Volunteer with VSA

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 Digital Communications & Social Media Adviser, looking for an extraordinary overseas experience in the Pacific to build into your field of expertise – working collaboratively with the Samoa Tourism Authority, then read on, as we have an exciting opportunity in store for you!
 
Our Partner Organisation - Samoa Tourism Authority

The Authority was established as the Samoa Visitors Bureau in 1986 following the passing of the Western Samoa Visitors Bureau Act in 1984. The change of name to 'Samoa Tourism Authority' in 2002 was a shift to emphasize the broader concept of tourism.
The objectives and functions of the Samoa Tourism Authority are mandated in the Samoa Visitors Bureau Act 1984, with amendments incorporated in 1998 and 2002 changing the entity’s name to the Samoa Tourism Authority.

This was to shift the emphasis from visitors to the broader concept of
tourism and to also emphasize the Policy, Planning and Research functions
of the Authority, and to align the government agency to the Minister of Tourism and Board to whom it reports and the Economic Sector that it serves as the National Tourism Office. It is also critical to note that another amendment to the Samoa Tourism Act was conducted in 2012.
The Objectives of the Samoa Tourism Authority as mandated in the Samoa Tourism Authority Legislation therefore are to:

• Encourage private sector investment in the tourism industry.
• Encourage visits to Samoa by people from other countries, including travel and holidays within Samoa.
• Encourage the development and improvement of accommodation and facilities for tourists.
• Coordinate and improve the activities of all sectors providing these services.
• Advise the government and the private sector on all matters relating to tourism.
• Prepare, implement and maintain comprehensive tourism development and marketing plans in Samoa. 

The Assignment

In this assignment, a VSA volunteer with expertise in digital communications and social media management will help boost the online presence of the tourist organization and promote Samoa as a top travel destination. 

The volunteer will also provide coaching and training to the team on digital management tools, assist in researching and identifying relevant content areas and offer innovative content creation strategies that differentiate the company from its competitors.

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:

• Highly creative and collaborative.
• Strong marketing skillset across the entire social media landscape (community management, content creation & distribution, analysis).
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Intermediate to advanced Photoshop/Premiere (or similar video editing software) skills.
• Advanced social media/digital management software skills
• Able to review, assess and make recommendations as a result of analysis.
• Multitasker able to work across multiple projects to tight timescales
• Excellent communication & listening skills.

Desirable

      • Experience in Photography
      • Good understanding of Travel and Tourism
      • Good understanding of Marketing
      • Familiarity with the destination

The Country

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 neighboring 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.
  
Apply Now!

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

To review the full assignment description please copy and paste the below link into your browser: 

If you are on the VSA website, please click on the download assignment description tab above.

Please note: The VSA office will be closed from midday on 20th December, and our recruitment team will be unavailable to review applications or respond to queries about this assignment until we reopen on 6th January 2025. You’re welcome to submit your application during this period, and we’ll review it as soon as we return.

We are looking for a volunteer with:

• Full-time 12-month volunteer assignment-based in Apia
• Flights, accommodation and living expenses funded by VSA
• Make a positive impact across the Pacific