Job Description

 Project Coordinator, Fixed Term - Ministerial Work Programme (through to December 2028)

Why work for us? The Tertiary Research Excellence Fund (TREF).

The government has recently announced that the TEC's second largest fund, the $315 million a year Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF), is being replaced by a new Tertiary Research Excellence Fund (TREF). Implementing the TREF will transform the way tertiary education research capability funding is invested and requires a significant new TEC work programme over the next three years.

That's why we're looking for a skilled and experienced Project Coordinator to join our Ministerial Work Programme Team in this fast-paced role supporting the operational design and implementation of a new tertiary research fund, the Tertiary Research excellence Fund (TREF).

With demonstrated experience of project coordination, planning and reporting, and team support, you'll have absolute strengths in project management, monitoring and reporting, and risk management. Along with your excellent communication and relationship management skills, you'll exceed at successfully navigating complex work programmes and environments.

You'll be working on maintaining project schedules and documentation, supporting project reporting and governance, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and ensuring use of project methodologies and tools.  Keeping the work on track will require managing information flows, preparing documentation, monitoring plans and budgets, and supporting the team to deliver key activities associated with the replacement of the PBRF with the TREF. 

This role is a great opportunity to grow your skills and experience, interact with a wide range of stakeholders across the research sector, and help support New Zealand's research capability.

He angitūtanga: What will you be doing?

You'll contribute to this work programme by:

• Using your project coordination, planning, monitoring and reporting skills to support work on the operational design and implementation of the TREF.
• Providing day-to-day operational support to the TREF project team, ensuring coordination of activities across workstreams.
• Organise, schedule, and support the delivery of meetings, workshops, and governance forums including documenting decisions and next steps.
• Ensure accurate project documentation, risk assessment, and communications flows across the project.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with key stakeholders, including senior managers, agencies, and tertiary education organisations.

He kōrero mōu: What will you bring to the role?

• Essential: Proven experience coordinating projects in a complex and changing environment.
• Essential: Demonstrated understanding of project management methodologies, tools, templates, and quality control processes.
• Essential: Proven experience monitoring project budgets, forecasting expenditure, and reporting against actuals.
• Essential: Proven experience applying risk management processes, including identifying, assessing, and documenting project risks and issues.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Vision (intermediate level)
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with experience preparing high-quality documentation.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What's in it for you?

• The opportunity to work in a high-performing team, in an area of high priority that is important to the success of the tertiary education system.
• Pōneke CBD location
• Three additional (TEC Days) leave days
• A range of benefits including flexible/hybrid working. (As this is a Wellington‑based role, applicants need to be able to attend the office at least three days per week. Unfortunately, we're unable to progress applications from candidates who cannot meet this requirement).

Recruitment remuneration range $93K to 109k. (Appointment in range is dependent on our assessment of the skills and experience you bring to the role.)

Me pēhea te tuku tono: How to Apply 

To view the role description and/or apply for this role, please click Apply for This Job, or visit the TEC Careers Portal. We request both a tailored cover letter and CV.

The closing date for this role is, 5:00pm Wednesday 8 April 2026. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact hr@tec.govt.nz.

Applicants must have NZ citizenship or permanent residency to be considered for this vacancy. If you hold a permanent residency visa, please provide a copy with your application.

Prior to the Tertiary Education Commission confirming any offer of employment, we will conduct pre-employment checks including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.