Programme Coordinator - Tiaki Whenua

Te Kura Aronukurangi School of Earth and Environment
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

Fixed-Term position until February 2028
9.75 hours per week (0.25FTE)
Do you thrive on bringing complex programmes together, building strong relationships, and keeping ambitious research on track? Are you excited by the challenge of supporting Antarctic science that matters — to people, place and planet?

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
We’re looking for a highly organised, proactive Programme Coordinator to play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s flagship Antarctic research programmes (Tiaki Whenua) within the Antarctic Science Platform (https://www.antarcticscienceplatform.org.nz). Based in the University of Canterbury (UC) you’ll provide operational, logistical and coordination support to ensure Antarctic field activities, reporting, finances and partnerships all run smoothly — enabling researchers to focus on world-class science.

You’ll work closely with Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs), researchers, subcontractors, Antarctica New Zealand, and ASP leadership, acting as a trusted connector who keeps people aligned, informed and moving forward. You will be required to:

Coordinate and support Antarctic field planning and delivery across research teams
Drive clear, proactive communication across researchers, partners and leadership
Track risks, issues and dependencies to keep work on course
Support programme budgets, forecasting and reporting
Support MBIE and ASP reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
Deliver annual hui, workshops and engagement activities
Support programme communications, events and profile
Mōu | Who You Are
You will have at least 5 years’ experience in research coordination, project administration or a similar role. You will also be able to demonstrate:

Strong organisational skills and the ability to juggle competing priorities with confidence
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Experience working with reporting requirements and budgets (research or public sector preferred)
Confidence working across complex, multi-stakeholder environments
A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with strong attention to detail
Experience with Antarctic or remote field operations (highly desirable)
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 primarily with Tiaki Whenua’s Antarctic Science Platform Co-Principal Investigators at the School of Earth and Environment and the contract delivery team at Research and Innovation UC. You will also interact with our national researcher partners including Antarctica New Zealand, University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, and the PRO Earth Sciences New Zealand.

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.

For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: 4 March 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

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

Job Details
Reference #
30713

Posted on
18 Feb 2026

Closes on
04 Mar 2026 23:55

Location(s)
Christchurch

Expertise
Project Management

Job level(s)
Experienced

Work type(s)
Fixed term part-time