Impact of COVID-19 

Although we have had to put a temporary hold on sending volunteers to some countries across the Pacific due to COVID-19 restrictions and uncertainties, we’re continuing to recruit and build our talent pool of prospective volunteers so we can return to supporting our partner organisations and communities in the wider Pacific as soon as we can.  

The medical advice over COVID-19’s risk factors, based on international, science-based evidence, is that certain groups of people are much more susceptible to more serious symptoms if they contract COVID-19.  

These higher risk groups include people with certain existing medical conditions and those who are aged 65 and over.   

For example, international evidence from the Centre for Disease Control & Prevention has shown that people 65 and over are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50s.

Severe illness means that a person with COVID-19 may require: 

  • hospitalisation, 
  • intensive care, or a 
  • ventilator to help them breathe, or 
  • they may even die. 

Based on this information, we have made the difficult decision that people in these susceptible groups (including people who would be turning 65 while on assignment) will not be sent on assignments overseas while the pandemic continues or until a vaccine is developed and widely available. 

We have not made this decision lightly. We have done this to ensure the health of our volunteers and to ensure we do not place extra burdens on the communities where we operate.  

If you are unable to travel overseas, we have established a programme where volunteers can work remotely from New Zealand, called E-volunteering. Find out more about our e volunteering programme here.

 

Why should you register for the talent pool? 

It lets us know you are ready to volunteer. By setting up your profile, using our online portal, the volunteer recruitment team can match your skills, experience and volunteer preferences, and consider you for future assignments. 

What sort of skills are we looking for? 

VSA recruits skilled volunteers across a number of sectors including: 

  • Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) 
  • Engineering 
  • Renewable Energy 
  • Policy and Governance 
  • Health 
  • Education 
  • Marketing & Communication 

 

What information do we need from you? 

To register your interest in our Talent Pool, click on the “register now” tab. 

  • Create your own profile using our online portal 
  • Input your contact details and upload your most up to date CV  

Remember, you can access your profile at any time. Make sure you keep your details current. This helps our recruiters match you to the most relevant assignment as they’re developed. 
 
To register your interest in our Volunteer Talent Pool, click on the “register now” tab .

Register now