Rainbow Community Engagement Assistant - Health Research

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Multiple positions available across Whangārei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington & Dunedin

Are you passionate about working with diverse communities and interested in contributing to health research that can make a real difference?

We have multiple casual positions available across Aotearoa New Zealand, giving you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience engaging with members of rainbow communities as part of population health research.

You’ll join the Sex and Prevention of Transmission Study (SPOTS) team, helping to recruit participants — primarily men who have sex with men (MSM) — to complete a research survey. The study aims to generate valuable insights that can contribute to improved HIV prevention and blood donation policy in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We’re looking for outgoing, approachable and organised people who are confident communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and enjoy building positive connections. Experience in a customer-facing, community or healthcare setting would be highly desirable, as would experience or knowledge of rainbow communities.

In this role, you’ll help our team engage with and enrol participants at local Pride events and community venues, supporting data collection across Aotearoa New Zealand.

As this is a casual position, there are no fixed hours. We anticipate approximately 8–20 hours in total, including training. This could be an ideal opportunity for a student seeking valuable paid research and community engagement experience alongside their studies.

Salary: $30 per hour
Start date: 1 February 2027
End date: 30 April 2027
Hours: Approximately 8–20 hours in total, including full training

Availability: You must be available Monday to Sunday, with availability mainly on Thursday to Sunday, especially in the evenings and on weekends.

As part of your application, please confirm your availability during the peak study period (February to April).

For more detailed information, please refer to the position description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

We welcome applications from people of all genders, sexual identities, backgrounds andskillsets.

You’ll ideally have:

• Experience working in a people-facing role, such as customer service, volunteering, community engagement or a similar setting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to engage with people from diverse backgrounds.
• An interest in health research and improving health outcomes for rainbow communities.
• A professional, approachable and respectful manner when engaging with research participants.

Your application will stand out if you also have experience working with rainbow communities, have provided health or community services, or are currently studying or training in a health-related field.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to contribute to an important health research study, connect with diverse communities, and gain valuable practical experience, we’d love to hear from you.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:
•    Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
•    Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
•    A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

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

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 7th November 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV, highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above, and your preferred location

Please reach out to Sharon Kishore (Recruitment Consultant) via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Qualifications

#LI-DNI

Additional Information

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