Cancer Support & Education Mentor
Closing Date: 19 June 2025
Category: Healthcare & Medical
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 medical professional 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 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 – Samoa Cancer Society
Samoa Cancer Society (SCS) was first established in 1998 and is a not-for-profit non-governmental organisation working in the spaces of advocacy and cancer awareness as well as patient support, providing holistic social and spiritual support for people living with cancer, caregivers, families and cancer survivors.
The SCS aims to raise awareness within Samoa and advocate for early detection/testing as well as helping people living with cancer, supporting caregivers and family members navigate the health system.
The Assignment:
In collaboration with an experienced volunteer the SCS aims to develop a community based palliative care programme for the residents of Samoa. Key areas of focus for this assignment will include evaluating and developing resources for a community based palliative care program, while also engaging with the local communities to make sure any resources or programs are suitable. The second phase of the assignment would then be focussed around supporting the implementation of the designed programs, and supporting the overall coordination of the pilot program.
The volunteer on this assignment will be reporting directly to the Cancer Support and Education Lead (CSEL) or the Chief Executive officer. On a day to day basis, the volunteer would be working to engage and enhance capacity, knowledge and confidence with the SCS team through sharing their expertise, coaching, mentoring, and facilitating training programmes.
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:
Applications Close: 19 June 2025
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 medical professional 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 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 of Nursing or a relevant tertiary qualification in the health sector
- Proven experience and understanding of palliative care (3-5 years)
- Experience in community care and engagement, ideally within a Pacific/Samoan context
- Ability to conduct research and compile findings that will strengthen palliative care
Our Partner Organisation – Samoa Cancer Society
Samoa Cancer Society (SCS) was first established in 1998 and is a not-for-profit non-governmental organisation working in the spaces of advocacy and cancer awareness as well as patient support, providing holistic social and spiritual support for people living with cancer, caregivers, families and cancer survivors.
The SCS aims to raise awareness within Samoa and advocate for early detection/testing as well as helping people living with cancer, supporting caregivers and family members navigate the health system.
The Assignment:
In collaboration with an experienced volunteer the SCS aims to develop a community based palliative care programme for the residents of Samoa. Key areas of focus for this assignment will include evaluating and developing resources for a community based palliative care program, while also engaging with the local communities to make sure any resources or programs are suitable. The second phase of the assignment would then be focussed around supporting the implementation of the designed programs, and supporting the overall coordination of the pilot program.
The volunteer on this assignment will be reporting directly to the Cancer Support and Education Lead (CSEL) or the Chief Executive officer. On a day to day basis, the volunteer would be working to engage and enhance capacity, knowledge and confidence with the SCS team through sharing their expertise, coaching, mentoring, and facilitating training programmes.
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:
Applications Close: 19 June 2025
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 Month Assigment in Samoa
- Opportunity to share your specialist skills and knowledge
- Flights, accommodation and other expenses covered 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?