Senior Researcher

Company Description
**Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland**
- The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers. We have eight academic faculties and 11 service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence. _

**About the team | Mō tō mātou rōpū**

As a University we create globally transformative impacts through our distinctive strengths in world-leading research, scholarship, teaching and collaborative partnerships, inspired by our unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific and our unique contribution to fair, ethical and sustainable societies.

Our values of Respect, Excellence and Service underpin our commitment to positively impact society, and to the advancement and exploration of knowledge.

Our actions reflect a foundational relationship with tangata whenua and our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi through the principles of Manaakitanga - Caring for those around us in the way we relate to each other; Whanaungatanga - Recognising the importance of kinship and lasting relationships; Kaitiakitanga - Valuing stewardship and guardianship and our relationship with the natural world.

**Job Description**:
**The opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi**

An exciting opportunity has emerged to appoint a **Senior Researcher & Policy Advisor** to the Office of the Vice Chancellor. This role reports to the Chief of Staff and is part of a newly formed team of Policy Advisors that collectively supports the University’s strategic portfolios from an institutional perspective. The role directly supports key stakeholders within our Operations leadership team as they make strategic decisions and lead the implementation of our operational plans.

The key purpose of this position is to provide research, analysis and advice to inform the development, delivery and monitoring of strategy, policy and planning related to key professional service lines across the University such as finance, IT, campus life, and property services. This role will also make a significant impact on key University operational plans.

The person in this position is expected to maintain a leading understanding of the current and future issues impacting the tertiary sector (especially trends driving professional staffing and services), to research and analyse information and prepare reports, documentation and recommendations to inform senior leader decision making. The position may also be required to draft presentations, position pieces, speaking notes or leader briefing papers as appropriate.

For more information, please see the Position Description

**About you | He kōrero mōu**

We are seeking someone who is comfortable advising on policies who can demonstrate their experience of carrying out research, analysis and the preparation of formal reports. You will thrive in this role with your research skills including quantitative and qualitative methods and analysis and critical thinking.

**Important Skills | Nga Pūkenga Motuhake**
- Be highly motivated, self-managing and exceptionally well organised. You will have strong planning and co-ordination skills and be able to juggle multiple priorities.
- Have excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage positively and proactively with a variety of stakeholders.
- Possess strong skills with benchmarking and financial analysis. Be committed to excellent quality and have a sharp eye for detail.
- Demonstrate initiative and be able to bring creativity, systems thinking, and new ideas to the role.

**What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou**

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

- Flexible employment practices and a culture that supports work-life balance
- Career development programmes
- A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave
- 6.75% superannuation scheme

For more information please visit our Staff Benefits page.

Additional Information
**Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply**

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of Wednesday 30th August, to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

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