Business Development Advisor | Use Your Business Skills to Support Communities in Vanuatu Kia ora, Halo and warm Pacific greetings Te Whāinga | Our Purpose Te Hono Tangata - Te Huringa Ora
Connecting People – Transforming Lives.
Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) connects skilled volunteers with organisations and communities across 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 and use your business expertise to support communities and local enterprises in Vanuatu.
We are seeking an experienced Business Development Advisor to work alongside the Office of the Registrar of Cooperatives and Business Development Services (ORCBDS) in Lakatoro, Malekula.
In this role, you'll help strengthen the capability of local businesses, cooperatives, producers, and government staff by sharing your skills in business planning, strategic development, training, and market growth. You will work alongside local counterparts to support sustainable economic opportunities that can continue long after your assignment has ended.
This assignment is for 18 months (with the option to extend) and is based in Lakatoro, Malekula, Vanuatu.
VSA provides support by funding and organising flights, visas, insurance, accommodation, living allowance, and utilities for the duration of your assignment.
Why Volunteer with VSA? This is more than a volunteer assignment. It's an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution while gaining a truly unique life experience.
As a VSA Volunteer you'll receive:
If you're interested in this opportunity, here are some of the key skills and experiences we're looking for:
Working closely with the Department of Industry and the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards, ORCBDS helps communities strengthen governance, improve business practices, and create opportunities for economic growth.
Based in Malampa Province, the team works directly with local communities to support sustainable livelihoods and stronger local economies.
The Assignment The goal of this assignment is to strengthen business support services and increase economic opportunities for producers, cooperatives, and small businesses across Malampa Province.
Working alongside local counterparts, you will:
The Country | Vanuatu
Vanuatu is an island nation made up of more than 80 islands in the South Pacific, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, strong community values, and stunning natural beauty.
This assignment is based in Lakatoro on Malekula Island, where you'll experience a slower pace of life, breathtaking landscapes, and the opportunity to become part of a welcoming island community. VSA has worked in Vanuatu for many years and has built strong partnerships with government agencies, local organisations, and communities. Volunteers play an important role in supporting locally led initiatives that contribute to sustainable development and improved livelihoods. Living and working in Vanuatu offers the chance to immerse yourself in a different culture while making a meaningful contribution alongside local communities.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed, we still want to hear from you.
At VSA, we recognise that transferable skills, adaptability, cross-cultural awareness, relationship-building abilities, and a commitment to sustainable development can be just as valuable as specific technical expertise.
Please apply for this opportunity through our website at www.vsa.org.nz.
For more information, or if you have any questions about this assignment, please contact our Recruitment Advisor Kiri Henare at [email protected].
Please note: Due to VSA funding requirements, applicants must be New Zealand citizens or New Zealand permanent residents to progress through our recruitment process.
Connecting People – Transforming Lives.
Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) connects skilled volunteers with organisations and communities across 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 and use your business expertise to support communities and local enterprises in Vanuatu.
We are seeking an experienced Business Development Advisor to work alongside the Office of the Registrar of Cooperatives and Business Development Services (ORCBDS) in Lakatoro, Malekula.
In this role, you'll help strengthen the capability of local businesses, cooperatives, producers, and government staff by sharing your skills in business planning, strategic development, training, and market growth. You will work alongside local counterparts to support sustainable economic opportunities that can continue long after your assignment has ended.
This assignment is for 18 months (with the option to extend) and is based in Lakatoro, Malekula, Vanuatu.
VSA provides support by funding and organising flights, visas, insurance, accommodation, living allowance, and utilities for the duration of your assignment.
Why Volunteer with VSA? This is more than a volunteer assignment. It's an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution while gaining a truly unique life experience.
As a VSA Volunteer you'll receive:
- Flights to and from Vanuatu
- Furnished accommodation
- Living allowance and utilities
- Comprehensive insurance cover
- Visa support
- Professional and personal support throughout your assignment
- Opportunities to develop your cross-cultural and international development experience
- The chance to live and work alongside local communities while contributing to sustainable change
If you're interested in this opportunity, here are some of the key skills and experiences we're looking for:
- A relevant qualification, or significant experience, in business development, business management, commerce, economics, or a related field
- Experience supporting business growth, enterprise development, or small business management
- Strong strategic planning and business advisory skills
- Experience conducting market research and identifying business opportunities
- Sound financial management, budgeting, and planning skills
- Experience facilitating workshops, training, coaching, or mentoring others
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- The ability to work collaboratively across different cultures and environments
- A practical, solutions-focused approach and willingness to share knowledge with others
Working closely with the Department of Industry and the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards, ORCBDS helps communities strengthen governance, improve business practices, and create opportunities for economic growth.
Based in Malampa Province, the team works directly with local communities to support sustainable livelihoods and stronger local economies.
The Assignment The goal of this assignment is to strengthen business support services and increase economic opportunities for producers, cooperatives, and small businesses across Malampa Province.
Working alongside local counterparts, you will:
- Provide business planning and business administration support
- Deliver practical workshops and training programmes
- Strengthen employment and business management practices
- Support local producers to improve systems and record-keeping
- Help build networks and collaboration opportunities between businesses and producers
- Support quality improvement and product development initiatives
- Assist local businesses to explore domestic and export market opportunities
- Help identify barriers to market access and develop practical solutions
- Support preparations for future export opportunities through the Malekula Packhouse
The Country | Vanuatu
Vanuatu is an island nation made up of more than 80 islands in the South Pacific, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, strong community values, and stunning natural beauty.
This assignment is based in Lakatoro on Malekula Island, where you'll experience a slower pace of life, breathtaking landscapes, and the opportunity to become part of a welcoming island community. VSA has worked in Vanuatu for many years and has built strong partnerships with government agencies, local organisations, and communities. Volunteers play an important role in supporting locally led initiatives that contribute to sustainable development and improved livelihoods. Living and working in Vanuatu offers the chance to immerse yourself in a different culture while making a meaningful contribution alongside local communities.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed, we still want to hear from you.
At VSA, we recognise that transferable skills, adaptability, cross-cultural awareness, relationship-building abilities, and a commitment to sustainable development can be just as valuable as specific technical expertise.
Please apply for this opportunity through our website at www.vsa.org.nz.
For more information, or if you have any questions about this assignment, please contact our Recruitment Advisor Kiri Henare at [email protected].
Please note: Due to VSA funding requirements, applicants must be New Zealand citizens or New Zealand permanent residents to progress through our recruitment process.