Programme Leader (Academic) – Interprofessional Education Programme (Tairawhiti)

About our teamThe University runs two Complex Rural Immersion (CRI) programmes in Tairawhiti and Te Tai o Poutini, Westcoast, funded by Te Whatu Ora Health NZ.

This role is based in Tairawhiti and open to applicants living in Gisborne.The clinically based programme focuses on four pillars of learning : interprofessional collaboration, rural health, Hauora Maori and long-term conditions.

Five rotations a year are offered for 10–15 senior health professional students per rotation, including – but not necessarily limited to – audiology, dietetics, dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, oral health, paramedicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry, social work and speech language therapy.

Students live in shared accommodation during the programme.

The aim of the programme is to bring pre-registration final-year students together from a wide range of health and social care disciplines, and institutions, to learn how to provide high-quality, safe, culturally appropriate, team-based, person-centred care.

Students complete discipline-specific and interprofessional placements and other interprofessional and rural health learning in their five-week rotational block.

Students are primarily attached to clinical providers in Gisborne but also travel more widely to experience the challenges and solutions to providing health and social care in a regional / rural setting.

Role | Te mahiWe seek an experienced health or social care professional to lead the Tairawhiti CRI programme (0.5FTE), supported by a Deputy Leader (0.3FTE) and a full-time Coordinator.

The successful candidate should have a keen interest in health professional education, excellent coordination and teamwork skills and strong community connections and Hauora Maori, and iwi knowledge.

Key tasksWorking closely with the Director of the IPE Centre and the CRI Programme Manager (both remotely located) and liaising with key stakeholders regarding the initiation, promotion and functioning of the programme.Implement the interprofessional curriculum and support clinical placements.Fostering and further developing effective relationships and appropriate agreements with iwi and other stakeholders in the region.Support students and placement providers, ensuring programme quality and pastoral care.Attend noho marae on the Sunday at the start of each block.In conjunction with community partners, develop interprofessional community projects that students can complete within the 5-week blocks.

Professional Practice Fellow activitiesMaintain own clinical / educational practiceAn understanding of and / or willingness to learn the principles of interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), and their application.As appropriate to the region, maintaining cultural protocols and integrity of Maori principles and values, demonstrating knowledge of cultural developments and involvement with professional organisations and the local iwi.

Your skills and experience | Ka pukeka me ka wheakoThis role will suit a health or social care professional with experience in education and is a well-respected leader in and beyond the relevant professional community.

They may hold another part-time clinical or another role.

The successful candidate will also have : A tertiary qualification(s) in a health or social care profession.An understanding, appreciation and support of the principles of the te Tiriti o Waitangi and cultural competencyAn ability and commitment to working interprofessionally with students and colleagues across a range of health and social care professional disciplines.Educational experience using online learning platforms and resources.An appreciation of rural values in the context of Aotearoa New ZealandStrong Communication, flexibility and project management skills.Ability to support students, including out of hours if needed.

Further details | PurokoThis is a fixed-term, part-time (0.5FTE) position until 31 December 2026.

There is some flexibility depending on other work commitments and hours of work are negotiable with the successful candidate.

The successful candidate will be required to work certain days throughout each of the five 5-week blocks, as certain days are essential for IPE teaching and student activities and be able to attend a noho marae and provide some afterhours teaching / liaison for each block of students.

There is flexibility regarding the balance of the time worked.Appointment will be made at an appropriate step on the University of Otago Senior Professional Practice Fellow salary scale 3 or 4, depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

The range for this role is $105,665 to $137,444 per annum (pro rata).

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply for this role.

The role is based at Te Whatu Ora Tairawhiti (Learning Centre, Gisborne Hospital) and the applicant will be required to adhere to any Te Whatu Ora Tairawhiti vaccination requirements.

We are committed to equity, and we value the benefits that diversity brings to our work and our community.For further information please contact Associate Professor Eileen McKinlay, IPE Director, via the contact details below.

Application | TonoCandidates are requested to submit the following : A letter of application, clearly stating what you consider you would bring to the role.A CV, including employment history.3-4 referee contact details, including telephone number and email address.To submit an application please click the apply button.

Applications quoting reference number will close Sunday, 19 October 2025.

Applications may be reviewed as they are submitted.

The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

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