Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, with a turnover of $1.3bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across six diverse faculties and two research institutes. We employ more than 5400 academic and professional staff to support over 45,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The Centre for Community Research and Evaluation (CCRE) in the School of Social Practice  is seeking a Research Fellow to support an evaluation of the HomeGround apartment model, in partnership with Te Tāpui Atawhai | Auckland City Mission and informed by the Housing First approach.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a community-led, collaborative project exploring sustainable housing and wellbeing. Working closely with our academic team and Mission partners, you’ll help implement the evaluation plan, manage the project’s day-to-day delivery, and build trusted relationships across a diverse group of stakeholders.

In this role, you will:

• Coordinate and sustain project workflows to ensure activities remain on track and aligned with deliverables.
• Contribute to research ethics applications, literature syntheses, document review and reporting.
• Carry out data collection and analysis using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Co-author reports, journal articles and other research outputs, and support dissemination activities.
• Work collaboratively within a team of researchers and community contributors, building respectful and enduring relationships.

This is a part-time (0.4 FTE / 16 hours per week), fixed-term position for 18 months.
There is flexibility with working hours and location (including the ability to work from home), but in-person attendance at meetings in Auckland is non-negotiable.

The role is based in the Faculty of Arts and Education and reports to Professor Christa Fouché, the Principal Investigator for the HomeGround evaluation.

Remuneration for this role is $94,981per annum (pro rata for part time hours).

For more information on the role, please review the Position Description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

This position is based in the School of Social Practice, working with staff in the Centre for Community Research and Evaluation (CCRE). The Centre partners with community organisations to co-design applied evaluation projects and build research capability across the social service sector.

The HomeGround evaluation project team includes three academic staff and three external contributors with expertise spanning community development, evaluation, and housing. A Māori co-lead provides end-to-end oversight of the project, ensuring a Māori lens guides the research.

Our work is grounded in Māori research principles and a commitment to social justice, equity, and relationship-centred practice.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You’ll bring a thoughtful and confident approach to managing complex projects and collaborating with diverse communities. You are highly organised, flexible, and skilled at both leading tasks and contributing to a wider team kaupapa. Experience working with Māori and Pacific communities, and a commitment to Te Tiriti-led practice, is essential.

You will also:

• Hold a postgraduate qualification (ideally a PhD or near completion) in social work, public health, social sciences or a related field.
• Have at least three years of applied research experience, with a track record of leading or supporting evaluation projects.
• Demonstrate confidence using tikanga Māori and engaging in research through a Te Tiriti o Waitangi lens.
• Be experienced in qualitative and/or quantitative research, including literature reviews, analysis, and reporting.
• Communicate clearly and professionally across written, visual, and verbal formats.
• Be comfortable using research and data analysis software such as NVivo, SPSS, or R.

Experience with kaupapa Māori evaluation, Māori data sovereignty, or community-based participatory research will be a strong advantage.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

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

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home options)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• Five weeks’ annual leave (pro rata)
• A range of discounts on and off campus, plus career development mentorship from global leaders

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by Sunday 25 May 2025 to be considered. Please include your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

We are looking to have someone in place before July and will begin reviewing applications as they come in.
This advert may close early if a suitable applicant is found.

For any questions about the role, please contact Professor Christa Fouché via c.fouche@auckland.ac.nz.
Please note: we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika | the Equity Policy and visit www.equity.auckland.ac.nz