The Vanuatu Cricket Association has appointed Chris Laffan as the Pacific nation's new high performance manager and national head coach.

The 32-year-old joins Vanuatu Cricket with a broad skills base across cricket coaching and education in Victoria, having held the head coaching position at Melbourne's Craigieburn Cricket Club since 2017.

In his role, Laffan will be responsible for the development of Vanuatu's cricket program with a focus on individual player development and performance pathways.

He will also work closely with Vanuatu Cricket Association staff and stakeholders to ensure the growth and sustainability of domestic cricket in Vanuatu.

In responding to his appointment, Laffan said he was eager to begin his new role with Vanuatu Cricket after viewing the country's recent home series against the Australian Indigenous men's and women's sides.

"After catching a glimpse of the men's and women's sides during the recent Australian Indigenous Tour, I'm very excited to be able to have the opportunity to work with such welcoming and talented squads," Laffan said.

"The opportunity to further evolve the current player pathway program is an exciting prospect, as is capitalising on cricket being the highest ranked team sport and further driving participation levels from a grass roots level.

"It's an honour to accept the position and I'm hopeful I can provide an opportunity to embed long term growth in Vanuatu cricket."

Laffan's appointment comes as Vanuatu National Men's Team prepares for the 2023 ICC T20 World Cup East-Asia Pacific Regional Final to be held in Port Moresby in July.

The tournament will see Vanuatu compete against the likes of Japan, the Phillipines and Papua New Guinea for regional bragging rights and a spot in the 20-team 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Vanuatu Cricket Association chief executive Tim Cutler said with Laffan's appointment and the experience gained in observing the team from the sidelines during the recent Australian Indigenous National Teams' tour, the Vanuatu team is well-positioned to make a strong showing at the Regional Final.

"We are delighted to welcome Chris to the Vanuatu Cricket family. This is an exciting time for cricket in Vanuatu – the country's highest ranked team sport – and after a long process unfortunately interrupted by Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin, we are overjoyed to finally secure our preferred candidate," Cutler said.

"Chris was very impressive throughout the process with his understanding of the unique challenges that come with growing the sport in an emerging nation like ours, and his experience coaching and teaching individuals from different backgrounds and cultures will be an asset here.

"Moreover, we look forward to welcoming Chris, partner Maddie and their baby daughter Laiken as they make Port Vila their home, hopefully for the long-term."

Laffan will commence in the role as soon as the necessary visa approvals are completed, allowing him and his family to relocate from Melbourne.