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:
As part of our programme, you’ll receive comprehensive support, including:
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.
VSA connects skilled volunteers with organisations and communities in the Pacific and beyond to support locally identified aspirations and achieve sustainable change.
VSA is New Zealand's largest and most experienced volunteering agency working in international development. We provide skilled volunteers from Aotearoa to support organisations in the Pacific and beyond through capacity building, both in-country and virtually.
About the Assignment - The VSA UniVol will provide assistance to support and strengthen the extensive work in the Civil Litigation and Opinions Division of the Office of the Attorney General.
The VSA volunteer will work as a Legal Research Assistant and will be based with the Civil Litigation team and will conduct legal research on a variety of Civil Litigation matters. Special focus will be research findings on specialised legal matters and legal opinions that required the Office legal opinion within specified timeframes.
The volunteer will be able to share findings from thorough research on specific Civil Litigation matters and case laws, which will assist the team significantly in preparing legal documents and reports to support the legal services provided by the Office of the Attorney General.
The Partner Organisation - Office of the Attorney General
The Office of the Attorney General of Samoa operates under the Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa 1961 and the Attorney General’s Office Act 2013. Its primary functions include managing and supporting the Attorney General in carrying out constitutional, statutory, and common law duties, in addition to providing legal services to the Head of State, Prime Minister,
Cabinet, Ministers, and Government.
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.
About You
Essential
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
To review the full assignment description please copy and paste the below link into your browser:
Please note, we cannot guarantee that if you are successful, you will be offered your first preferences.
For more information or if you have any questions, please email univol@vsa.org.nz.
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.
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!
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.
VSA connects skilled volunteers with organisations and communities in the Pacific and beyond to support locally identified aspirations and achieve sustainable change.
VSA is New Zealand's largest and most experienced volunteering agency working in international development. We provide skilled volunteers from Aotearoa to support organisations in the Pacific and beyond through capacity building, both in-country and virtually.
About the Assignment - The VSA UniVol will provide assistance to support and strengthen the extensive work in the Civil Litigation and Opinions Division of the Office of the Attorney General.
The VSA volunteer will work as a Legal Research Assistant and will be based with the Civil Litigation team and will conduct legal research on a variety of Civil Litigation matters. Special focus will be research findings on specialised legal matters and legal opinions that required the Office legal opinion within specified timeframes.
The volunteer will be able to share findings from thorough research on specific Civil Litigation matters and case laws, which will assist the team significantly in preparing legal documents and reports to support the legal services provided by the Office of the Attorney General.
The Partner Organisation - Office of the Attorney General
The Office of the Attorney General of Samoa operates under the Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa 1961 and the Attorney General’s Office Act 2013. Its primary functions include managing and supporting the Attorney General in carrying out constitutional, statutory, and common law duties, in addition to providing legal services to the Head of State, Prime Minister,
Cabinet, Ministers, and Government.
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.
About You
Essential
- Bachelor's degree in law
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Prior experience in legal research or related field.
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
To review the full assignment description please copy and paste the below link into your browser:
Please note, we cannot guarantee that if you are successful, you will be offered your first preferences.
For more information or if you have any questions, please email univol@vsa.org.nz.
We are looking for a volunteer with:
- Volunteer on a 9-10month VSA assignment in Samoa
- Immerse yourself in a new cultural experience in the Pacific
- A Graduate programme like no other!
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?