About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Research and Policy, the Research Lead will progress initiatives which build the evidence base for SSI’s priorities articulated in the SSI Impact Strategy 2023-2026 and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. university research centres) to conduct research with a strong focus on dissemination and translation of research to policy and, where relevant, practice. This role is part of a small, specialised team that undertakes research often working in partnership with external researchers, sector partners and/or SSI program areas. The role is also critical to SSI thought leadership and research such as Foundations for Belonging. The role contributes to other research initiatives from one-off research requests through to major multi-year research projects being undertaken through Australian Research Council partnerships across a range of topics aligned to the SSI Impact Strategy 2023-2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives from design to data collection, analysis and synthesis and contribute to dissemination and translation of research to policy and practice.
• Contribute to thought leadership initiatives through scoping and undertaking literature reviews and research and the development of occasional papers/reports for audiences of decision-makers and contribute to outcomes aligned to SSI’s Impact Strategy 2023-2026.
• Collate and analyse datasets, including publicly available datasets, with a particular focus on multicultural and other communities experiencing inequality and contribute to the development of reports and briefs.
• Communicate effectively and develop strong collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver outcomes and further the impact of the Research and Policy team.
• Work with the Head of Research and Policy and other internal stakeholders to develop an annual research and policy workplan aligned with SSI’s strategic priorities that contributes to SSI’s impact.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline, ideally with a strong research component
• A superior track record in carrying out applied research in human services including analysis and synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data
• Demonstrated strong experience in extracting, collating and analysing data from electronic databases in human services and public datasets (e.g., ABS);
• Demonstrated superior communication skills including techniques for visualising data and developing clear and concise reports, presentations and briefs for a range of audiences;
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating with a range of stakeholders, ideally in a research environment, to achieve outcomes and impact;
• Demonstrated experience in the translation of research to policy and practice, ideally in an NGO/NFP or government human services environment.

Desirable:

• An understanding of social policy and service delivery issues for refugee and migrant communities and other disadvantaged cohorts.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role. Click "Apply Now".

SSI is a Disability Confident Recruiter, and our Talent Acquisition team can assist in; providing alternative formats to apply, making adjustments to the recruitment process and offering information about workplace adjustments and support networks.

Should you require adjustments please email us at [email protected] using the subject line: Research Lead enquiry via EthicalJobs.