Jacinda Ardern lands top University of Sydney job teaching 'empathetic leadership' - after moving to Sydney's northern beaches

Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has taken up a post at a major Australian university, where she will mentor students and teach about 'empathetic leadership and social cohesion.'

Ardern, 46, has been appointed a 'professor of practice' at the University of Sydney's School of Public Health and will begin the academic role this month.

'Her work will focus on empathetic leadership, social cohesion and civic trust; further developing new approaches to global and values-based leadership, as well as exploring new ways to address global health challenges centred on equity, inclusion and wellbeing,' the university said in a statement.

'She will engage with students, researchers and the wider university community through guest lectures, masterclasses and mentoring.'

The position, which is not a full-time teaching role, was designed by the university in 2019 to bring experienced practitioners into academic life.

Ardern, who moved to Sydney's northern beaches earlier this year, led New Zealand through the Christchurch terrorist attacks, the Whakaari volcanic eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic.

She resigned as prime minister and leader of the New Zealand Labour Party in January 2023.

'I've found myself especially focused on the question of leadership since leaving office and how we can better support and encourage the kind of leadership needed to tackle our many global challenges,' Ardern said.

Jacinda Ardern has taken up post at the University of Sydney's school of public health

She quietly relocated to Sydney's northern beaches earlier this year with her young family

'I'm looking forward to working alongside the brilliant students, faculty and wider University of Sydney community, as we share experiences, explore and develop ways to better serve our communities, and help solve the issues facing so many today.'

Since leaving office, Ardern has held fellowships at Harvard and Oxford universities and founded an international program that promotes empathetic leadership.

University vice-chancellor Mark Scott said he had long admired Ardern for the courage and humanity she brought to public life.

'Her leadership demonstrated that empathy and resolve do not compete with one another; each can strengthen the other,' he said.

Students would meet not only a former prime minister, but a thoughtful teacher with a great deal to share about public leadership and service, he said.

Ardern spoke at a gender equality conference in Melbourne in April, which was attended by delegates from 185 countries.

She also recently attended the Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Ardern will also guest speak at an event hosted by Professor Scott in November.