Kaitohutohu Ākonga | Learner Advisor

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

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks annual leave

Employer contribution to superannution

Flexible working arrangement

Staff discounts

Campus facilities access

Job summary

The University of Canterbury invites applications for a Learner Advisor (UC Online), based in Ōtautahi–Christchurch. You will provide holistic pastoral support, case management and practical academic guidance to ākonga, helping enrolment, programme planning and study-related challenges.

Working with facilitators and student services, you will deliver culturally responsive advice for Māori, Pacific and other priority learners, using MS Office and Zoom to coordinate referrals across the Learner

Qualifications

• 3–4 years’ relevant experience in learner advising or student support.
• Ability to provide holistic academic guidance and case management.
• Experience working with diverse priority learner groups and partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic pastoral support and academic guidance to UC Online ākonga.
• Manage learner cases, enrolment, programme planning and study-related challenges.
• Coordinate referrals and collaborate with facilitators, student services and external agencies.

Skills

Learner advising

Communication

Organisation

Relationship building

Privacy & confidentiality

Microsoft Office

Zoom

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoom

Student information systems

Job description

The University of Canterbury was established in 1873. Based in Christchurch, on the South Island of New Zealand, the University of Canterbury (UC) has an impressive international profile in research, learning and advanced scholarship in...

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Fixed term position until 23December 2027
• Between 30-37.5 hours per week (0.8-1 FTE)
• Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• One evening shift each week, working until approximately 7:00–7:30 pm.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

As a Learner Advisor, you will be a trusted first point of contact for UC Online ākonga, providing holistic pastoral support, case management and practical academic guidance. You will build strong relationships, identify learners at risk, coordinate referrals, and help ākonga navigate enrolment, programme planning and study-related challenges so they can thrive and succeed.

Working collaboratively with facilitators, student services and the wider Learner Experience team, you will deliver culturally responsive advice, learner events and proactive support for Māori, Pacific and other priority learners.

You will bring 3–4 years’ relevant experience in learner advising, student support or a similar role preferably in a tertiary environment. You will also bring:

• Demonstrated experience supporting priority groups and responding to diverse academic, social and cultural needs.
• Strong capability in academic advice, including programme planning, enrolment, course changes, withdrawals and related processes.
• Culturally responsive practice and an understanding of Māori and Pacific learner needs; competency in te reo Māori is an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to provide clear, accurate and timely advice.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple learner cases, competing priorities and deadlines with sound follow-through.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships and collaborate with facilitators, university services and external agencies.
• Working knowledge of privacy and confidentiality requirements, university policies and digital tools including Microsoft Office, student systems and Zoom.
• 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 closely with the UC Online Programme Manager, Online Learner Experience Lead and course facilitators, as well as colleagues across enrolment, student services, faculties and specialist support teams. Together, you will provide coordinated, culturally responsive support that helps UC Online ākonga enrol, engage, progress and succeed.

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.

• 4 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangement
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• 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: 24 November 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

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

Please note, this is an onsite position.