Student Counsellor

The University of Fiji seeks a creative and dynamic individual to join the Office of the Registrar as a Student Counsellor. The successful candidate will report to the Registrar and will be responsible for counselling for students with psychological and emotional support so that they achieve their full potential. The successful candidate will be based at the Saweni Campus but may be required to work from other university sites and campuses when required.

Responsibilities:

• To work closely with academic staff to guide them in providing appropriate guidance for students with emotional, learning and financial difficulties;
• Communicate with academic staff to understand student issues, then develop and implement strategies/interventions for individual students and review their impact; further adjusting the methods until the issue has been resolved.
• Maintain a presence around University to be aware of the pertinent issues amongst students.
• Assist the Office of the Registrar during student orientation.
• Provide a programme that equips students with the skills and behaviors to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle.
• Provide support and guidance to staff, enabling them to better identify and support students with emotional health and well-being issues.
• Compile and maintain secure and confidential records of all counselling sessions and ensure that confidentiality is maintained.
• Support staff who are experiencing social, emotional and psychological issues.
• Ensuring the strategic goals set for the position under the University’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026 are achieved in a timely manner; and
• Any other duties by the Registrar on behalf of the University

Requirements:

• Bachelor's qualification in Counselling or Psychology with at least three years of work experience in a similar role, experience in school and youth counselling would be an added advantage;
• Possesses practical knowledge of Basic Therapies such as Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral and working knowledge of specific therapies;
• An understanding of the developmental, emotional, social and educational issues faced by students and staff. Must be capable of helping students and staff develop solutions and set goals;
• An awareness of the range of needs of students from diverse ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds. Must have the ability to mediate and solve conflicts between students;
• Strong Microsoft and analytical skills;
• Must be very adept and have the ability to work with minimum or no supervision;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English;
• Application must be complimented by details of strong interpersonal and administrative skills;
• Must have proven skills and expertise with the tenacity, agility, patience, tolerance, sensitivity and courage to critically think, negotiate, consult and influence;
• Ability to prepare precise and accurate reports for end users;
• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines

The University requires all staff to proactively undertake community, environment and social responsibilities as well as participate in University Committees in accordance with the themes established by the Strategic Plan 2022-2026.

Salary Band: $40,836.70 - $54,456.90

The University offers a three-year full-time contract with renewals subject to performance reviews.

How to Apply:

Applicants must provide:

1. A covering letter explaining their interest in the position
2. A copy of their full Curriculum Vitae with names and addresses of three (3) Professional Referees, one of whom must be the current or immediate past supervisor of the applicant,
3. And certified copies of their academic qualifications and transcripts. Completed applications, quoting the Post Reference Number and marked “Confidential” must be posted to:

The HR Department, The University of Fiji, Private Mail Bag, Lautoka, Fiji with The Post Reference Number and the Position Title as the subject. For further enquiries please contact the HR Department on hr@unifiji.ac.fj or via phone contact 6640600/ 9999100. A copy of the advert is also available on the University website- www.unifiji.ac.fj

Registered with the Fiji Higher Education Commission as a University under the Higher Education Act 2008. Registration Certificate Number (RGN0020/11)

Closing date for all applications: 30th September, 2026

The University is an equal opportunity employer and actively promotes diversity in appointments. People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.