Organisation : Penington Institute
Location : Melbourne (Carlton)
Work type : Full-time, Part-time
Sector : Drug, Alcohol & Addiction
Salary type : Annual Package
Application closing date : 27 Oct, 2021
About the organisation
Penington Institute is an independent not-for-profit organisation that actively supports the adoption of approaches to drug use that promote safety and human dignity. Our purpose is framed by our knowledge that we need to look at more effective, cost-efficient and compassionate ways to prevent and respond to problematic drug use in our community. Penington Institute advances health and community safety by connecting substance use research to practical action.
Our activities include:
- Enhancing awareness of the health, social and economic drivers of drug-related harm.
- Promoting rational, integrated approaches to reduce the burden of death, disease and social problems related to problematic substance use.
- Building and sharing knowledge to empower individuals, families and the community to take charge of substance use issues.
- Better equipping front-line workers to respond effectively to the needs of those with problematic drug use.
Penington Institute collaborates with a broad range of sectors and organisations to identify and respond to specific substance use problems and their causes. With our outreach to the front-line we are well-placed to know and understand the realities of how drugs impact on communities. We add our front-line knowledge and experience to our analysis of the evidence to help support practical research and policy and the development of support services and public health campaigns. Our strong, diverse networks provide an excellent platform for building support for effective initiatives.
About the role
Position overview
The Research Officer / Senior Research Officer works as part of a small and high-functioning team that reports to, and collaborates with, the Manager, Research and Policy on strategic policy, research and advocacy activities. The position is responsible for conducting high-quality qualitative and/or quantitative research and reviews of evidence, writing reports and preparing briefing papers in line with the organisation’s goals.
The work of this position ensures that the organisation understands the evidence base to provide effective and informed advice and advocacy for a wide range of relevant drug-related issues to diverse stakeholders, including governments, the health sector and the community.
Key responsibilities and duties
The following duties represent main areas of work and responsibility; however, the position is a dynamic one that will require a variety of tasks to address emerging priorities.
- Take a proactive role in identifying and staying informed about new research and evidence relevant to drug use.
- Prepare research papers and undertake qualitative/quantitative evaluations and original research to support the organisation’s activities.
- Draft high-quality submissions to government.
- Engage with key stakeholders to keep abreast of developments and intelligence from front-line workforces and various networks.
- Produce regular reports for the Executive and key strategic committees on relevant matters.
- Prepare grant submissions and other papers, especially by undertaking research and analysing relevant data to ensure that Penington Institute makes well-informed, evidence-based decisions.
- Provide support to committees and ensure appropriate follow-up is achieved.
- Write content on relevant issues for our publications (media releases, websites, publications and campaign materials).
- Assist with developing media briefings as required.
- Contribute to other projects as required.
We offer a dynamic working environment and are located in Carlton, in the heart of the vibrant Lygon St precinct.
The position is a full-time or negotiated part-time contract for two years. The remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
How to apply
Applications not allowed for this job listing.
Please quote in application: Research Officer / Senior Research Officer (full-time/part-time) via Pro Bono Australia.
Sector: #Drug_Alcohol_and_Addiction
