Summary of program and its objectives:

The Research and Policy Centre is one of eight divisions at the Brotherhood of St Laurence (the Brotherhood) and has responsibility for seeding new approaches to social policy, programs and practice that help shape a better future for individuals, families and communities experiencing poverty, inequality and social exclusion.

Our research and police practice is guided by our commitment to the development of knowledge and evidence that is:

• ethical
• robust
• independent but not neutral; we stand with and for people and places experiencing poverty, inequity and social exclusion
• accessible to diverse audiences

The Energy, Equity and Climate Change (EECC) Team undertakes high quality policy and research, including delivering innovative trials, with a view to enable people on low incomes to respond to the effects of climate change and energy stress. We want to ensure that energy remains affordable, by addressing the drivers of energy costs such as high network charges and retail costs, and by developing innovative policy and programs that help people to improve the efficiency of their homes and access the benefits of renewables and new energy technologies.

The EECC team has recently been funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to pilot your Energy Broker. Your Energy Broker targets low income households, assisting eligible participants to lower their energy bills by comparing and switching to better energy deals.

Main responsibilities of the role:   

The Research and Administration Assistant role will work with program participants and perform administration tasks for the Your Energy Broker pilot. The role will also work within the broader, Equity & Climate Change research theme and RPC’s strategic framework as required.

To meet the selection criteria, candidates will require:

Qualifications

• Relevant qualifications with extensive relevant experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

Knowledge

• Capacity to develop knowledge of the relevant field (current issues and debates in research and policy)
• Capacity to develop an understanding of the social research and policy environment, including contemporary issues.
• Knowledge of relevant ethical research practices and codes.

Skills

• proficiency in the language of Mandarin (Mandarin Speaking)
• previous experience in the provision of a broad range of administration duties
• demonstrated research skills in data collection, or experience collecting sensitive data accurately
• well-developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships and liaise across all levels both internally, externally and with people from diverse backgrounds
• ability to identify and resolve problems and make appropriate recommendations
• well-developed organisational and time management skills with the ability to plan workload, prioritise and meet deadlines
• self-motivation, with the ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a team
• a professional manner with attention to detail and strong customer service focus
• demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs including Word, Excel and Outlook
• empathy and compassion towards working with people from refugee and migrant backgrounds

Attributes

• Understanding of and empathy with the values and ideals of the Brotherhood.
• Strong attention to detail

This is a casual position and hours will be on an as required basis. 

Salary will be $27.47 - $30.24 per hour for casuals plus 25% casual loading, based on skills and experience plus superannuation. Attractive salary packaging provisions are available to increase take home pay. 

A copy of the position description and screening questionnaire can be downloaded at https://www.bsl.org.au/about/careers/jobs/. For further information about the role phone Damian Sullivan on 0405 141 735.