GVDN Project Manager - BRAVE Project

UniServices | Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

UniServices is the University of Auckland’s research commercialisation and growth team. We sit at the intersection of research, innovation, and industry, with a mission to grow and commercialise the University’s vast footprint of research expertise.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering the BRAVE project, a high-profile international research initiative led by the Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) and funded by CEPI. Hosted within UniServices, you will coordinate a complex global programme, working with research partners, funders and stakeholders across multiple countries to advance vaccine safety research and public health outcomes.

• Lead the planning, coordination and day-to-day delivery of the BRAVE project, ensuring deliverables, milestones, budgets, reporting obligations and project objectives are achieved.
• Support project governance, risk management and decision-making processes, providing clear visibility of project progress, issues and dependencies across a global consortium.
• Work closely with funders, international partner organisations, site leads and internal specialists to coordinate activities, manage stakeholder expectations and support successful project outcomes.
• Coordinate reporting, change control processes and project quality assurance activities, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with contractual and funder requirements.
• Support the management of project budgets and expenditure, working alongside financial specialists and partner sites to maintain robust financial oversight.
• Drive effective communication and engagement across the consortium, contributing to project updates, presentations, stakeholder communications and dissemination activities.
• Champion the use of digital systems and continuous improvement practices to strengthen project delivery, reporting and collaboration across geographically dispersed teams.

The role includes collaboration with international partner organisations across Africa and is expected to involve occasional travel (typically one to two trips per year), supporting project delivery, partner engagement and relationship management. The role also requires the ability to work flexibly and virtually to accommodate time zones across the consortium.

For more information, please see Position Description

This is a 15-month, fixed-term full-time role (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday) with a competitive salary plus incentives and benefits, depending on experience.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) is a multi-national, investigator-led research consortium across 34 countries with primary interest in using clinical databases for the evaluation of vaccine safety, effectiveness, and risk-benefit.

UniServices hosts the Global Coordinating Centre (GCC) of the GVDN and leads client and funder-facing activities supported by GVDN partner sites across the world.

He kōrero mōu | About You

You will be an experienced project professional who enjoys working in complex, stakeholder-rich environments and is confident coordinating multiple workstreams across international teams. With strong organisational skills, sound judgement and a collaborative approach, you can translate complex requirements into practical plans and ensure delivery remains on track.

• Demonstrated experience managing projects or programmes involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities and complex delivery requirements.
• Strong planning and coordination skills, with the ability to manage timelines, risks, dependencies, governance processes and project reporting.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including funders, research partners, governance groups and scientific and professional services teams.
• Financially literate, with experience monitoring budgets, tracking expenditure and supporting forecasting and reporting activities.
• Excellent meeting management, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and coordinate action across multiple parties.
• Strong capability with project management and collaboration tools, including Microsoft 365 applications, SharePoint, Teams and project management platforms such as ClickUp or similar systems.
• Able to work flexibly and effectively in virtual environments, including accommodating meetings and collaboration across multiple international time zones.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with the judgement to identify risks, escalate issues appropriately and maintain accurate project records and documentation.

Experience within a research, health, science, not-for-profit or internationally funded programme environment would be highly advantageous, as would exposure to research governance, contracts, grants or consortium-based project delivery.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth.

You’ll enjoy five weeks of annual leave and up to 6.75% employer contribution to our superannuation scheme. We provide eye-testing and glasses subsidies, along with access to discounts on health insurance and gym memberships.

Long-service recognition is part of our culture, and we’re proud to offer a supportive, culturally diverse workplace with a blended approach to office and home-based work. Flexible working arrangements are available, and we’re committed to your ongoing professional development so you can thrive in your role and beyond.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 

Applications should be submitted on our website, before Friday 31st July, 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.  

Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.