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.
About volunteering with VSA
VSA is New Zealand's largest and most experienced volunteering agency working in international development. We provide skilled Kiwi volunteers to support organisations in the Pacific and beyond through capacity building, both in country and virtually.
Please note VSA Volunteers must be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
Our Partner Organisation – Animal Protection Society (APS)
Animal Protection Society (APS)is a Not-for-Profit Incorporated Society that was established in 1994 by an animal loving expatriate community living in, and dedicated to Samoa. APS works together with the Government of Samoa and communities to improve the health and welfare of dogs and cats in Samoa. APS dreams of a Samoa where all domestic animals are loved, well cared for and healthy. Our Mission is -To provide humane care and services to the domestic pet and stray animal population of Samoa.
The Assignment
The major challenge facing APS at the present time is finding a qualified veterinarian to lead clinical service delivery at APS clinic and mentor our local staff. There are no qualified veterinarians in Samoa and without a qualified vet on-site the type of veterinary services that our local staff can provide is restricted.
To enable APS to provide a full range of veterinary services to pet owners in Samoa, the volunteer, in addition to providing veterinary services will also build capacity for local staff, particularly the veterinary assistants and provide expert advice on practices and systems to improve the quality and efficiency of service delivery.
The Country
VSA’s association with Samoa dates back to 1963 when our very first volunteer took up an assignment in Apia. Till recently, these assignments were primarily focused on education. In 2012, we began sending volunteers who are working in agriculture, livelihoods, community infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
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.
Samoa
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 who has the following:
- Bachelor's degree in veterinary science
- Current Registration with the Veterinary Board in NZ and current practicing certificate
- Minimum 2-years' experience in a small animall veterinary clinic
- Understanding of small animal clinic management.
- Experience in advocating or improved animal health and welfare.
Apply for this amazing opportunity through our website. For more information on this assignment, email volunteer@vsa.org.nz.
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If you are on the VSA website, please click on the download assignment description at the top of the page.
We are looking for a volunteer with:
- Full time volunteer opportunity in beautiful Samoa
- Flights, accommodation and other expenses covered by VSA
- Contribute to increasing awareness of animal welfare in the Pacific
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?