Pacific Advisor

Job Description:

Pacific Knowledge & Culture Hub: Pacific Development Team
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 4 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Generous superannuation provisions (up to 6.75% employer contribution)
• 1 year fixed-term position (Parental leave cover)
• 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)

Talofa lava, Ni sa bula, Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Malo e lelei, Halo, Ko na mauri, Malo ni and warm Pacific greetings!

We are on the lookout for a Pacific Advisor to join our Pacific Development Team here at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
The vision of the Pacific Knowledge and Cultural Hub (PAKC), which includes the Pacific Development Team (PDT) is to nurture, enrich and enhance academic excellence, meaningful Pacific cultural experience, life-long skills and community relationships within the University of Canterbury (UC) and beyond.

As the Pacific Advisor, you will be an essential part of the PAKC hub team, connected and supported by our diverse Pacific cultural values and aspirations. You will work to enhance the retention, achievement, and completion rates of Pacific students at UC. This will be achieved through providing holistic support and advice, as well as providing cohort-specific workshops, programmes, and events.

Mōu | Who You Are
The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of experience in a related role and bring an understanding of the academic, social, and cultural needs of Pacific students.

You will also demonstrate:

• Sensitivity and insight in your interactions with Pacific students
• A good grasp of a Pacific language, customs, and protocols.
• Experience in supporting project teams, achieved results, and have strong skills in communication, listening, and report writing
• Excellent organisation, presentation skills, and proven leadership.
• Experience with Pacific support networks and agencies
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
• Excellent presentation skills and competency in MS Office applications

If you are passionate about making a real difference for Pacific students and enhancing the student experience, we encourage you to apply.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
Under the leadership of the Director, Pacific Development and Senior Advisor, the Pacific Advisor will be part of the Pacific Development Team (PDT) that provides extensive holistic support, opportunities, programmes, and events for Pacific students at UC as well as some initiatives for UC staff and the wider community.

For more information on our Pacific Development team please visit us here

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, they include:

• 4 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%) (If over 9 month)
• flexible working arrangements
• professional development opportunities
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• on-campus staff discounts
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

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: 12 July 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before 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 to be considered for this role.

Please note, this is an onsite position.