Mushroom Cultivation & Production Trainer

Closing Date: 26 November 2024

Category: Agriculture & Horticultural Sustainability

Change your scene and become a VSA Volunteer and share your experience, knowledge, and skills to transform the lives of many. Work with our partner organisation to create a fair future for all. 
 
VSA will organise and fund, flights, visas, insurance, accommodation, living allowance and utilities while on assignment. 

Please note VSA Volunteers must be a NZ citizen or permanent resident. 

Volunteering with VSA 
 
Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) is not your typical volunteering agency, we are committed to building sustainable communities across the Pacific. If you’re an experienced professional in Mushroom Cultivation, looking for an extraordinary overseas experience in the Pacific to build into your field of expertise – working collaboratively with the Filiae Maria Imakulata (FMI) of Vunapopethen read on, as we have an exciting opportunity in store for you!
 
Our Partner Organisation - Filiae Maria Imakulata (FMI) of Vunapope

The FMI Sisters is the first indigenous religious Order of the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea.

The FMI Sisters’ rich tapestry of selfless service, rectitude and commitment to the welfare of women in particular and wider society, in general, began over 100 years ago. Since its inception in 1912, the FMI Sisters have stood the test of time, weathered a series of storms and demonstrated a steadfast resolve to support women and communities in pursuit of a better society.

Even the disruptive forces of the Second World War failed to dim their indomitable spirit of faith in God or suppress their courage and commitment to serve humanity with fidelity.

In January 1942 when the Japanese invaded New Britain, the FMI Sisters “risked their lives to help save hundreds of Australian and European missionaries and civilian detainees who were held captive by the Japanese for three and a half years”. 

Today, the FMI Sisters remain active in their mission of supporting women in
building leadership skills, faith-strengthening, advocacy, and addressing communities’ concerns and welfare.

The FMI Sisters’ persistent tradition of serving women and families can be seen in the establishment of the first women's refuge (Couppe Meri/Women Safe  House) in East New Britain.

The Assignment

This assignment is a partnership assignment between VSA and Filae Maria Imakulata (FMI) of Vunapope.

In this assignment a VSA Volunteer that is an experienced mushroom production trainer is needed by the FMI Sisters to lead and assist in designing, developing, and delivering training related to mushroom cultivation and production, and to provide support and build capacity alongside the FMI Sisters. 

The Volunteer

Are you someone who wants to make a difference, have a sense of adventure and like the challenge of being outside your comfort zone?  VSA Volunteers are technical experts who impart their skills and knowledge to the local community. You will need to be flexible, adaptable, resourceful, resilient with a passion for Aotearoa and the wider Pacific community.

We're looking for a volunteer with the following:

  •  Minimum of three years of practical experience in mushroom   cultivation.
  •  Demonstrated ability to design and deliver effective training sessions
  •  In-depth knowledge of different mushroom varieties and cultivation     techniques.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in a complex and ambiguous environment.

The Country

Most people living in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are Melanesian, but some are Micronesian or Polynesian. PNG has over 800 known languages although there are three official languages: Tok Pisin, English, and Hiri Motu. Numerous indigenous languages are still used by people from a society that ranges from traditional village-based life to modern urban living.

Underlying the Papua New Guinean culture is the wantok system. Wantok, or ‘one talk’, refers to the people who speak your language or your extended family/clan; a Papua New Guinean’s primary loyalty will be to their wantok.
  
The country is predominately Christian, with indigenous faith and spirituality still important to many locals.
  
The people of Papua New Guinea are famously warm and hospitable and the isolated mountain ranges are often home to unique fauna and flora found nowhere else in the world.
  

Apply Now!

Apply for this amazing opportunity through our website. For more information on this assignment, email volunteer@vsa.org.nz.



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We are looking for a volunteer with:

  • 4-6 months volunteering opportunity in Papua New Guinea
  • Flight, accomodation and other expenses covered by VSA
  • Make a lasting difference across the Pacififc

VSA covers flights, accommodation, insurance and some expenses. A living allowance is also provided.