HR Adviser

HR Divisional Advice and Support; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 97,000 - 106,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Otago in Ōtepoti, Dunedin, invites an experienced HR generalist to join the Divisional HR team. Working alongside the Divisional HR Manager and a full-time HR Adviser, you will provide practical HR guidance to Operations Division clients and help shape people solutions.

This part-time, 22.5 hours per week, 12-month fixed term role requires strong knowledge of NZ employment law, a culturally safe approach and proven conflict-resolution skills.

Qualifications

• Well-developed understanding of HR processes and policies.
• Several years of recent experience in a generalist HR role.
• Excellent knowledge of NZ employment legislation and its application.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including a level of comfort with complex or challenging situations.
• Dedication to working in a culturally safe and respectful manner, including understanding Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Pasifika values.
• Effective communicator and facilitator with proven conflict-resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide generalist HR advice and support to Operations Division clients.
• Deliver HR technical guidance on disputes resolution, restructuring and workplace change, personal grievances, conduct and capability, training and development, and policy implementation.
• Work with the HR Advisory team and across the wider Human Resources Division.
• Champion values: Manaakitaka/Respect, Pono/Integrity, Māhirahira/Curiosity and Whakawhanaukataka/Community.

Skills

HR processes and policies

Generalist HR experience

NZ employment legislation

Interpersonal skills

Communication / facilitation

Cultural safety / Te Tiriti awareness

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

HR Divisional Advice and Support – Dunedin, South Island

The University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has been a renowned place of learning and discovery for more than 150 years. We strive to become an even more successful, globally influential university, committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as we advance outstanding research and research-informed teaching to enable transformative learning and student experiences.

Our Vision/Ko te Aronga is for our people and knowledge to transform lives, connect communities and nurture the environment in Ōtākou, Te Waipounamu, Aotearoa, the Pacific, and the world.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a collaborative and dedicated HR team. We are looking for an experienced and confident HR generalist, who enjoys working independently to develop pragmatic HR solutions for clients, to join us.

The role | Te mahi

Working closely with the Divisional HR Manager and full-time HR Adviser, you will provide generalist HR advice and support to clients within the Operations Division.

This will involve the provision of HR technical guidance and support on a range of matters including disputes resolution, restructuring and workplace change, personal grievances, management of conduct and capability, training and development, and effective implementation of employment agreements, policies, procedures and best practice.

You will have the support of a comprehensive HR infrastructure, and colleagues both within the HR Advisory team and across the wider Human Resources Division.

We are looking for a professional who will champion our values: Manaakitaka/Respect, Pono/Integrity, Māhirahira/Curiosity and Whakawhanaukataka/Community.

You will also have:

• Well-developed understanding of HR processes and policies.
• Several years of recent experience in a generalist HR role.
• Excellent knowledge of NZ employment legislation and its application.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including a level of comfort with complex or challenging situations.
• Dedication to working in a culturally safe and respectful manner, including understanding and appreciation of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and Pasifika values.

You will be an effective communicator and facilitator, with proven success in building effective professional relationships and proven conflict resolutions skills.

A Tertiary qualification in a relevant field is desirable.

This role is a part-time (22.5 hours per week), fixed term (12 months) position within the Operations Division, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment salary range for this role is $96,587 to $105,532. Top of range is $114,474, pro rata, per annum.

We offer an amazing team environment, 5 weeks’ annual leave (pro rata), a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and excellent professional development opportunities.

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.

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

For further information or to discuss the role in confidence - please contact Ray Tobin, Divisional Human Resources Manager via the contact details below

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

Note: As a part-time position, the salary range for this role will be the pro-rata equivalent of the annual full-time salary range listed.
Contact: Ray Tobin

Further Information: Department Website