• Full-time, Fixed Term position until December 2023
• Salary Level HEW 8 + 17% Superannuation
• Based at the Melbourne CBD campus, and hybrid ways of working

About the role

The Senior Adviser, Research and Advocacy - Centre for Innovative Justice will undertake project, research and advocacy activities in line with the Centre's research strategy, working under the direction of the Associate Director, Research, Advocacy & Policy. This includes having responsibility for the day to day running of projects (either leading projects or managing discrete components of larger projects), including ensuring that project outcomes are delivered on time and within scope; liaising with stakeholders and representing the CIJ at stakeholder meetings and forums. This may include public speaking engagements.

This role will assist the Associate Director by developing and implementing specific strands of the CIJ's research program; identifying and monitoring emerging trends and developments in innovative justice; leading the preparation of grant applications as well as applications for ethics approval in a range of contexts; leading and/or supporting the coordination and conduct of project activities; drafting submissions to inquiries; and assisting in the production of high quality written publications on behalf of the Centre. The role will be expected to work across both research and commercial consultancy projects conducted by the CIJ, as well as to demonstrate appropriate project management capabilities across these different contexts. This role is well-suited to someone who is able to work across multiple projects at one time; and who has demonstrated capability in managing competing demands and deadlines.

To be successful in this position, you'll have:

• Demonstrated understanding of contemporary issues impacting the justice system and good knowledge of the network of public, private and community institutions and agencies constituting the justice system. Demonstrated understanding of gendered violence and the issues driving young people and women into contact with the justice system desirable.
• Demonstrated high level experience in undertaking complex policy analysis, research and policy development in a field or fields relating to the work of the Centre, including a track record of producing high quality written publications and influencing policy outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to use robust project management methodologies to manage projects from inception through to completion. Expertise and experience in service design, co-design, monitoring and evaluation and/or reform implementation will be viewed favourably.
• Excellent organisational and coordination skills, including the capacity to manage a program of work which may involve leading and/or contributing to multiple projects at one time and coordinating the delivery of high-quality and client-ready work products to firm deadlines in a busy team environment.
• Demonstrated capabilities suited to application in research, including literature reviews, preparation of applications for ethics approvals, data collection and analysis, both qualitative and quantitative.
• Exemplary written, oral and interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain effective working relationships with senior stakeholders and clients and to produce polished and effective communications and project documents suitable for a range of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to think analytically and creatively, applying your problem-solving skills to the identification and management of strategic project risks and issues, and to the development of project outputs and outcomes that meet the needs of stakeholders, end users and the broader community.
• Working knowledge and/or experience of the process of law reform, including government, legislative and political processes, stakeholder engagement, advocacy and public interest litigation.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

About the Portfolio

The Policy and Impact Portfolio provides focus and momentum for the projects and priorities that were identified in Ready for Life and Work: RMIT's Strategic Plan to 2020.

We have provided support for the implementation of the RMIT Strategy with a particular focus on public policy and government engagement, innovative practice in organisational capability development, and the development of new collaborations and partnerships. The Policy and Impact Team has been a focal point for the development of the Melbourne Innovation Districts partnership between the City of Melbourne, The University of Melbourne and RMIT which focuses on urban innovation for the future of Melbourne.

The Policy and Impact Portfolio members provide a distinctive set of evidence-driven, analytical and public policy expertise, including policy and data analysis, government engagement and capability in areas such as: strategic development, innovation, partnership development across government, industry and social sector, project management capabilities. The Policy and Impact Team is available to provide advice and assist the University as it seeks to engage with strategic projects and public policy issues that are aligned with the goals set out in the Ready for Life and Work Strategic Plan to 2020.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing your suitability for this position by clicking on the 'Apply Now' link below.

Senior Advisor Research and Advocacy PD.pdf

About RMIT

RMIT is a multi-sector university of technology, design and enterprise with more than 95,000 students and close to 10,000 staff globally. RMIT offers postgraduate, undergraduate, vocational education and online programs to provide students with a variety of work-relevant pathways.

Our purpose is to offer life-changing experiences for our students, and to help shape the world with research, innovation, teaching and industry engagement. With strong industry connections forged over 130 years, collaboration with industry remains integral to RMIT's leadership in education, applied and innovative research, and to the development of highly skilled, globally focused graduates.

Imagination. Agility. Courage. Passion. Impact. Inclusion.

What unites us is our purpose and our values; they are at the heart of who we are, what we stand for, how we make decisions and connect with each other.

Our people make everything at the University possible. We encourage new approaches to work and learning, stimulating change to drive positive impact. RMIT exists to create transformative experiences for our students, getting them ready for life and work. You will be a part of a productive and collaborative team, who values working relationships and outcomes through open and inclusive planning, continuous information sharing and transparent work practices.

Bring Your Whole Self to Work

We are better for our diversity. When we listen to those who are different to us, or challenge us, we grow stronger together. When we feel like we belong, we can achieve so much more. We respect each other, embrace our differences and build a sense of belonging in our team and beyond.

We are proud that our dedication to diversity has been recognised by a broad spectrum of external organisations.

RMIT has a strong dhumbali (commitment) to the employment, development and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within a culturally safe environment; we strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

RMIT is a Disability Confident Recruitment Team and we are happy to adjust the recruitment process for your accessibility requirements. Please contact us at [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Adviser - Research and Advocacy enquiry via EthicalJobs telling us your preferred type of communication and we will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss your requirements.

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.