• Based in Canterbury (with option for hybrid)
• Part-time 4 days per week (30 hours)
• 8-month contract with possible extension to 12 months
• SCHADS Award Level 6.3 $56.22 per hour + super
• Extra leave over Christmas + generous salary packaging

Do you have a background in research, advocacy, criminology, or the social/ political sciences? Want to contribute to positive change for people involved with the prison system, including communities overrepresented in the carceral system? This is the ideal opportunity for you!

As the Senior Research and Policy Officer, you will use your expertise to work collaboratively with the Advocacy Research and Policy Unit (ARPU) team to undertaker research, policy and advocacy work focussed on issues pertinent to CRC clients. You will drive CRC’s advocacy strategy towards improvements in the provision of services for people leaving prison and their families, and diversionary options for people at risk of criminal legal system involvement, in addition to broader criminal legal system reform.

]You will work collaboratively with CRC staff to contribute towards research and evaluation activities as well as research the evidence, literature base and external discourse/ commentary on topics related to CRC’s service delivery, and issues related to the criminal legal system.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing position statements, advocacy materials (including submissions and letters), briefs and background papers, in addition to advice on a broad range of issues related to the criminal legal system
• Researching the evidence, literature base and external discourse/ commentary on topics related to CRC’s service delivery and issues related to the criminal legal system
• Preparing and delivering presentations and training to a broad range of stakeholders
• Developing a framework for CRC to embed reflective practice in our everyday work, which will contribute to our quality improvement efforts and better connect CRC’s research and policy work with service delivery
• Developing and maintaining internal and external relationships with key stakeholders and research partners
• Assisting in the preparation of funding submissions by providing advocacy, research and policy expertise
• Contributing to the development of public advocacy and policy positions, in addition to responses in a range of criminal legal system areas.

Why work for us?

• Support programs that aim to break entrenched cycles of disadvantage, homelessness and imprisonment
• Be part of a community-based agency that has been delivering effective services in our field for over 70 years
• Join a dedicated, energetic team with a culture of trust, integrity and respect
• Be part of a flexible and supportive workplace, including benefits such as Wellbeing Leave
• Supervision opportunities in your work, including access to cultural supervision for First Nations staff

To join us, you’ll need:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in the social & political sciences, criminology, law, policy, communications, public health, or related disciplines.
• Experience in translating research and evaluation in an applied context.
• Ability to critically think and productively engage in advocacy and research projects.
• Ability to be self-motivated and work independently when required.
• Experience in the development of policies, position statements, submissions, briefing papers and other advocacy materials.
• Knowledge and understanding of issues relating to people impacted by the criminal legal system, and the criminal legal system more broadly.
• Demonstrated advocacy and communications experience, including skills in developing persuasive strategies for change, stakeholder engagement and influencing decision-makers.
• High level communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to culturally safe work practices.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion in your everyday work.

How to apply:

We are committed to achieving an inclusive and culturally safe workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, in addition to culturally and racially minoritised communities broadly. Do you have the skills, positivity and work ethic to match our amazing team? APPLY NOW!

Applications close 9am on the closing date.

For more information, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Research & Policy Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.