"Pacific Island Students' Transition Officer-2600261"

PACIFIC ISLANDS CENTRE | TE POKAPŪ MŌ NGĀ ĀKONGA O NGĀ MOUTERE O TE MOANA NUI A KIWA

STUDENT SERVICES | TE RATONGA ĀKONGA

About our team | Mō te tīma

Talofa lava, Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Fakatalofa atu, Mālō e lelei, Mālō nī, Kia orana and warm Pacific greetings to you all.

The Pacific Islands Centre was established in 2001 solely for supporting Pacific students, their families and communities. We offer academic, cultural and pastoral support to Pacific students, as well as providing advice and cultural guidance to research students, staff and community on anything Pacific. There are currently over 1250 students with Pacific heritage studying at Otago.

The Pacific Students Transition Officer plays a central role in ensuring that all new Pacific students are well prepared and adjust quickly to their first year at university. You will be the vital link working closely with support staff within the Academic Divisions and appropriate student support services on behalf of the Pacific Islands Centre. The main purpose of the role is to ensure that the students are transitioned to the correct academic and support services to assist with their academic success.

As the Pacific Students Transition Officer, you will:

•    Provide support and guidance to all new and first year Pacific Island students to help ensure academic and personal success.

•    Help students reach their potential by supporting them through a comprehensive orientation programme and individualised support.

•    Establish an effective and supportive relationship vital for both outreach and recruitment activities with the Schools’ Liaison team in the External Engagement Division.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

We are looking for aspiring Pacific leaders with the passion to support our students achieving their best. Ideally, you would have:

•    Knowledge, understanding and sensitivity of cultural and diversity issues with a focus on working with Pacific Islands people and their cultures.

•    Experience and passion for working with and supporting young people.

•    Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate with a wide range of people both verbally and in writing.

•    Excellent interpersonal skills reflected in the ability to engage with the Pacific community and people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, community leaders, schools, university academic and general staff.

Knowledge of the University of Otago is desirable. Having a university degree and experience in university life would be an advantage.

Further details | Pūroko

The University of Otago offers an outstanding working environment in one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, combined with a work-life balance Dunedin has to offer.

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $69,931 to $74,609 per annum. Top of the range is $80,285.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

Specific enquiries may be directed to Tagiilima Feleti, via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2600261 will close on Sunday, 22 February 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time. 

Additional Information

Contact:Tagilimia Feleti

Position details:Job Description

Further Information:Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy:Create email

Location:About Dunedin

Primary Location NZL-SI-Dunedin

Employment Status Permanent 

Salary Level and Range Level 5 (Range of Appointments $69,931 to $74,609, Top of Range $80,285)

Organisation Pacific Islands Centre

Job Function Advice, Support and Welfare