• Reports to: Research & Policy Director
• Work type: Full time, ongoing
• Salary: $82,620 - $100,980 p.a. plus 9.5% superannuation and 17.5% annual leave loading
• Location: Melbourne CBD
• Performance review: 3 months with annual appraisal

About us:

The Consumer Policy Research Centre is an independent, non-profit, consumer think-tank established by the Victorian Government in 2016. We work closely with policymakers, regulators, academia, industry & the community sector to develop, translate and promote evidence-based research to inform practice and policy change.

For the past 2.5 years, CPRC has produced leading research in the areas of consumer data and the digital economy, advising government policymakers and businesses on ways to improve consumer protections and better empower consumers with their data. You can find out more about us here.

About the role:

Join a dynamic team and produce research for impact! As Senior Research & Policy Officer, you’ll play a key role in shaping the research agenda and research projects of the organisation within your areas of responsibility. The Senior Research & Policy Officer will be responsible for delivering policy analysis, research and strategic advice on consumer issues to further CPRC’s mission of improving the experiences and welfare of consumers.

Data and technology are changing markets, products and services. Reporting to the Research & Policy Director, the Senior Research & Policy Officer will lead CPRC’s work in data and technology, online markets and new products and services. You'll be producing cutting edge research internally and in partnership with others, including academic experts and some of Australia's leading institutions, as well as engaging policymakers, businesses and the community sector on ways to improve outcomes for consumers.

Core responsibilities:

• Co-ordinate and lead the policy and research agenda in relation to data, technology and the digital economy
• Working with the Research & Policy Director, identify key policy processes to distribute CPRC research and lead an engagement strategy with government and regulatory bodies to drive change, ensuring that CPRC participates as a credible policy expert
• Working with the Research & Policy Director, develop and deliver a stakeholder engagement strategy for your research area including industry, government, regulatory, academic and community sector experts and thought-leaders
• Produce high-quality policy analysis, research reports, articles, fact sheets and other materials within key research priority areas
• Undertake forward-looking and anticipatory environment scanning for emerging consumer policy issues as a key input to developing CPRC research priorities
• Develop and deliver evidence-based recommendations for changes in business practice or policy changes which improve outcomes for consumers and facilitate inclusive markets
• Support the CEO and other team members to provide translational research to governments, regulators, businesses and others to deliver meaningful outcomes for consumers
• Participate in relevant government and regulatory processes and external forums so that CPRC’s position is communicated and is recognised as a key stakeholder and credible expert in these processes
• Cooperate with and support the work of other advocacy organisations where this assists us to achieve long term benefits for consumers and builds capacity in the sector
• Contribute to developing team and organisational goals as part of planning processes
• Contribute to CPRC’s accountability and reporting requirements
• Identify and prepare research grant applications to secure project funding
• Other research and policy duties as reasonably directed by the Chief Executive Officer or Research & Policy Director

Key selection criteria:

• Demonstrated experience in successfully leading policy and/or research projects that have led to government policy or business practice change
• Demonstrated high-level problem solving, research and analysis skills to produce high quality policy analysis and advice in a time-pressured environment
• Demonstrated excellent project management experience, including risk identification, mitigation, execution and delivery according to deadlines
• Working knowledge of consumer issues associated with data, digital transformation, online markets, e-commerce, digital exclusion
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive, effective and collaborative stakeholder networks and relations Passionate about collaboratively developing and achieving innovative and practical policy solutions. Existing working relationships with key stakeholders an advantage
• Excellent written and verbal communication, consulting, listening, negotiation and liaison skills
• Experience in preparing government & regulatory policy submissions
• Experience in securing and delivering co-funding and co-design projects
• Works effectively with high degree of autonomy and accountability; self-motivated and can demonstrate initiative, excellent time management and ability to deal with competing priorities under pressure
• Cooperates and works well with others; shows consideration, concern and respect for others’ feelings and ideas; accommodates and works well with the different working styles of others, treating all people with dignity and respect
• Highly developed analytical skills, program evaluation experience an advantage

Please download the full position description below for further details.