International Adviser

Do you have experience in international research, international education, international relations, or the public sector?

Are you familiar with the New Zealand research sector and the university environment, particularly working with academics?

Can you engage effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating strong cultural competency and interpersonal skills?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role 

Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting an International Adviser (Research) in Te Kōhure - Research Office in a permanent, full-time role based at Kelburn Campus.

This strategic role supports the delivery of the University’s International Research Funding Strategy. You’ll develop initiatives that strengthen international research partnerships and funding opportunities, provide high-level advice to key leaders, and enable compliance with Trusted Research – Protective Security Requirements (TR-PSR). You’ll work across the University and with external partners to position the University as a globally engaged research institution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic, evidence-based advice to senior staff on international research development, postgraduate recruitment, and partnership opportunities.
• Translate the International Research Funding Strategy into action, creating a monitoring framework for initiatives and conducting reviews on progress.
• Oversee logistics for international delegations.
• Drive stakeholder engagement by aligning education and research initiatives, building strong relationships internally and externally, and actively networking with research development teams in New Zealand and abroad.
• Lead the University’s approach to Trusted Research – Protective Security Requirements (TR-PSR), including maintaining guidance materials, delivering training, providing early-stage advice, and monitoring sector developments.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You will be a motivated, methodical, outcomes-focussed individual who can follow up leads and give shape to a strategy across a complex organisation. 

Key Requirements:

• A postgraduate qualification and/or equivalent mix of education and relevant experience. 
• Previous experience demonstrated in the international research sector, international education sector, international relations or public sector.
• Sound knowledge of the New Zealand research sector, particularly the university environment working with academics.
• Proven experience managing multiple diverse projects simultaneously, often in a time sensitive situation, to a high standard, with the ability to work unsupervised.
• Ability to provide sound advice based on comprehensive analysis, covering the identification of risks and accurate representation of opportunities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural competency, with the ability to relate to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. 
• Proven ability to present complex and detailed information to varied audiences including researching and writing reports and papers.

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: 20 October 2025.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Katy Miller (katy.miller@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. Interviews are scheduled for 22-24 October. 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.