Project Manager (Pacific Security Research Hub)

Job Description:

Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Fixed-Term position until end of March 2027
• 15 hours per week (0.4 FTE)

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Project Manager? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to support and coordinate the Pacific Regional Security Hub (PRSH) within the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury. This role plays a central part in ensuring the effective delivery of research programmes, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and operational coordination across a dynamic, regionally focused research environment.

You will be responsible for the coordination and delivery of PRSH projects, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and alignment with agreed objectives. This includes managing timelines, supporting research outputs, coordinating events, and maintaining strong communication across internal and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing, managing, and maintaining project plans, timelines, and deliverables
• Monitoring progress against objectives, budgets, and reporting requirements
• Supporting research outputs, publications, and associated logistics
• Coordinating stakeholder engagement, including meetings, workshops, seminars, and regional events
• Assisting with funding applications and supporting grant-related activities
• Preparing regular reporting for internal and external stakeholders
• Maintaining clear documentation, project records, and information systems
• Ensuring compliance with UC policies, including data security and ethical requirements

You will also contribute to strengthening relationships with Pacific partners and supporting the smooth coordination of collaborative activities across the Hub.

Mōu | Who You Are
You are an experienced Project Manager who is comfortable working across multiple priorities in research, academic, or complex stakeholder environment. You bring strong organisational capability, financial awareness, and the ability to deliver high-quality outcomes under shifting deadlines.

You will have:

• 3–5 years’ experience in project management, ideally in academic, research, or public sector settings
• Experience in grant writing and securing or supporting external funding
• Strong understanding of core project management principles (scope, time, cost, risk, quality, communications)
• Ability to manage budgets, forecasts, and reporting requirements
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint (and Project advantageous)
• Strong analytical, reporting, and problem-solving capability

You will also demonstrate:

• Knowledge of Pacific cultures, issues, and community contexts, with experience working alongside Pacific peoples
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Flexibility in responding to changing priorities and deadlines
• A commitment to culturally responsive practice, including alignment with UC values and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
You will be based within the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, working closely with the PRSH Convenor, Pacific Security Specialist, academic staff, and regional partners. The role reports to the Pacific Security Specialist and supports the Pro Vice-Chancellor – Pacific.

This is a collaborative environment focused on Pacific research, regional engagement, and high-quality project delivery.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

UC’s Benefits approach is shaped by Ngā Uara | Our Values Whanaungatanga, Tiakitanga, and Manaakitanga. They are designed to be relevant, support and inspire our people.

We offer a range of benefits, for more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc .

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: 5 July 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note applications will be reviewed after the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to [email protected]

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.

Please note, this is an onsite position.