• Work for an independent, not-for-profit organisation with an international reputation as an evidence specialist, and be at the forefront of health research translation.
• Great office located in Glebe - with a truly flexible and hybrid approach to work
• Great salary packaging benefits available

About the Sax Institute

The Sax Institute is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that improves health and wellbeing by driving better use of evidence in policies, programs and services.

The Institute has an international reputation as an Evidence Specialist, and nearly 20 years’ experience in translating research findings into policy drawing on our own expertise as well as that of our more than 60 member organisations. We work with governments, health organisations, research organisations and a network of experts nationwide to analyse policy problems and find the best evidence-based solutions.

Our office is based in Glebe, however, we offer great flexible and remote working arrangements (we come to the office for a purpose – to connect and to collaborate – with flexibility to choose your location of work outside these times). Our staff employee engagement survey showed our staff are proud to work here at the Institute and would recommend it as a great place to work – so read on and see how you can join the team!

About the role

Our Evidence Mobilisation program assists decision-makers to access and use evidence from research; and supports researchers and decision-makers to work together to address policy and practice questions. We have several well-developed services and resources which support the use of research in decision-making and are developing and testing further approaches. The main activities our Evidence Mobilisation team currently deliver are:

• Rapid evidence reviews
• Training courses to build capacity in research and evaluation
• Facilitation of meetings, workshops and solutions-focussed labs

Reporting to the Deputy Director – Evidence Mobilisation, the Senior Research and Project Officer has an integral role in the team and is central to ensuring the delivery of our key projects.

We are looking for a dynamic professional who is skilled and experienced in undertaking rapid literature reviews, and adept in providing project co-ordination, management and support services to join our Evidence Mobilisation team. You get things done, and you also influence others to get what you need done. You’re clear on the outcome you’re trying to achieve, and you have controls in place to ensure your projects remain on track and deliver on time.

Making use of your knowledge of government processes and decision-making, and experience in public health or health-services research, this role will allow your people skills to shine.

You will develop and maintain relationships with a wide range of relevant stakeholders from agencies who are users of Evidence Mobilisation services and the research teams we partner with to deliver our projects. You are an effective communicator. You frame your words well, understand your audience, and are able to effectively facilitate both online and face-to-face meetings to bring stakeholders on the journey.

Although no two days will be the same, responsibilities will include assisting and collaborating with colleagues and a range of external stakeholders to:

• Coordinate and deliver Evidence Mobilisation projects; including managing contracts and invoicing, and supporting coordination, facilitation and reporting of meetings and workshops.
• Contribute to the design, conduct and preparation of rapid evidence reviews, including critical appraisal, evidence synthesis, analysis and report writing.
• Contribute to the coordination and development of the training program.
• Contribute to the development and testing of new approaches to knowledge mobilisation, including the development and conduct of policy dialogues, participatory workshops, and policy impact labs.

You will work as part of a tight-knit and dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about making a positive contribution to improve the health and wellbeing of communities.

Selection Criteria

We are looking for a proactive and organised Senior Research and Project Officer to fill this position who has the following experience and current skill set:

• Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills.
• Tertiary qualifications in the fields of public health, health policy, health services, social science or a related area, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in the conduct of research as it relates to policy and program development in health, health-related, or human services fields.
• Knowledge and understanding of government processes, environments and decision making
• Demonstrated confidence and ability to work effectively with a diverse range of people including senior academics, clinicians, and staff in government and non-government organisations.
• High-level skills and experience in project coordination and management, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.
• Demonstrated high-level problem-solving skills.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft 365 office suite, and bibliographic databases.
• Familiarity with Endnote and Covidence reference management software.

Further details

If this sounds interesting, please go to the Careers Opportunities page of our website to read more about the position: on our careers page.

To submit your application, please click Apply Now.

Please contact Eileen Goldberg at [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Research and Project Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs, if you have further questions about the role.

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.