Volunteer Service Abroad

Kia ora, Malo e lelei, Ni sa bula, Talofa lava, Halo, Kia orana, Mauri and warm Pacific greetings,
  
2025/2026 Graduate Volunteer (UniVol) Programme  
Have you recently graduated, or graduating in 2025?

Are you willing to take your knowledge, skills and experience to build capacity in the Pacific? 

Are you ready to embrace and fully immerse into Pacific culture?
  
If you have answered “yes” to all the above questions, then please keep reading as the Volunteer Services Abroad (VSA) - Te Tūao Tāwāhi UniVol Programme is looking for motivated, service-minded and passionate graduates for our 2026 intake! 
  
VSA’s UniVol programme aims to provide new graduates with a unique cultural experience in the Pacific while contributing to existing VSA programmes and improving international development education in New Zealand. 
  
To be eligible for this programme you will need to:

• Be a New Zealand citizen or Permanent Resident
• Be 30 years old or under 
• Have recently graduated, or graduating in 2025, from a New Zealand University. 

Your Gateway to Global Impact and International Development!
As part of our programme, you’ll receive comprehensive support, including:

• Fully covered travel expenses – no need to worry about flights or transport costs
• Accommodation provided – your home away from home, taken care of
• Living allowance – so you can focus on your mission without financial stress and more!

There are two Education Assistant UniVol roles available in Papua New Guinea

Digital Resources Enhanced Academic Learning Assistant

A VSA volunteer will provide support as the D-REAL (Digital Resources & Enhanced Academic Learning) Assistant that will play a key role in promoting student academic success by enhancing the use of digital learning resources and supporting academic skill development.

In this volunteer role, the individual will work closely with faculty and staff to implement educational technologies, strengthen academic skills, and assist students in building essential digital literacy and academic English language proficiency.

Academic Skills Development Assistant (ASDA)

A VSA volunteer will take the role of an Academic Skills Development Assistant (ASDA) and will play a vital role in supporting undergraduate student success by helping them develop strong academic skills, digital literacy, and academic English proficiency.

The volunteer role involves close collaboration with students, academic staff, and professional services to deliver academic skills support through a range of methods including one to-one tutorials, group sessions, webinars, and online learning materials.

These roles are ideal for someone who is motivated, a self-starter, and passionate about student development, educational equity, and innovative approaches to learning support in higher education. 

About You - Academic Skills Development Assistant (ASDA)
Essential

• Demonstrated sound academic research and writing skills.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to communicate well with staff and trainee teachers.
• Ability to effectively explain concepts or ideas in a clear and understandable way.
• Experience using information and communications technology for academic purposes.
• Ability to help others learn through coaching or mentoring
  

About You -Digital Resources Enhanced Academic Learning Assistant

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Information Technology, Digital Media, or a related field
• Demonstrated sound academic research and writing skills.
• Strong familiarity with online learning platforms, digital resources, and academic software
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to communicate well with staff and trainee teachers.
• Ability to effectively explain concepts or ideas clearly and understandably.
• Experience using information and communications technology for academic purposes.
• Knowledge of academic writing, digital literacy, and strategies for supporting students in diverse learning environments
• Ability to help others learn through coaching or mentoring.

Desirable

• Experience visiting or living in one of the Pacific Island countries

Apply Now! 
At VSA, we value the unique perspectives and cultural capabilities that Māori and Pacific peoples bring to our work.  We’re especially eager to welcome candidates who are deeply connected to whānau, community, church, work, or lived experiences that strengthen ties to Māori and Pacific peoples.
  
If this resonates with you, please highlight your connections, experiences, and cultural strengths in your cover letter and CV—we’d love to hear about how you can make an impact with VSA!
  
You can apply for up to five (5) UniVol assignments. You do not need to create a separate cover letter for each, however, please state in your cover letter which assignments you are applying for in order of your most preferred assignment.
  
Apply now for this opportunity through our website www.vsa.org.nz