Geographic Information System (GIS) & Data Management Specialist
Closing Date: 25 July 2025
Category: ICT
Kia ora, Talofa Lava 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 your opportunity to become a VSA Volunteer to share your experience, skills and knowledge to serve and build capacity in Samoa. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.
We are looking for an experienced Geographic Information System (GIS) & Data Management Specialist or someone with the right level of transferrable skills, who understands and shares the spirit of volunteering, with a keen interest in building capability in the Pacific (while embracing a new cultural experience). This will be a 12 month assignment based in Samoa.
VSA will support you by funding and organizing your flights, visas, insurances, accommodation, living allowance and utilities while you are on assignment.
Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako – Essential skills/experiences for the role
If you are interested in this opportunity, below are some of the key skills and experiences that we’re looking for.
Our Partner Organisation – Live & Learn Environmental Education
Live & Learn Environmental Education (LLEE) is a non-profit, non-political organization comprised of a network of registered organizations across Asia Pacific.
A major project implemented by LLEE across the Pacific is the Climate
Resilient Islands (CRI), funded by NZ MFAT, that aims to strengthen the resilience of rural community to the impacts of climate change through
nature-based approaches.
The aim is to shift the focus of the CRI toolkit customization and support for evidence-based climate resilient planning processes to farming communities and farmer-based organizations instead of village and district-based communities. The customization of the CRI toolkit for Samoa will also ensure alignment and with the implementation of the Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Sector Climate Change Policy.
The Assignment:
LLEE-Samoa is seeking the expertise of a Geographic Information System (GIS) and Data Management Specialist to provide technical support in the customization of the LLEE CRI toolkit for Samoa, targeting farming communities. A GIS Specialist would be able to assist with customising and adapting the CRI toolkit.
This will assist farming communities to explore the interdependence of their farming decisions and land-based natural resources and ecosystems, as well as understand ecological complexity. As a result, the local communities can develop and implement nature-based plans for adaptation and resilience. The GIS Specialist will help to provide static and interactive maps, tabular products, and support LLEE-Samoa in analysis to help visualize agricultural activities and collect ecosystems geographic data.
The Country – Samoa
Samoa is situated in the South Pacific approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It sits squarely in the cyclone belt and is highly vulnerable to devastating storms. Around three-quarters of its 195,000 population live on the main island of Upolu; the rest live on the neighbouring island of Savai'i or one of the seven small islets.
The traditional Samoan way, the fa’a Samoa, remains a strong force in Samoan life and politics where family is all-important, and elders are highly respected.
Each village is made up of extended families that are represented on the village council by a chief (matai). The more western-style parliamentary system in Samoa is highly influenced by traditional social systems and the family, civic and political duties performed by the matai at village level. The country is predominantly Christian.
Me pēhea te tuku tono| How to apply:
Apply for this opportunity through our website.
For more information or if you have any questions on this assignment, email volunteer@vsa.org.nz.
To review the full assignment description please copy and paste the below link into your browser:
For a copy of the Assignment Description, please click the apply button which will direct you to the VSA website. You will be able to download a copy from the advertisement.
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 your opportunity to become a VSA Volunteer to share your experience, skills and knowledge to serve and build capacity in Samoa. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.
We are looking for an experienced Geographic Information System (GIS) & Data Management Specialist or someone with the right level of transferrable skills, who understands and shares the spirit of volunteering, with a keen interest in building capability in the Pacific (while embracing a new cultural experience). This will be a 12 month assignment based in Samoa.
VSA will support you by funding and organizing your flights, visas, insurances, accommodation, living allowance and utilities while you are on assignment.
Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako – Essential skills/experiences for the role
If you are interested in this opportunity, below are some of the key skills and experiences that we’re looking for.
- Bachelor’s Degree - Computer Science, Data Sciences, Geographic Information Systems, or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in database administration.
- Demonstrated experience in the use of GIS equipment and programming.
- Sound understanding of data migration methodologies and tools.
- Experience developing guidelines and standards for the storage and retrieval of data.
- Experience in training, coaching and mentoring.
Our Partner Organisation – Live & Learn Environmental Education
Live & Learn Environmental Education (LLEE) is a non-profit, non-political organization comprised of a network of registered organizations across Asia Pacific.
A major project implemented by LLEE across the Pacific is the Climate
Resilient Islands (CRI), funded by NZ MFAT, that aims to strengthen the resilience of rural community to the impacts of climate change through
nature-based approaches.
The aim is to shift the focus of the CRI toolkit customization and support for evidence-based climate resilient planning processes to farming communities and farmer-based organizations instead of village and district-based communities. The customization of the CRI toolkit for Samoa will also ensure alignment and with the implementation of the Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Sector Climate Change Policy.
The Assignment:
LLEE-Samoa is seeking the expertise of a Geographic Information System (GIS) and Data Management Specialist to provide technical support in the customization of the LLEE CRI toolkit for Samoa, targeting farming communities. A GIS Specialist would be able to assist with customising and adapting the CRI toolkit.
This will assist farming communities to explore the interdependence of their farming decisions and land-based natural resources and ecosystems, as well as understand ecological complexity. As a result, the local communities can develop and implement nature-based plans for adaptation and resilience. The GIS Specialist will help to provide static and interactive maps, tabular products, and support LLEE-Samoa in analysis to help visualize agricultural activities and collect ecosystems geographic data.
The Country – Samoa
Samoa is situated in the South Pacific approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It sits squarely in the cyclone belt and is highly vulnerable to devastating storms. Around three-quarters of its 195,000 population live on the main island of Upolu; the rest live on the neighbouring island of Savai'i or one of the seven small islets.
The traditional Samoan way, the fa’a Samoa, remains a strong force in Samoan life and politics where family is all-important, and elders are highly respected.
Each village is made up of extended families that are represented on the village council by a chief (matai). The more western-style parliamentary system in Samoa is highly influenced by traditional social systems and the family, civic and political duties performed by the matai at village level. The country is predominantly Christian.
Me pēhea te tuku tono| How to apply:
Apply for this opportunity through our website.
For more information or if you have any questions on this assignment, email volunteer@vsa.org.nz.
To review the full assignment description please copy and paste the below link into your browser:
For a copy of the Assignment Description, please click the apply button which will direct you to the VSA website. You will be able to download a copy from the advertisement.
We are looking for a volunteer with:
- 12 months Volunteering Assignment in Samoa
- Chance to share your specialist skills and experience
- Flights, accommodation and other living expenses funded by VSA
VSA covers flights, accommodation, insurance and some expenses. A living allowance is also provided.
Does volunteering with one of the largest and most experienced agency in international development interest you?