International Development Scholarship Advisor

Are you interested in a permanent full-time opportunity that supports students to reach their goals? Can you demonstrate experience of counselling or support work, preferably in an academic environment? Do you have outstanding communication skills and the ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds?

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is recruiting a Kaiārahi Karahipi - International Development Scholarships Student Adviser to join Te Pūrengi - Student Experience and Wellbeing team on a permanent full-time basis. You will support scholarship recipients, largely from the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

You will be a valued member of a small high-performing team who coordinate and deliver pastoral care, academic support, and scholarship management for international students studying on a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship. This programme is funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme and managed by Education New Zealand in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

• Support students to reach their goals and complete their scholarships through providing accurate and timely advice
• Contribute to the delivery of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme and the contract the University has with Education New Zealand
• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders across the University to ensure students have holistic support

Our team is passionate about the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme and every student who receives a scholarship. We work collaboratively and enjoy problem solving as a team. We offer flexible working arrangements and professional development.

You will be a motivated, independent, and empathetic individual with sound judgement and outstanding problem-solving skills. You will need strong communication skills and have experience working with people from a wide range of backgrounds, with specifically an understanding of Pacific or Southeast Asian cultures. You will thrive in this role with a proactive, people-first approach.

You will be competent in providing advice and support in difficult personal situations and crises. You will enjoy being part of a close-knit team and will have the ability to self-manage and balance competing priorities.

• Proven experience of counselling or support, preferably in an academic environment
• Outstanding communication skills with strong cross-cultural competencies
• Ability to build strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Good attention to detail and the ability to contribute to contract compliance
• Be friendly, energetic, and passionate about the success of our scholars

• Close date: 15 March 2026
• Eligibility: New Zealand or Australian citizens/residents or current working visa holders only
• Required documents: Resume and cover letter
• Applications will be reviewed as received and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the closing date
• Recruitment agency applications are not accepted