Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement

View More Jobs Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand (On-site) Job Description Can you help connect communities, build partnerships, and advance Pacific aspirations? Are you passionate about making a difference working with and alongside our Pacific peoples? Do you have 5+ years' of experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, communications, or a related field? Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington has an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement within Vaka Tangata Moana - Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika on a permanent, full-time basis. This is a chance to contribute to work that matters. The Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement will play a key part in advancing the University's Pacific Strategic Outcomes Framework by building meaningful relationships, amplifying Pacific voices, and strengthening engagement across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific. Working as part of Vaka Tangata Moana - Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika, the Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement will lead an integrated programme of engagement, communications, and events to strengthen the University’s relationships with peoples of and from the Pacific. Specifically, you will develop and deliver high-impact initiatives that celebrate Pacific excellence, raise the visibility of Pacific achievement, and create opportunities for the University to build enduring partnerships with Pacific peoples. Key responsibilities: Strategic oversight of the University’s engagement with peoples of and from the Pacific. Design and deliver high-profile events that strengthen connection, visibility, and impact. Lead strategic communications that amplify Pacific voices, stories, and achievements. Ō pūmanawa - About you You are an exceptional relationship builder who understands the importance of meaningful partnerships and authentic engagement. You bring strategic thinking, cultural confidence, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work across diverse environments and stakeholders. Whether engaging with parents or senior government representatives, you are able to build trust, create opportunities, and connect people around a shared purpose. Key requirements: 5+ years’ experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, communications, partnerships, or a related field. Demonstrated understanding of Pacific communities and the diversity that exists across peoples of and from the Pacific. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with proven experience in building strong networks with a variety of people, services and organisation. Proven event management experience, and the ability to organise events that deliver on agreed objectives. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Project management including defining project scope, drafting plans, identifying opportunities and risks and ensure accountability. Proven ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy and confidence. A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience. Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the values of the University. Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details. If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page. Close date for vacancy: 27 September 2026. Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika, Emma Dunlop-Bennett (emma.dunlop-bennett@vuw.ac.nz). How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted. Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here. Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise . Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team Join the Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Pasifika , where innovation meets cultural excellence! Be part of a vibrant team dedicated to empowering Pasifika communities, fostering academic success, and celebrating diversity. Your opportunity to make a meaningful impact starts here. Shape the future, support Pasifika students and staff, and thrive in an inclusive, dynamic environment. Apply now and be a catalyst for change! Apply Now Job Info Job Identification 1010065 Job Category Professional Posting Date 09/13/2026, 10:05 PM Apply Before 09/27/2026, 06:55 AM Job Schedule Full time Locations Old Kirk Building, Kelburn Parade, Wellington, 6012, NZ (On-site) Similar Jobs Senior Adviser, Student Engagement and Employability Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand (On-site) Posted on 08/30/2026 Permanent, part-time role supporting graduate employability and workforce readiness. Senior Student Recruitment Adviser Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand (On-site) Posted on 09/17/2026 Permanent, full-time opportunity taking ownership of student recruitment outcomes.

• This is a chance to contribute to work that matters. The Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement will play a key part in advancing the University's Pacific Strategic Outcomes Framework by building meaningful relationships, amplifying Pacific voices, and strengthening engagement across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.
• Working as part of Vaka Tangata Moana - Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika, the Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement will lead an integrated programme of engagement, communications, and events to strengthen the University’s relationships with peoples of and from the Pacific.
• Specifically, you will develop and deliver high-impact initiatives that celebrate Pacific excellence, raise the visibility of Pacific achievement, and create opportunities for the University to build enduring partnerships with Pacific peoples.
• Strategic oversight of the University’s engagement with peoples of and from the Pacific.
• Design and deliver high-profile events that strengthen connection, visibility, and impact.
• Lead strategic communications that amplify Pacific voices, stories, and achievements.

• Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.
• You are an exceptional relationship builder who understands the importance of meaningful partnerships and authentic engagement.
• You bring strategic thinking, cultural confidence, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work across diverse environments and stakeholders.
• Whether engaging with parents or senior government representatives, you are able to build trust, create opportunities, and connect people around a shared purpose.
• 5+ years’ experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, communications, partnerships, or a related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of Pacific communities and the diversity that exists across peoples of and from the Pacific.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with proven experience in building strong networks with a variety of people, services and organisation.
• Proven event management experience, and the ability to organise events that deliver on agreed objectives.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Project management including defining project scope, drafting plans, identifying opportunities and risks and ensure accountability.
• Proven ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy and confidence.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the values of the University.