Innovation Impact Analyst

Hort Innovation is a grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture and each year we invest millions of dollars into critical R&D, extension, marketing, and international trade initiatives. We work to drive productivity and profitability for our growers and the sector at large.

As the Innovation Impact Analyst, you are responsible for the framework, management of programs and analysis required to assess the impact of over $500m of Hort Innovation Research,  Development, Extension and Marketing investments. In this role, you will also support the delivery of insights and data investments that support decision making across the business and the Australian horticulture industry.

As our successful candidate, you will collaborate across all business units, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how our research shapes outcomes. Responsible for managing various initiatives and projects led by an expert group of impact analysis, measurement and evaluation service partners, you will be pivotal in orchestrating our evaluation processes. 

You will be at the forefront of implementing a framework to assess the influence of the organisation’s investments, drawing upon established methods and models. This will entail maintaining metrics and reports of research impact that enhances Hort Innovation’s ability to conduct excellent and influential research to support Australian horticulture growers. 

Roles and responsibilities:

 Impact Analysis Management

• Expert input into the updating and development of the Company Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework.
• Organise and report evidence of project and program impact in alignment with the Company M&E Framework.
• Knowledge management of investment outputs and outcomes to support M&E and demonstration of impact.
• Engage in evaluation capacity building across internal and external stakeholders
• Development of investment ‘stories’ and ‘case studies’ to demonstrate and elevate impact of investments.
• Manage a program of independent ex-post and ex-ante impact assessments 
• Undertake and contribute to the impact assessment, both qualitative and quantitative, of potential Hort Innovation projects
• Contribute to stakeholder survey initiatives to measure sentiment and impacts

Develop industry data and information investments in order to amplify industry knowledge and seek opportunities to close data gaps 

• Working with the project managers and industry to consolidate and utilise available internal and external horticulture industry data and information to support decision making. This includes data and information relating to investment M&E activities.
• Identify, develop and manage new opportunities to close industry data gaps in alignment with industry Strategic Investment Plans for both Strategic Levy and Frontiers Fund investments.

Increase data accessibility to stakeholders

• Curate data to add value for internal and external requirements to support decision making and practice change. This includes supporting the capacity to leverage data to inform investment proposals, procurement processes and an industry baseline. 

Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualifications (bachelor level or equivalent) in economics, commerce or a similar relevant fields.
• Formal study and/or professional experience, in the field of evaluation will be highly regarded. 

Who you are:

The following knowledge, skills and abilities are necessary for someone to fill this position: 

• 3+ years’ experience working in a related role.
• Understanding and experience in applying evaluation and assessment principles and evaluation capacity building.
• Experience in analysing research performance, including economic impact assessments.
• Ability to build relationships with internal (R&D and marketing managers) and external (researchers, consultants, agencies) stakeholders.
• High-level strategic thinker.
• Experience working for or within research and/or investment corporations and agencies will be highly regarded.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with high-level interpersonal skills including engagement, consultation, and liaison with a range of stakeholders. 

What you'll get

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid work environment
• Salary sacrificing 
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• A highly motivated and fun team

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter, telling us why you want to join the Hort Innovation team by clicking on the 'Apply for this job'. 

Hort Innovation is an equal opportunity employer, all applicants will be considered regardless of their race, sexuality, religion, colour, gender identity or parental status. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.