Job description

Kia ora, Halo and warm Pacific greetings


Te Whāinga | Our Purpose is: 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 opportunity to become a VSA Volunteer and share your experience, skills and knowledge to serve and build capacity in Solomon Islands. We are looking for a volunteer with strong data analysis skills and a passion for supporting healthier communities through better information and evidence-based decision making. You will work alongside hospital staff to strengthen how health data is collected, analysed and used, helping turn information into action that makes a real difference to people's lives. We're seeking someone who understands and shares the spirit of volunteering, enjoys working collaboratively, and is motivated to build capability and lasting impact in the Pacific. Please note that VSA supports our volunteers by funding and organising flights, visas, insurance, accommodation, living allowance and utilities while on assignment. Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako | Essential skills/experience for the role


If you are interested in this opportunity, below are some of the key skills and experiences we're looking for:


  • Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
  • Experience working with health data, public health, epidemiology, health information systems, monitoring and evaluation, or related fields
  • Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to prepare reports, recommendations and briefings for senior stakeholders
  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail
  • Excellent organisational and communication skills
  • Experience delivering training and building capability
  • Skills in mentoring, coaching and knowledge sharing
  • Ability to work collaboratively across teams and cultures

Our Partner Organisation: Gizo Hospital Located in the heart of Western Province, Gizo Hospital is the main healthcare centre serving Gizo and surrounding island communities. Surrounded by stunning reefs, lagoons and vibrant coastal communities, Gizo is known for its warm hospitality and strong community spirit.

Gizo Hospital is a provincial referral hospital and plays a vital role in delivering healthcare services across Western Province. The hospital has approximately 60 beds and provides emergency, surgical, medical, laboratory and public health services. It employs around 200 nurses, 10 doctors and approximately 60 administration and support staff.

The hospital serves not only the local population of Gizo but also people from surrounding islands and remote communities throughout Western Province. As demand for services continues to grow, the hospital is working to strengthen its use of health information to better understand community needs, improve planning and support timely decision making.


The Assignment A VSA volunteer is being sought to support Gizo Hospital with data analysis and capacity development.Working alongside hospital staff, the volunteer will help strengthen systems and processes for collecting, analysing, reporting and using health data. This includes supporting staff to identify what information is needed, improving data management practices and increasing confidence in analysing and interpreting information. The volunteer will deliver training, mentoring and coaching to help staff build their capability and make greater use of data in everyday decision making. They will also support the hospital to use information to identify trends, plan services, respond to health priorities and improve outcomes for communities across Western Province.


This assignment offers an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare in Solomon Islands while working closely with a dedicated team committed to improving health services for their communities. The volunteer will report directly to the Director of Nursing and will be accountable to the Provincial Health Director. On a day-to-day basis, they will work closely with the Provincial Health Information System Officer, Surveillance Officer and Primary Health Care Team.


The Country – Solomon Islands The Solomon Islands is made up of more than 900 islands and is home to rich cultures, languages and traditions. Communities are closely connected, and relationships play an important role in everyday life.Between 1999 and 2003, Solomon Islands experienced a period of conflict which created significant challenges for the country. Since then, the nation has made considerable progress and continues to strengthen services and opportunities for its people. VSA has a long history in Solomon Islands and works alongside a range of local partners to support locally identified development goals. Through these partnerships, volunteers contribute skills, share knowledge and build lasting relationships while learning from the communities they work alongside.


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, volunteers must be New Zealand citizens or New Zealand permanent residents to progress through the 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.