Student Support Advisor (Pacific)

University of Auckland; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Auckland is seeking a dedicated Student Support Adviser - Pacific within the Faculty of Law to support Pacific students across their academic journey with guidance, advocacy, and pastoral care. You will build trusted relationships, coordinate support, and contribute to welcoming, inclusive environments across the university.

In this permanent, full-time role (37.5 hours/week), you will collaborate with staff, student networks, and Moana Oceanic initiatives while helping

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification and/or relevant experience in student support or related fields.
• Experience providing pastoral care, mentoring, advising, or wellbeing support.
• Understanding of equity and Pacific student success factors.
• Ability to build relationships with students, whānau, staff, and colleagues.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage appointments and records.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Knowledge of Pasifika values and Pacific communities is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one advice and pastoral care to Pacific students.
• Support recruitment, retention, engagement, and student success initiatives.
• Collaborate with academic staff, Course Directors, and student networks.
• Coordinate appointments, respond to enquiries, maintain records.
• Support Moana Oceanic initiative and UTA Scheme.

Skills

Empathy

Communication skills

Relationship building

Organisational skills

Microsoft Office

Excel

Time management

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

• UoA Department Name: Student Support and Engagement

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading university. With more than 6,000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are proud to be one of the country’s largest and most diverse employers. Our people are driven by curiosity, purpose, and a shared commitment to creating positive impact for our communities.

The Faculty of Law is internationally recognised for excellence in legal education and research and is committed to supporting staff to achieve their full potential. Joining our team means contributing to meaningful outcomes for students while developing your own career in a supportive environment.

Job Description

The Faculty of Law is seeking a Student Support Adviser - Pacific to join our dedicated student support team. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference by supporting Pacific students throughout their academic journey, providing guidance, advocacy, and pastoral care that helps students thrive both personally and academically.

In this highly relationship focused role, you will work directly with students in the Pacific community, building trusted relationships and providing tailored support to enhance engagement, retention, wellbeing, and academic achievement. You will work with students who may be experiencing challenges, connect them with appropriate support services, and help create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing one-to-one advice, guidance, and pastoral care to Pacific students.
• Supporting initiatives that improve Pacific student recruitment, retention, engagement, and success.
• Working closely with academic staff, Course Directors, student support services, and Pacific student networks across the University.
• Supporting the Faculty's Moana Oceanic initiative and Undergraduate Targeted admissions (UTA) Scheme.
• Coordinating appointments, responding to student enquiries, maintaining accurate records, and supporting student-focused events and activities.

This is a permanent, full-time role (37.5 hours per week) position.

This position offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your experience in higher education while contributing directly to Pacific student success within one of New Zealand's leading law schools. You will also have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside Pacific leaders and advocates who are committed to fostering excellence and belonging.

You'll be joining a collaborative and supportive team committed to student success. Based within the Faculty of Law, this role sits within a professional services team that works across both the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Business and Economics, creating opportunities to build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and contribute to a connected student experience. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where Pacific students feel supported, connected, and empowered to achieve their goals.

You are passionate about supporting Pacific learners and enjoy building meaningful relationships that help others succeed. You bring empathy, strong communication skills, and the confidence to work with students from a wide range of backgrounds.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A tertiary qualification and/or relevant experience working in student support, Pacific support services, community engagement, education, or a related field.
• Experience providing pastoral care, mentoring, advising, or wellbeing support.
• An understanding of equity and the factors that contribute to Pacific student success.
• The ability to build effective relationships with students, whānau, academic staff, and professional colleagues.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, including managing appointments, coordinating activities, and maintaining accurate records.
• Strong computer literacy, including confidence using Microsoft Office applications and Excel.
• The ability to manage competing priorities in a busy and sometimes high‑pressure environment.
• Knowledge of Pasifika values, and experience working with Pacific communities or students would be highly advantageous.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home up to one day per week during peak periods and up to two days during quieter periods, where operational requirements allow)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme.
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave.
• In addition, we offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and other discounts on internal and external services.
• For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Ashley Flavell on [email protected] . Please note that whilst we are happy to answer questions, we do not accept applications by email.

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpu iMVPFAFF, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz