Market Operations 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 This is an exciting opportunity to become a VSA Volunteer and use your business, retail, operations or enterprise development experience to support sustainable economic growth in the Solomon Islands.

Working alongside Gizo Town Council , you will mentor and support local staff responsible for managing the Gizo Town Market, helping strengthen the systems, processes and practices that underpin one of the Western Province's most important community assets.

We are looking for an experienced entrepreneur, business leader, retail manager, operations specialist, or someone with strong transferable skills and practical management experience who understands and shares the spirit of volunteering and has a genuine interest in building capability in the Pacific.

This assignment offers the opportunity to make a lasting contribution by strengthening local capability, improving market operations, and supporting better outcomes for market vendors, small businesses and the wider community.

VSA will support you by funding and organising your flights, visas, insurance, accommodation, living allowance and utilities while you are on assignment.

Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako | Essential skills and experience If you are interested in this opportunity, these are some of the key skills and experiences we are looking for:

Strong business development, retail management, operations management or enterprise development experience.
Demonstrated success in improving systems, processes and operational efficiency.
Experience in budgeting, financial management and business planning.
At least three years' experience coaching, mentoring or developing staff and stakeholders.
Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, including government officials, staff and small business owners.
A qualification in management, business administration, commerce or a related field is desirable. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Ā Mātou Hoa Mahi | Our Partner Organisation – Gizo Town Council Western Province is the largest of the nine provinces of the Solomon Islands and is renowned for its stunning tropical islands, vibrant culture, crystal-clear waters and world-class diving and snorkelling.

Gizo Town Council is a division of the Western Provincial Government and plays an important role in supporting the growth and development of the local community. The Council oversees a range of services and facilities, including the Gizo Town Market, a key hub for local commerce and livelihoods.

Gizo Town has a population of more than 7,000 people, with many more residents from surrounding communities travelling to the township to buy and sell goods. The market provides an important source of income for vendors and plays a vital role in supporting local economic activity.

Te Tūao Mahi | The Assignment Gizo Town Council is seeking a VSA Volunteer to work alongside the Market Master and market staff to strengthen the management, sustainability and future growth of the Gizo Town Market.

The volunteer will provide mentoring and practical support to help establish effective systems, processes and procedures that contribute to the smooth and efficient operation of the market.

Working collaboratively with Council staff and stakeholders, you will help identify opportunities to improve accountability, operational effectiveness and long-term financial sustainability. The role will focus on building local capability and supporting practical improvements that remain in place long after the assignment has ended.

This is a unique opportunity to apply your professional experience in a meaningful way while supporting local economic development and strengthening community outcomes.

Te Whenua | The Solomon Islands The Solomon Islands is a nation of more than 900 islands and approximately 550,000 people spread across thousands of villages and communities.

Rich in culture, natural beauty and diversity, the Solomon Islands offers a unique opportunity to experience life in the Pacific while contributing to locally led development outcomes.

VSA has a long-standing presence in Solomon Islands through ongoing partnerships with national, provincial and community organisations, including strong relationships with Solomon Islands Government partners.

As a VSA Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, build meaningful relationships and support sustainable change alongside local colleagues and communities.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply Please apply for this opportunity through our website.

For more information or if you have any questions about this assignment, please contact our Recruitment Team at volunteer@vsa.org.nz .

Please note that due to VSA funding requirements, applicants must be New Zealand citizens or New Zealand permanent residents to progress through the recruitment process.

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.