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Connect with the Peace Corps
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Serve where you’re needed mostArtisan Business Development Specialist
Community Economic Development
Job highlights
- Learn common Bislama phrases from colleagues, neighbors, and a tutor.
- Gain a deeper understanding of challenges facing entrepreneurs in the Pacific Islands.
- Be inspired by Vanuatu’s creative artisans while contributing to Vanuatu’s local economy.
Vanuatu • Pacific Islands
In partnership with: Vanuatu Department of Industry
Get answers live — every weekday at .
Apply by
August 15, 2026Know by
October 1, 2026Depart on
March 9, 2027Duration
12 monthsAbout the project
Are you passionate about preserving cultural heritage and supporting creative industries?
The Vanuatu Department of Industry seeks support to strengthen the handicraft sector— a vital part of the nation’s cultural identity and rural economy. Since integrating the Creative Industry Sector in 2021, the department has worked to formalize and sustain handicraft production across Vanuatu. However, rapid growth in stakeholder interest and demand has outpaced available resources, creating challenges in maintaining quality standards, addressing logistical barriers, and improving market access.
Partnering with the Department will help bridge these gaps and empower communities, especially women. This can be a part of strengthening Vanuatu’s creative industries, drive rural economic growth, and unlock the country’s potential to compete in niche markets with premium products. As the Artisan Business Development Specialist, you will support rural artisans to preserve traditional weaving techniques while fostering innovation and quality standards. Your collaborative efforts will enhance domestic and export markets, improve livelihoods, and promote cultural heritage for future generations.
Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Vanuatu project page.
Required skills
Qualified candidates will have the following criteria:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, including social science, education, business, management and organizational development.
AND
Three or more years of technical expertise in organizational capacity development and training, strategic planning, or results-based project management and reporting.
Language: There are no pre-requisite language requirements for this position.
Required behavioral competencies
These competencies are essential for all service assignments and are assessed in the application and interview process:
Motivation for and commitment to service
Adaptability and open-mindedness
Problem solving and resourcefulness
Behavioral maturity and professionalism
Photos from Vanuatu
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Conduct an assessment of the handicraft sector to identify gaps and opportunities.
Facilitate training sessions on quality standards and formal business practices.
Support artisans in developing innovative designs for domestic and international markets.
Assist in creating and implementing marketing strategies for handicraft hubs.
Promote handicraft products through social media and other digital platforms.
Develop a system for collecting and analyzing data on handicraft production and sales.
Collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen the handicraft value chain.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as a reading or movie club.
While this assignment is based in Vanuatu’s capital, the Volunteer should still be prepared for a lifestyle that differs from urban settings elsewhere. Housing is generally modest and may include basic amenities, and access to running water and electricity can vary. Occasional travel to outer islands may involve boat trips and navigating varied terrain, such as beaches and forest paths.
Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Vanuatu country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.
Meet a Volunteer in Vanuatu
Sally C.
Tourism Investment Strategy Advisor
"What continues to astound me is people’s language flexibility, flowing between Bislama, French, English and local languages as well as their deep pride and continuance of their kastom (local cultural traditions)."
See full Volunteer profile
After a 2-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to a provincial community where you will collaborate with the Department of Industry to assess the local needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.
Peace Corps/Vanuatu will equip you with Bislama language resources and you may work with a local tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.
No couples are accepted for this position.
Application process
From application to departure takes around nine months. Learn about the application process for Volunteer opportunities.
Medical/legal clearance
You will need to be cleared medically and legally in order to serve in Vanuatu. Review information on medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.
