Pacific Students Transition and Accommodation Adviser

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.

The Pacific Islands Centre (PIC) was established in 2001 to walk alongside Pacific students throughout their academic journey. Our aim is to make university life not only successful, but enjoyable, affirming and grounded in who our students are.

We see ourselves as your family away from home, a place where students, families and communities feel welcomed, supported and valued. The Pacific Island Centre provides academic, cultural and pastoral support, and offers cultural guidance for staff, research students and the wider university community.

Today, the Pacific Island Centre supports a vibrant and growing community of over 1,250 students with Pacific heritage studying at Otago.

The role | Te mahi

We are seeking a Pacific Students Transition and Accommodation Adviser to support Pacific students as they transition into university life, with a focus on residential colleges and accommodation providers.

The role provides culturally grounded transition, orientation, and pastoral support to new and first-year Pacific students. Working closely with Colleges, Te Huka Mātauraka, and wider Student Services, you will help ensure students feel connected, supported and confident early in their university journey, contributing to improved engagement, retention and success.

You will:
• Deliver culturally responsive transition and orientation support.
• Provide individualised pastoral and academic pathways guidance.
• Build strong relationships with Colleges and student support services.
• Support early intervention and retention initiatives.
• Champion Pacific values and culturally safe practices.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

We are looking for an aspiring Pacific leader who is passionate about supporting students to thrive. Ideally, you will have:

• Proven experience working with Pacific peoples and strong knowledge of Pacific cultures, values, and diversity.
• Experience supporting young adults in educational, pastoral, cultural, or community settings.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• The ability to plan, co-ordinate, and deliver programmes or events.
• A tertiary qualification or equivalent relevant experience (desirable).
• Understanding of the tertiary education environment is an advantage.

Further details | Pūroko

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

The appointment range for this role is $75,631 to $80,503 per annum. Top of range $88,750 per annum.

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

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

Specific enquiries may be directed to Tagiilima Feleti, Manager of the Pacific Island Centre via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including a CV and cover letter), please click the apply button below, quoting reference number 2600599 Applications close on Sunday, 19 April 2026.

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

Position details: Job Description
Further Information: Department Website