Korero mo te turanga - About the role
TeHerenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Mandarin Language Assistant (MLA) Programme Coordinator to join the Confucius Institute team on an 18-month fixed-term, part-time contract.
This role can have flexible working arrangements.
Key responsibilities
Coordinate the annual Mandarin Language Assistant (MLA) recruitment, placement, and orientation processes.
Build and maintain strong relationships with school principals, teachers, and homestay families across the region.
Organise professional development workshops, networking events, and the annual MLA farewell.
Provide ongoing pastoral and professional support to MLAs throughout their placement.
O pumanawa - About you
You are a motivated, culturally aware, and people-focused individual who takes initiative and delivers high-quality support and coordination.
You thrive in a dynamic environment and are committed to the success and wellbeing of young international graduates.
You build strong, respectful relationships with a wide range of stakeholders—from school principals and teachers to homestay families and education partners—and communicate with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.
You have excellent forward planning and time-management skills, enabling you to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines, particularly during peak periods of the Programme.
Key requirements
Knowledge of the New Zealand education system, including its standards and regulations.
Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with schools and stakeholders.
Proven administrative and event coordination skills.
Experience and understanding of student pastoral care and wellbeing.
Good judgement and problem-solving ability.
Strong time-management and forward planning skills.
Full New Zealand driver's licence.
Some travel within the lower North Island and occasional travel to China may be required.
Click here to see further information, including salary details.
Close date for vacancy : 26 October
Contact details for vacancy : If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Fiona Mann (
How to apply : Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email.
Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.
We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date.
Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.
#J-
Programme Coordinator • Wellington, New Zealand