Research Officer

• 1 x Temporary Full-Time opportunity available until June 2027 
• Clerk Grade 7/8 with salary relative to experience ranging from $106,025 to $117,363 plus employers’ contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading 
• Our team is located in Parramatta. Applications from all locations across NSW will be considered  

 
Are you looking for a fulfilling career that will make a positive difference to communities across the state and help children get the best start in life and learning? We are looking for a Research Officer to join the Early Childhood Outcomes Division!

About the Department of Education 
At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.
 
We ensure young children get the best start in life by supporting and regulating the early childhood education and care sector. We unlock excellence and unleash the potential of two-thirds of school children in NSW. We’re proudly public and the largest education system in Australia. We nurture opportunities for every learner to develop the skills needed for their chosen career path, helping shape the industries of tomorrow.
 
We respect and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as First Peoples of Australia.

For more information about the Department of Education, please visit NSW Department of Education.

About the Early Childhood Outcomes Division
The Early Childhood Outcomes Division leads the delivery of the Early Years Childhood Education and Care reform program, including comprehensive investments in the critical first 5 years of life for every child – in child development and in early education and care, making investments that support families and the community now, as well as investing in long term reforms for the future.  Key initiatives will include supporting families with young children to access the services they need to support their own prosperity and wellbeing; valuing and growing the early childhood education and care sector and investing in early childhood teachers and educators.

About the role
As a Research Officer within the System Stewardship Directorate, you will undertake research and analysis to support the delivery of research projects and initiatives for the Early Childhood Education funded programs, policy initiatives and other activities. 

The responsibilities of a Research Officer include:

• Undertake research, analysis, and project management to support the delivery of the EC Research Program 
• Conduct a range of different qualitative and quantitative research activities to support early childhood policy and programs for the department, including drafting literature reviews, collecting, analysing, synthesising and reporting data in collaboration with the ECO research team
• Support stakeholder engagement with the Early Childhood and University sectors
• Contribute to the preparation of high-quality research reports to ensure they meet the standard for peer-reviewed publication.

For further information please click here to view the role description 

About you 

The ideal candidate we are looking for will have: 

• Tertiary qualifications with a  Research component, or demonstrated equivalent research knowledge and/or experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to shape and drive discussions with stakeholders.
• Be a team player with strong knowledge and understanding of research methodologies.
• Experience in the early childhood education and care sector would be highly regarded.

Essential requirements of the role

• Hold a valid clearance to work with children (Working with Children Check).
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or demonstrated equivalent knowledge and/or experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

Key Knowledge and experience 

• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and the ECE First Steps Strategy to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people and support Aboriginal children and families in NSW.
• Experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and organising, analysing and reporting on qualitative and quantitative data.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements, including - hybrid/work from home arrangements.
• 35 hour working week
• Competitive salary, salary sacrificing, employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions

How to apply

When applying you will need to:

Attach a resume (maximum 4 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest to this role as well as providing an answer to the target question below:

Target Question 1: Describe a research project you have worked on. How did you work collaboratively at the design stage to include different stakeholders? How did you communicate your results to diverse audiences?  (300 words maximum)

Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.

Closing date: Thursday, 4th of April 2024 at 11:59pm

For role enquiries please contact Clare Britt at ***********@det.nsw.edu.au

We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team (*****@det.nsw.edu.au) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.”

A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process. A talent pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.