
Vanuatu is an island nation made up of more than 80 islands in the South Pacific, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, strong community values, and stunning natural beauty. This assignment is based in Lakatoro on Malekula Island, where you'll experience a slower pace of life, breathtaking landscapes, and the opportunity to become part of a welcoming island community. VSA has worked in Vanuatu for many years and has built strong partnerships with government agencies, local organisations, and communities. Volunteers play an important role in supporting locally led initiatives that contribute to sustainable development and improved livelihoods. Living and working in Vanuatu offers the chance to immerse yourself in a different culture while making a meaningful contribution alongside local communities. 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 commitment to sustainable development can be just as valuable as specific technical expertise. Please apply for this opportunity through our website at www.vsa.org.nz. For more information, or if you have any questions about this assignment, please contact our Recruitment Advisor Kiri Henare at khenare@vsa.org.nz. Please note: Due to VSA funding requirements, applicants must be New Zealand citizens or New Zealand permanent residents to progress through our recruitment process.
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.
