"Programme Coordinator Tiaki Whenua"

Te Kura Aronukurangi School of Earth and Environment

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

Fixed-Term position until February 2028

9.75 hours per week (0.25FTE)

Do you thrive on bringing complex programmes together, building strong relationships, and keeping ambitious research on track? Are you excited by the challenge of supporting Antarctic science that matters — to people, place and planet?

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

We’re looking for a highly organised, proactive Programme Coordinator to play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s flagship Antarctic research programmes (Tiaki Whenua) within the Antarctic Science Platform (https://www.antarcticscienceplatform.org.nz). Based in the University of Canterbury (UC) you’ll provide operational, logistical and coordination support to ensure Antarctic field activities, reporting, finances and partnerships all run smoothly — enabling researchers to focus on world-class science.

You’ll work closely with Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs), researchers, subcontractors, Antarctica New Zealand, and ASP leadership, acting as a trusted connector who keeps people aligned, informed and moving forward. You will be required to:

Coordinate and support Antarctic field planning and delivery across research teams

Drive clear, proactive communication across researchers, partners and leadership

Track risks, issues and dependencies to keep work on course

Support programme budgets, forecasting and reporting

Support MBIE and ASP reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness

Deliver annual hui, workshops and engagement activities

Support programme communications, events and profile

Mōu | Who You Are

You will have at least 5 years’ experience in research coordination, project administration or a similar role. You will also be able to demonstrate:

Strong organisational skills and the ability to juggle competing priorities with confidence

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Experience working with reporting requirements and budgets (research or public sector preferred)

Confidence working across complex, multi-stakeholder environments

A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with strong attention to detail

Experience with Antarctic or remote field operations (highly desirable)

An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

You will work primarily with Tiaki Whenua’s Antarctic Science Platform Co-Principal Investigators at the School of Earth and Environment and the contract delivery team at Research and Innovation UC. You will also interact with our national researcher partners including Antarctica New Zealand, University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, and the PRO Earth Sciences New Zealand.

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. 

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: 4 March 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 WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

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