UKI'S latest local, little Talis Cortes de Lacy is a symbol of what Australian Volunteers International can achieve.

The four-month-old was conceived by Marcos Castro Cortes and Ingrid de Lacy in the Solomon Islands during 2011.

Ms de Lacy was working at the time in the Solomon's Tetepare Islands as a sustainable livelihoods co-ordinator with the Tetepare Descendants Association.

"I wanted to get back in the field while in the process of doing my masters in community development," she said.

"When the position came up it seemed pretty fitting, because I was interested in going back to live in the Pacific for a while."

One of Ms de Lacy's "big achievements" with the organisation was facilitating sale of ngali nuts to other Solomon areas.

"The main achievement was the savings club program, whereby we worked with women in villages that didn't have banks or savings facilities.

"Even cash there is pretty new.

"They used to just spend it all at once, and didn't really have the concept of savings, or the husband would find it and spend it all.

"It was fantastic for them to be able to have that money when they wanted it, in what is still a very patriarchal society."

"It was very empowering for those women - one said, 'it's great to feel we're doing something important'."

She said professionals with knowledge and experience were placed in overseas fields to impart skills on local representatives.

Her counterpart was at first difficult, she said, and Ms de Lacy was not sure how engaged he was.

"Once the savings program was going he really got on board," she said.

"In a way that was the most sustainable achievement: capacity development of my counterpart."

Aside from the benefits to a developing society, Ms de Lacy said it was a "fantastic experience to engage with another culture".

"Some might have a glimpse when they travel, but when you're there for a few years it increases your tolerance, understanding and makes you feel better about what you have.

"And the relationships you build with local people are something you keep forever."

The final benefit was the practical experience she gained which could not be found in a normal job.

"When you apply for jobs they like to see that impact on your general experience.

"It was a great career move for me," Ms de Lacy said.

"I have been approached by international NGOs to undertake consultancy work".

She said she looked forward to taking up these opportunities when Talis no longer placed so many "pleasurable" demands on her time.

Australian Volunteers International started a drive for 100 jobs on January 21, which is also advertised on their website.

An information session will be held at the Southport Community Centre on February 8, from 6pm (Qld).