Interested in working for ACOLA?
We are currently looking for a Senior Research and Policy Officer to join our team on a part-time basis. To find out more about this position, please see further details below.
Senior Research and Policy Officer
Position Description, Duty Statement and Selection Criteria
| Posted: | 5 November 2021 |
| Closing: | 22 November 2021 (by 5pm) |
| Position Title: | Senior Research and Policy Officer |
| Appointment: | Part-time 0.6 to 0.8FTE by agreement, fixed-term employment contract |
| Location: | Canberra, ACT 2600 |
| Reporting to: | CEO |
| Direct reports: | No direct reports. Supervision of Research Officers as directed by Director, Policy and Projects |
| Remuneration: | $85,000 FTE, inclusive of 15% superannuation [pro-rata] As a registered charity, ACOLA also offers salary sacrifice opportunities. |
Role of the Senior Research and Policy Officer
The Senior Research and Policy Officer will report to ACOLA’s Director, Policy & Projects. The role supports the team in managing a variety of research projects and contracts as directed. This will involve building strong relationships with stakeholders, particularly the Learned Academies and their Fellows, the Office of the Chief Scientist, Australian Government Departments, and the Australian Research Council.
The role has a key focus on synthesising research-based evidence and expert insights and opinion into digestible and actional policy insights project management and research, writing and analysis. The role will also help to develop ACOLA’s position as a body for interdisciplinary research, through liaison with external stakeholders.
You will have opportunities to meet and engage with Australia’s leading minds, including participating in workshops, discussions, briefings and seminars on a range of emerging technologies and critical issues ACOLA and its members are progressing.
If you are passionate about wicked problems and unbiased evidence really informing policy – then ACOLA could be the place for you.
Duty Statement
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Research and Policy Officer will:
- assist or lead, the timely and effective development and management of projects, especially on:
- data, as part of ACOLA’s project with Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC)
- energy transition research – as part of our net zero project, and
- Indigenous knowledges.
- manage ACOLA’s parliamentary briefing series with the Australian Parliamentary Library
- assist in monitoring national and international developments on key and emerging topic areas
- assist in managing ACOLA’s public presence, such as website updates and social media, and
- engage and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
Selection Criteria
Key attributes
- A well-developed interest in and understanding of at least some of the major scientific, societal and technological challenges facing Australia.
- Demonstrated experience in useful and impactful writing, e.g. correspondence, project reports, policy statements, event invitations, social media and minutes.
- Excellent analytical, research, writing and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyse, synthesis and translate large amounts of information across research disciplines and present it in an accessible, balanced policy-relevant manner.
- Excellent time management and prioritisation skills, including the capacity to work to deadlines, and a demonstrated ability to work both autonomously and in a small team.
- Demonstrates initiative and is proactive in their approach to work.
- Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to build and maintain internal and external relationships with government, industry and academia across all levels.
- Experience in planning, coordinating and running events and meetings.
- Experience in project planning and coordination, including developing project plans and anticipating stakeholder requirements.
Desirable
- Post-graduate degree
- Experience in policy development and science communications
- Experience with communications, web content and social media management
- Experience with supervising staff on research projects
Benefits and culture
- Opportunities to meet and engage with Australia’s leading minds, including opportunities to attend briefings and seminars on a range of emerging technologies and critical issues ACOLA and its members are progressing.
- As a registered charity for tax purposes, ACOLA employees can access attractive salary packaging opportunities, including mortgage payments, rent, meals and entertainment.
Other role-related information
- Applicants must have permission to work in Australia
- Interstate travel may be required from time to time.
- Occasional out of office hours work may be required.
Application process
To apply for this role please submit your application by email to connect@acola.org.au by 5pm, Monday 22 November 2021.
Applications should include: a cover letter (1 page), a statement of claims that responds to the selection criteria and why you are passionate about the role with ACOLA (2 pages max), and a CV with contact details for at least two referees.
To discuss your interest in the role please contact the ACOLA CEO, Ryan Winn by email (connect@acola.org.au) or by phone during business hours (0484 814 040).
