Youth Development Assistant -Univol
Closing Date: 10 August 2025
Category: Youth Engagement & Community Development
Sub Category: Business Development
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 you
Essential
The aim of the Youth Development Division is to support youth development by enhancing opportunities in training and employment.
The Division encourages and supports a comprehensive approach to youth development, by working together with a range of organisations and services which address the socio-economic, spiritual and socio-psychological concerns affecting youth in Tonga
The Assignment –
A VSA Volunteer will provide support to the Youth Development Division by assisting with its administrative, monitoring and evaluation, media and communications outputs.
The volunteer will work alongside Division staff to create systems and processes which will enhance opportunities for young people in Tonga, including the mapping of youth work in Tonga.
The Country – Tonga
The Kingdom of Tonga consists of 176 islands in four major groups, Tongatapu Island group, Ha’apai Island group, Vava’u Island group, and the Niu Island group. These islands form a narrow archipelago extending north from the Tropic of Capricorn.
There are many natural wonders in Tonga, and it is also one of the only places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales.
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
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 you
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Some knowledge and/or experience in communications and media, including social media platforms
- Knowledge and experience in the creation of media content
- Experience in data collection and analysis
- Good time management and organisational skills
- An interest in youth and cultural events
- Bachelor Degree in Marketing, Management, Public Relations or related field
The aim of the Youth Development Division is to support youth development by enhancing opportunities in training and employment.
The Division encourages and supports a comprehensive approach to youth development, by working together with a range of organisations and services which address the socio-economic, spiritual and socio-psychological concerns affecting youth in Tonga
The Assignment –
A VSA Volunteer will provide support to the Youth Development Division by assisting with its administrative, monitoring and evaluation, media and communications outputs.
The volunteer will work alongside Division staff to create systems and processes which will enhance opportunities for young people in Tonga, including the mapping of youth work in Tonga.
The Country – Tonga
The Kingdom of Tonga consists of 176 islands in four major groups, Tongatapu Island group, Ha’apai Island group, Vava’u Island group, and the Niu Island group. These islands form a narrow archipelago extending north from the Tropic of Capricorn.
There are many natural wonders in Tonga, and it is also one of the only places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales.
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
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 Tonga
- 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?