Programme Coordinator

The Government wishes to ensure that Aotearoa New Zealand has world-class research capability in place to respond to infectious disease threats into the future to Improve preparedness for future pandemics. 

Following the success of the first phase of funding, the next phase of the Infectious Diseases Research Platform, hosted by PHF Science, with an investment of $75 million, over seven and a half years, will allow for longer-term approaches and the opportunity to grow a pipeline of researchers.     

This phase of the Infectious Diseases Research Platform (IDRP) aims to:     

• Significantly increase New Zealand’s economic and social resilience to infectious disease threats    

• Grow infectious disease science leaders and research capability    

• Build science surge capability able to support an effective pandemic response     

• Coordinate infectious disease research capability across the platform and with end-users to increase the impact of the research    

• Work closely with Australian researchers    

• and build on the Government's previous investments in infectious disease research and research capability in support of resilience.     

Te tūnga | The role 

The Programme Coordinator provides administration, and operations support to the Director and the Infectious Disease Research Platform to enable the smooth delivery and execution of a busy and high-quality work programme.   

The Programme Coordinator assists the Director and team in co-ordinating project activities, including communicating with team members, stakeholders and clients, scheduling meetings, organising events and ensuring project deadlines are met in a timely manner. They also support with travel arrangements, minute taking, diary management and any other administrative support required by the IDRP team.   

This is a busy, interesting and challenging role which requires flexibility, initiative and excellent attention to detail. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to learn more about project management, financial management and contract management.  

Note: This is a fixed term position until 27 February 2027 to support transition to the next phase of the IDRP. Our preference is for this role and the platform hub to be based in Wellington at our Kenepuru office; however, we are open to the right candidate being based at either of our Auckland or Christchurch offices.  

Kia angitu koe | About you  

To be successful in this role, you will have prior experience and strengths in:    

• Administration and business support  

• Planning, organising and attention to detail  

• Project coordination  

• Business systems  

And most importantly you will be a team player with a customer and solutions focussed orientation. You will need to be comfortable using your initiative, working independently and as part of a small team, and will need to have an adaptable and can-do approach.  

Ngā painga | The benefits 

• Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments. 

• Four weeks annual leave, plus two additional annual leave days and three additional PHF Science days (usually the three days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve) 

• 15 days sick leave and service leave provisions after five years 

• Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community. 

• Free annual flu vaccinations 

• Life insurance and physical loss benefit 

• Subsidised Southern Cross insurance & access to special retail discounts. 

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential and free counselling service. 

Mō mātou | About Us 

Established in 2025, formerly ESR, PHF Science is a New Zealand Government-owned research organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing and safety of our communities. Specialising in public health and forensic sciences, we monitor disease, help ensure safe food and water, reduce harm from drugs, support the justice system and more. Our science powers innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow. 

With 4 locations across Aotearoa New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch and Wellington (Kenepuru and Wallaceville), we use world-leading science to monitor disease, test food and products, safeguard our water, and support the justice sector. By joining forces with experts and iwi, we’re tackling critical issues to ensure a better Aotearoa New Zealand for all. 

We are an accredited Living Wage employer and value our people, providing excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values-driven, flexible, and ever evolving landscape. We are committed to sustainability and are proud to have received our Toitū Carbonreduce Certification.