The University of Waikato

Te Whare Wnanga o Waikato

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Organisational and Professional Development Adviser
Vision
We will
deliver a world-class education and research portfolio
provide a full and dynamic university experience which is distinctive in character
pursue strong international linkages to advance knowledge
The over-arching themes of this Vision are:
Excellence
Distinctiveness
International Connectedness

Values
Ko te mana o Te Whare Wnanga o Waikato ka herea ki t ttou:
Tu ngtahi me te Mori
Mahi pono
Whakanui i ng huarahi hou
Whakarewa i te hiringa i te mahara
The University of Waikato places a high value on:
Partnership with Mori
Acting with integrity
Celebrating diversity
Promoting creativity

1. GENERAL
The Professional Development Unit (PDU) reports to the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Operations) and provides
leadership, co-ordination, services and support for staff, managers and other Professional Development
providers in the areas of professional development, leadership development and organisational development.
2. POSITION PURPOSE
The role of the Organisational and Professional Development Adviser is to develop, manage, implement and
evaluate, as agreed, initiatives in professional development, leadership development and organisational
development to assist with building individual staff capability and organisational capacity to deliver on the
University vision, strategy and supporting Plans.

3. ACCOUNTABILITY
The Organisational and Professional Development Adviser is responsible to the Assistant Vice-Chancellor
(Operations) who has oversight of the Universitys professional and organisational development initiatives.
4. FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal:

Professional Development Unit staff

Human Resource Management staff
Other Professional Development Providers e.g. TDU, WCEL, Postgraduate Studies and
Research Office and all other areas seeking assistance with offering professional
development.
University academic and administrative managers and staff.

5. KEY TASKS
As agreed with the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Operations), to develop, manage, implement and evaluate
initiatives including:
1. University Workforce Plan; a plan for identifying and meeting the Universitys needs in relation to building
workforce capability and capacity in support of its strategic goals,
2. Equal Employment Opportunity programme and the Universitys EEO annual report,
3. University Staff Survey; implementing, monitoring and communicating actions in response to the survey,
4. Project Management methodology and training for managers and staff across the University,
5. Research professional development programme on behalf of the Research Office,
6. University Operations Plan; a Plan to guide the organisation and provision of services to support the
University core activities of teaching, learning, research and the student and staff experience, and
7. As requested, professional development, organisational development and induction activities for managers
and staff, in support of the Staff Performance and Professional Development Policy and to foster a culture
of distinctiveness and a One University approach.
Any other duties as required that are consistent with the position held, other than in exceptional circumstances such
as rehabilitation after injury or sickness.
NOTE: General staff have an annual professional goal setting interview with their supervisor. New staff will
normally attend such an interview approximately three months after taking up their appointment.
6. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The Organisational and Professional Development Adviser will be performing satisfactorily when:
1. University Workforce Plan is in place and being monitored,
2. A University Equal Employment Opportunity programme is in place and the Universitys annual report is
prepared and demonstrates progress against agreed actions.
3. University Staff Survey is implemented, results are communicated and actions in response to the survey are
monitored,
4. Project Management methodology and training is in place for managers and staff across the University,
5. A Research professional development programme is implemented,
6. University Operations Plan is in place and being monitored.
7. Processes and programmes for accessing induction, professional development are in place to enhance staff
performance and organisational capacity

PERSON SPECIFICATION
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Essential

A relevant tertiary qualification.

Preferred

Graduate qualifications in human resource development, organisational development or adult education.

TRAINING, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential

Sound understanding of Human Resource and organisational development principles and practices.
Proven work experience in professional and organisational development including facilitation experience in an
adult learning environment.
Experience in organisational research, information gathering and analysis.
Demonstrated ability to develop, manage and implement projects, innovate, identify improvements, find
solutions to problems and implement change.
Ability to interpret, organise and communicate workforce data.
Excellent relationship building skills and the ability to establish credibility through influence rather than control.
Excellent presentation skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated interest in higher education.

Preferred

Experience in a tertiary education institution.

Excellent analytical and diagnostic skills in relation to organisational learning and development.
Experience with developing and implementing equal employment opportunity programmes.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Good interpersonal skills and team skills.

Ability to set goals and work independently and collaboratively to achieve them.
Ability to relate well to a range of staff at all levels including academic, technical and administrative staff.
Effective time management.
Discretion and respect for confidentiality.
A positive attitude.
A commitment to quality.
Client focused.
Commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

10 February 2011