Research Assistant

Are you a dynamic and organised mixed methods researcher, with a passion to drive social change through better evaluation and implementation? Do you have a keen eye for detail and demonstrated skills and experience, as well as a flexible, adaptable approach?

Are you interested in joining a diverse, global team that values its people, nurtures professional growth and emphasises collaboration?

Location: Melbourne (hybrid)

Remuneration: $65,000 per annum, plus superannuation

Contract terms: 24 months, with possibility for extension (incl. 6-month probation)

What does the Research Assistant do?

The Research Assistant’s primary role is to contribute to the conduct of mixed methods program and system evaluation, implementation and evidence synthesis projects. The context of these projects will vary but are likely to relate to children/youth/family services, health, education and other social services.

The position is responsible for desk-based and fieldwork research that may include the collection of quantitative and qualitative data, data analysis, conducting literature and evidence reviews (screening, data extraction and providing summaries) and report writing. There will be other administrative and project support tasks, such as providing organisational support to implementation practice training and coaching, and assisting in the preparation of summaries, ethics submissions, presentations and funding proposals.

The Research Assistant will receive ongoing support and coaching from Advisors and Senior Advisors to develop skills and knowledge across a range of research methods and activities relevant to CEI’s evaluation, implementation and evidence synthesis work.

Key areas of responsibility

The Research Assistant supports CEI’s projects in Australia and globally through undertaking a range of research and project coordination tasks, under the direction of senior staff.

Specifically, the postholder will have the following responsibilities.

Project coordination and support

• Deliver projects, or components of projects, across research/evaluation, evidence synthesis and implementation science.
• Facilitate relationships with external stakeholders such as government policymakers, practitioners in the field, and other agency staff.
• Support business development and networking, carrying out background desk research and contributing to proposals.
• Support the organising of CEI events, workshops and training sessions.
• Provide administrative and project support to Project Managers and Directors, as needed.
• Establish, support and follow research and evaluation quality control processes, methods and guidelines.
• Work in an integrated way with others on CEI teams.
• Other duties, as required.

Health and safety requirements

• Act in a safe manner at all times, including complying with all safety instructions and training given at the workplace.
• Participate in, and contribute to, health and safety awareness and improvements.
• Comply with emergency evacuation procedures.
• Report all incidents, injuries and potential hazards in a timely manner.
• Be aware of, and consider, the risks associated with your everyday work and apply appropriate mitigation measures.

Key selection criteria

Essential skills and experience

• Familiarity with and proven aptitude for conducting quantitative and qualitative research (including data collection, analysis, report writing, and use of statistical analysis packages) – ideally with direct experience of all or some of these activities.
• Proven skills in systematically searching for and summarising research evidence.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out project work to a high standard within tight timelines.
• Proven ability to form positive relationships and work well with colleagues, practitioners and service users.
• Willingness and ability to expand your research skills and experience across substantive practice areas.
• Strong conceptual, analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable attributes

• Experience with, or awareness of, the Australian social service sector.
• Experience in writing for a range of audiences.
• Awareness of key principles and frameworks from implementation science.
• Knowledge of evaluation methodologies, frameworks and tools (financial/cost analysis skills are highly desirable).
• Experience in conducting and contributing to systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Qualifications/accreditations

An undergraduate degree in Psychology, Social Work, Health, Social Policy, Social Sciences or related disciplines. Postgraduate qualifications are also desirable.

Only applicants with the right to work in Australia will be considered.

Diversity and inclusion at CEI

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to CEI’s work. We are driven to improve outcomes for communities facing adversity through leveraging the best available evidence.

We actively seek and welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, and with lived experience of the social issues our work addresses and in the communities we aim to serve.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

How to apply

Download the applicant pack HERE (which includes the role description)

Download the role description HERE

Please submit a cover letter (maximum 4 pages) highlighting your alignment with the position competencies, and your CV.

While you’re not required to address each competency individually, we encourage you to illustrate how you satisfy as many of the job-related, personal and qualification competencies as you can.

Applications must be submitted via email: cei.hr@ceiglobal.org

Closing date: Thursday 31 October, 5pm AEST.

Please note: The Centre for Evidence and Implementation (CEI) is a subsidiary of Save the Children Australia, a child-safe organisation. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and sign our Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct.