Policy Advisor - Volunteer in Papua New Guinea

Closing Date: 08 December 2024

Category: Policy, Governance, Monitoring & Evaluation

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 Policy Advisor, looking for an extraordinary overseas experience in the Pacific to build into your field of expertise – working collaboratively with the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE), then read on, as we have an exciting opportunity in store for you!
 
Our Partner Organisation - University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE)

The Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) is a public university in East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.  UNRE focuses on education and research in agriculture including animal science, forestry, fisheries, tourism, environmental science, and related fields. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs that emphasise sustainable resource management, conservation, and environmental protection. The university is committed to sustainable development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region. Its research tackles local and regional environmental challenges such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. UNRE also works with local communities, government agencies, and non-profits to promote sustainable practices

The Assignment

As Policy Advisor, you will offer expert guidance and support for a policy transformation project under the direction of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Planning & Development. As such, your will support UNRE strengthen its policy management capacity and capabilities. UNRE is dedicated to ensuring that its policies remain effective, relevant, and aligned with its mission, goals, and regulatory requirements.

You will closely collaborate with the Policy and Governance team to review existing policies, develop new ones as necessary, and refine policy development and review processes. You will also support the university's engagements and coordination with various stakeholders to ensure policies are well-defined, relevant, meet legislative and regulatory requirements, are accessible, and are aligned with the university's strategic goals and values.

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:


  • Relevant tertiary qualification with 3 years of experience in policy development and management, preferably in a higher education institution or similar setting.
  • Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and best practices related to policy development.
  • Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to identify issues and develop practical solutions.
  • Demonstrated expertise in analysing and reviewing policies, with the ability to identify issues and develop practical solutions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels.

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:

  • Full time 4-month Volunteering opportunity in Kerevat, Papua New Guinea
  • Flights, accommodation and other expenses covered by VSA
  • Make a lasting difference across the Pacific

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