• Exciting opportunity to join our Prevention Team and support efficient and effective operation of the policy and advocacy function
• Permanent Full Time position in Burwood East

About RSPCA Victoria

RSPCA Victoria is a non-government, community-based, not-for-profit organisation whose vision is ‘ending cruelty to all animals’. We are Victoria’s best-known and most respected animal welfare organisation.

Our organisation’s purpose is to work with the community to achieve outstanding animal welfare through education, advocacy, and animal care and protection. RSPCA Victoria’s values - clarity and accountability, respect and consideration, and expertise and collaboration - set clear expectations for all our staff and volunteers.

About the Role

We are currently recruiting a Research Officer to join our Prevention Team in a permanent full-time capacity. Reporting to the Policy and Advocacy Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the efficient and effective operation of the policy and advocacy function in order to advance RSPCA Victoria’s efforts to improve animal welfare in the community.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Policy and Advocacy Manager, you will:

• Providing secretariat support to RSPCA Victoria’s Animal Welfare Policy Committee and Animal Ethics Committee, including scheduling meetings, preparing and distributing papers, taking minutes and collating and summarising feedback on policy documents, submissions and other items
• Maintaining the organisation’s political advocacy database.
• Preparing briefs to inform the engagement and advocacy efforts of members of the RSPCA Victoria Management Team, Senior Management Team and Board, as required.
• Conducting literature reviews and summarising research papers under the supervision of the Policy and Advocacy Manager.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment by effectively communicating and working collaboratively with peers across all departments, and consistently behaving in accordance with the RSPCA Victoria values and associated policies.

What we are looking for from you

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in biological sciences or policy
• High level literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills, including intermediate computer skills (including use of Microsoft Office Excel and PowerPoint).
• Ability to work in a fast paced and challenging work environment.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated experience writing literature reviews or preparing briefs by synthesising information from reliable sources will be highly regarded
• Experience in similar role/s in this sector will be highly regarded but not essential

Recruitment Requirements

• Current and valid COVID-19 vaccination (primary course) records, unless a medical exemption applies
• Valid Victorian driver’s licence
• Willingness to undergo a National Police Check.

What we can offer you

• Encouraged work-life balance with working from home options available, flexible working arrangements such as monthly RDO arrangements available, as well as a broad range of leave entitlements, including annual leave, personal leave, additional leave (6 days per year pro-rata), purchased leave, paid parental leave, study leave and paid family and domestic violence leave
• Access to a range of mental health and wellbeing supportive initiatives, including confidential counselling services through our Employee and Volunteer Assistance Program (EVAP) and access to education programs
• Generous discounts on products and services, including Royal Canin pet food, Hush Puppies footwear and RSPCA Victoria retail and vet clinic products and services
• Salary packaging and novated lease arrangements on offer with leading provider, Maxxia
• Access to a range of learning and development opportunities that will benefit and support you in your role.

How to Apply

To learn more about our organisation and this job opportunity, please visit our website at www.rspcavic.org.au and download the Position Description attached to this advertisement for more details.

Alternatively, please contact our Policy and Advocacy Manager, Mhairi Roberts on [email protected], using the subject line: Research Officer - Entry Level enquiry via EthicalJobs.

If this role excites you, submit your application with your cover letter and resume, addressing how you meet the selection criteria.

RSPCA Victoria is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and we strongly encourage people from all cultural backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants are welcome to access RSPCA Victoria’s Diversity & Inclusion Policy here.