Student Advisor - Kaitaunaki (International)

Permanent, Full Time

• Build trusted relationships with ākonga (students)
• Champion international student success
• Bi-lingual / fluent in another language desirable

Mō Tēnei Tūranga Mahi – About the Role

As a Student Advisor – Kaitaunaki (International), you'll have an important role in helping ākonga (students) feel connected, supported, and set up for success throughout their time at Ara.

You will help ākonga navigate challenges that are affecting their studies, connecting them with the right support services, discussing their future career goals, or working alongside academic teams to ensure they have the support they need to thrive.

While you’ll support all ākonga, this role also brings specialist knowledge and advocacy for international ākonga. You'll help ensure their experience at Ara is positive, inclusive, and supports the safety and wellbeing of ākonga that is aligned with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice.

Success in this role comes from building strong relationships, identifying concerns early, and working collaboratively to find practical solutions. It’s a role for someone who enjoys working with people, is naturally curious and empathetic, and can confidently support learners from a wide range of cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.

Ngā Pūkenga Me Ngā Wheako – Skills and Experience

You'll be someone who enjoys connecting with people and making a genuine difference in their learning journey. You understand that every learner's situation is different and can balance empathy with practical advice and guidance.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• A tertiary qualification or equivalent knowledge gained through experience in a tertiary education environment
• Experience supporting people in an education, wellbeing, careers, community, or advisory setting
• An understanding of the academic, career, and personal challenges learners can face, particularly international learners
• The ability to have clear, honest conversations with a wide range of students
• The ability to build trusted relationships with learners, colleagues, whānau, and external support agencies
• Strong listening, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Confidence working across cultures and supporting diverse communities, including international, refugee, and migrant learners
• Sound judgement, initiative, and the ability to identify when learners may need additional support
• Administrative experience and confidence using digital tools and systems to support your work
• Strong data gathering, commentary and reporting skills – there are regular compliance requirements to report on
• Experience using data or insights to guide decisions and target support where it’s needed most
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• A commitment to culturally responsive, equity-focused practice.

Bilingual / Fluency in another language (Mandarin desirable) is also highly valued, but not essential.

Mō Mātou – About us

Ara Institute of Canterbury is the South Island's largest provider of tertiary vocational education, helping people build better futures - and that starts with our people.

Every day, our kaimahi help students gain real skills for real careers through hands-on learning and strong industry connections.

The Madras Street (City) campus brings engineering, architecture, music, trades, health and creative arts together in the heart of Christchurch, right next door to One New Zealand Stadium.

We offer tangible benefits: income protection for permanent kaimahi over 15 hours, fee discounts on Ara courses for staff, professional development leave and funding, two on-site early childhood centres, generous leave provisions, and an annual Christmas closedown to enjoy time with whanau and friends. A gym, library and cafés complete the picture.

Guided by our values Hono | Connect, Hihiri | Inspire and Aroha | Respect, we're committed to equity, inclusion and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

If you're looking for work that matters, Ara could be your next chapter.

Tono Ināianei - Apply now

We accept applications via our online application system. For any other queries, please email ***email_hidden***.

Rā Katinga - Applications close – 11:55pm, Wednesday 15 July 2026

Job Details

Reference #

23915

Posted on

02 Jul 2026

Closes on

15 Jul 2026 23:55

Location(s)

Central Christchurch

Expertise

International Engagement / International Business Development, Students Support Services

Job level(s)

Experienced

Work type(s)

Permanent full-time