Portfolio Lead

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers. 

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a Portfolio Lead to join us! The Portfolio Lead will play a central role in the research project team. Working side-by-side with the Principle Investigator (PI), the Portfolio Lead will ensure post-award compliance with institutional and funding bodies' requirements. As the University fulfils different roles within each of the Horizon Europe projects, the Portfolio Lead will be required to coordinate with consortium members to ensure the timely delivery of contractual obligations.

As Portfolio Lead, you will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the administrative, financial, and legal management of Horizon Europe-funded projects.
• Ensuring that the University meets its obligations under the Grant Agreement and the Consortium Agreement.
• Budget monitoring (breakdown and transfer of funds, update and follow-up of the budget, internal financial reports, etc).
• Coordinating the preparation, consolidation and submission of financial reports, working closely with the OneFinance Team, within the deadlines defined by the European Commission.
• Ensuring that all documents needed for justifying expenses are correctly defined and archived by each partner, anticipating the possibility of future audits.

In addition to post-award management of Horizon Europe contracts, the Portfolio Lead will be pivotal in lifting capacity within Research Services to support Horizon Europe projects. You will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing internal tools (e.g., procedures, guidelines, templates, collaborative platform).
• Delivering training and information sessions.
• Provide ongoing peer support across the University’s research support teams.

This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, on a fixed-term contract for 18 months. The salary range for this role is $83,330 – $106,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.

For more information, please review the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

• Excellent working knowledge of administrative and financial management (at least 5 years of experience in administrative and financial management of European or international projects).
• Knowledge of the European Commission management rules associated with the Horizon Europe framework programme.
• Working knowledge of the University’s research management systems and processes.
• Good teamwork abilities, particularly in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary context.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Ability to propose solutions to problems and critical issues.
• Passion for development, training and coaching others.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading University and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland is frequently rated as one of the world's most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home and flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programs, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 31/8/2025 to be considered. Please include your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re the ideal candidate for this role.

For a confidential conversation or further information, please contact Kira Finucane - [email protected].

Please note 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