Job description

Halo and warm Pacific greetings Te Whāinga | Our Purpose Te Hono Tangata - Te Huringa OraKa 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 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 and support a significant organisational improvement project with the Western Provincial Government in Gizo, Solomon Islands. We're seeking an experienced records management professional, information management specialist, or someone with strong transferable experience in document systems, administration, archives, or digital record keeping. Over a 12-month assignment, you'll work alongside the Lands Division to help design and implement an electronic records management system, supporting the transition from paper-based processes to a more efficient and sustainable way of managing critical land records. This is a hands-on role that combines systems improvement, staff training, mentoring, and change management, helping ensure important information is secure, accessible, and well managed for years to come. What you'll be doing


  • Reviewing and assessing current record keeping practices
  • Identifying practical and affordable electronic records management solutions
  • Supporting the digitisation of existing paper records
  • Establishing systems for secure storage and retrieval of information
  • Training and mentoring staff in records management best practice
  • Building the capability of the Lands Division to maintain and grow the system independently

Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako | Essential skills and experience


We're looking for someone who has:


  • Experience working with records, information, document, archive, or knowledge management systems
  • Experience improving or implementing filing and document management processes
  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
  • Experience training, coaching, or supporting others to adopt new systems
  • The ability to work collaboratively in a cross-cultural environment

Experience transitioning from paper-based systems to electronic systems would be highly regarded.


Our Partner Organisation The Western Provincial Government plays a key role in supporting development across the largest province in Solomon Islands. The Lands Division manages records relating to land ownership, leases, titles, and other critical information that supports development and governance throughout the province.


The Location Based in Gizo , you'll be working in one of Solomon Islands' most beautiful locations. The Western Province is renowned for its stunning islands, world-class diving and snorkelling, vibrant communities, coral reefs, WWII history, and eco-tourism attractions.

What VSA provides VSA will fund and organise:


  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Accommodation
  • Living allowance
  • Utilities

The Country | Solomon Islands


The Solomon Islands is made up of more than 900 islands and has a rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community. VSA has a long history of working alongside local partners across the country to support locally led development and sustainable change. Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply


Please apply through our website. For more information about this assignment, contact Kiri Henare, Recruitment Advisor at khenare@vsa.org.nz Please note: Due to VSA funding requirements, applicants must be New Zealand Citizens or New Zealand Permanent Residents.


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.