Confucius Institute Coordinator

University of Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave +5 days uni hols

Employer 6.75% superannuation

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive working environment

Retail discounts across shopping,娱乐与旅行

Living in Ōtautahi Christchurch

UC facilities discounts and onsite Caf

Job summary

The University of Canterbury in Christchurch, Aotearoa, invites applications for a Confucius Institute Coordinator. This onsite role connects schools, communities and UC through language programmes and cultural events, shaping cross-cultural understanding.

You will coordinate Mandarin Language Assistant programmes, organise school camps in China, promote courses, manage day-to-day admin, events, digital content and financial processes to ensure smooth delivery and a positive experience for

Qualifications

• 4–5 years’ experience in general office administration.
• Strong organisational skills, ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, fluency in English; Mandarin preferred.
• Culturally sensitive, inclusive approach, interest in Chinese culture.
• Maintaining confidentiality, providing professional stakeholder support.
• Tertiary qualification equivalent to NZQA Level 4.
• Competency in te reo Māori is an advantage.
• Willingness and ability to travel within NZ and to China.
• Alignment with UC values and an inclusive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Mandarin Language Assistant programme and support assistants.
• Organise school camps in China, cultural events and prizegivings.
• Oversee day-to-day office administration, course and event promotion.
• Manage digital content and financial processes for the Institute.
• Build relationships with schools, assistants and local communities.

Skills

Office administration

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Mandarin language skills (preferred)

Cultural awareness

Confidentiality

Travel willingness

Team collaboration

Education

NZQA Level 4 qualification or equivalent

Job description

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

Be part of bringing Chinese language and culture to communities across the South Island. As Confucius Institute Coordinator, you will connect schools, communities and the University of Canterbury through engaging language programmes and cultural experiences, helping build meaningful relationships, strengthen cross-cultural understanding and inspire a lasting appreciation of Chinese culture.

From coordinating the Mandarin Language Assistant programme and supporting assistants as they settle into life in New Zealand, to organising school camps in China, cultural events and Chinese prizegivings, you will bring people, logistics and communications together to make things happen. This role involves overseeing day-to-day office administration, course and event promotion, digital content and financial processes, helping ensure the Confucius Institute runs smoothly and delivers a positive experience for its diverse communities.

You are a proactive and organised coordinator who enjoys working with people from different cultural backgrounds and balancing a varied workload. You can take ownership of tasks and priorities while contributing positively to a collaborative team.

You will bring:

• 4–5 years’ experience in general office administration
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accuracy and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English. Mandarin language skills are preferred.
• A culturally sensitive and inclusive approach, with an interest in Chinese culture and a willingness to learn.
• Maintaining confidentiality, using sound judgement and providing responsive, professional support to a range of stakeholders.
• A tertiary qualification equivalent to National Certificate (NZQA Level 4).
• Competency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga is an advantage.
• Willingness and ability to travel within New Zealand and to China, if required.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

The successful candidate will hold a full, current New Zealand driver’s licence and a current First Aid Certificate or be willing to undertake First Aid training.

Working with the Confucius Institute Directors, UC colleagues and partners across the South Island and China, you will build relationships with schools, Mandarin Language Assistants and local communities to support the Institute’s programmes.

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.

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangements
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• 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.

The closing date for this position is: 2 November 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role.

Please note, this is an onsite position.