Syllabus Writer: Living Knowledge, Living Place (NZ, Remote)

Syllabus Writer 

Living Knowledge, Living Place: Indigenous Worldviews, Identity and Practice in Aotearoa 

• Location: Remote 
• Closing date: 08 November
• Job type: Independent contractor
• Contract period: November–December 2026 
• Compensation: Competitive
• Estimated hours: Approximately 20-24 hours, including up to two rounds of revisions and a one-hour orientation with IFSA Academic Affairs.

The Opportunity

IFSA is seeking a subject specialist to develop the syllabus for a new four-credit, short-term course for visiting Australian university students. The cohort may include students studying Indigenous Studies or with prior experience engaging with Indigenous issues in an Australian context.

The course will explore Māori perspectives, Indigenous worldviews, identity, cultural practice, sustainability, and relationships between people, knowledge, and place in contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand. The program itinerary and teaching components are already outlined. The writer will develop the academic framework using IFSA’s syllabus template in collaboration with IFSA Academic Affairs.

Key Responsibilities

Develop the course description, learning outcomes, session outline, readings, and learning resources.

Design assessments, grading criteria, and rubrics appropriate for a four-credit undergraduate course.

Integrate established cultural, community, and place-based learning activities into the syllabus.

Complete up to two rounds of revisions following Academic Affairs review.

Essential Criteria

A master’s degree in a relevant discipline and demonstrated expertise in Māori perspectives, Indigenous worldviews, identity, culture, and contemporary issues in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Experience developing university-level curricula, syllabi, or assessments.

Excellent academic writing, communication, and organisational skills.

Ability to work collaboratively, respond to feedback, and meet agreed deadlines.

Desirable Criteria

A PhD in a relevant discipline.

Experience developing experiential, place-based, community-engaged, or study abroad courses.

Familiarity with U.S. credit, grading, and assessment structures.

Application

Please submit a CV, cover letter outlining relevant experience and fee expectations, and a sample syllabus you have designed or substantially contributed to. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note that the Instructor position for this course is also being advertised. If you believe you have the qualifications and experience to teach the course, please indicate this in your application.

For questions, contact Katie Ridley, Director, New Zealand Programs.

Course materials: The engagement agreement will address IFSA’s ongoing use and adaptation of the syllabus and associated materials.