Research Policy and Program Support Officer

We’re looking for a Research Policy and Program Support Officer who can live and volunteer for 12 to 16 months in Vanuatu. 

 ·       This assignment seeks to strengthen the project and program management capacity of the CEO, Deputy CEO, and Directors through technical support and tools, build the operational and research planning capacity of the VARTC Research Office through training and coaching, and support the development and refinement of internal policy frameworks and management templates to guide implementation of the strategic plan. 

·       To be considered for this role, you’ll need a degree in public policy, international development, agricultural sciences, or related field.

·       You will be working alongside with the CEO and Deputy CEO, Directors, and Research personnel. 

About the Partner Organisation 

The Vanuatu Agriculture Research and Technical Center (VARTC) is the national institution responsible for leading agriculture research and development in Vanuatu. Operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, it supports sustainable farming, food security, and rural livelihoods through applied research, technical innovation, and knowledge transfer. VARTC focuses on key areas such as crop improvement, plant protection, soil and water soil and water and farm management systems, with an emphasis on locally relevant solutions. ln 2024 VARTC launched its first Strategic Plan and undertook a major restructuring and recruitment drive to strengthen institutional capacity, improve governance, and align with national and regional development priorities. lt works in close collaboration with farmers, government agencies, regional partners, and development organization to drive innovation and resilience in the agriculture sector.

About the Australian Volunteers Program  

The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian government-funded initiative. We support partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to achieve locally led change.  

Volunteers are supported throughout their volunteer journey. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to volunteer and aim to make the program as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact us to discuss how we can support you to volunteer with us - inclusion@australianvolunteers.com. Learn more about our commitment to inclusion.