Senior Research Assistant (Sydney/Melbourne)

At CEI, we believe sound evidence and effective implementation have the power to solve our most pressing social problems. We work with policymakers, practitioners, organisational leaders, and funders – motivated by our mission to close the gap between what we know (from research) and what we do (in practice).

An independent not-for-profit organisation with offices Melbourne, Sydney, London, Singapore, and Oslo, we are passionate about using our expertise to improve the lives of children, families, and communities.

Our core areas of work encompass:

• Translating research into actionable insights.
• Implementing evidence into routine practice using implementation science.
• Rigorous evaluation of policies, practices, and programs.
• Fostering cultures that value evidence for tangible change.

To find out more about CEI, please visit www.ceiglobal.org

Are you a dynamic and organised researcher keen to drive social change? Are you detail-oriented and driven, with impeccable time-management skills? Are you interested in joining a diverse, global team that values its people, nurtures professional growth, and emphasises collaboration? If so, then CEI would love to hear from you!

Location: Sydney/Melbourne (hybrid)

Remuneration: $65,000 per annum, plus superannuation (with salary packaging available)

Contract terms: 24 months, with possibility for extension (incl. 6-month probation)

What does the Senior Research Assistant do?

The primary role of the Senior Research Assistant is to contribute to the conduct of mixed-methods program and system evaluation, implementation and evidence synthesis projects. While the context of these projects varies, most relate to children/youth/family services, health, education and other social services.

The role is responsible for desk-based and fieldwork research, which may include: collection of quantitative and qualitative data, data analysis, conducting literature and evidence reviews (screening, data extraction and providing summaries) and report writing. There will be other administrative and project support tasks required, such as assisting in the preparation of summaries, ethics submissions, presentations and funding proposals.

The Senior Research Assistant receives ongoing support and coaching from Advisors and Principal Advisors, to support skill development and knowledge-building across a range of research methods and activities relevant to CEI’s evaluation, implementation and evidence synthesis work.

As part of a global organisation, there may be occasions when work and meetings will be conducted outside regular business hours, and this role may involve working on projects and initiatives across CEI’s offices.

Key areas of responsibility

The Senior Research Assistant supports CEI’s projects in Australia and globally through undertaking a range of research and project coordination tasks, under the direction of senior staff.

Specifically, the postholder will have the following responsibilities.

Project coordination and support

• Deliver projects, or components of projects, across research/evaluation, evidence synthesis and implementation science. 
• Facilitate relationships with external stakeholders such as government policymakers, practitioners in the field, and other agency staff.
• Support business development and networking, carrying out background desk research and contributing to proposals.
• Support the organisation of CEI events, workshops and training events.
• Provide administrative and project support to Project Managers and Directors, as needed.
• Establish, support and follow research and evaluation quality control processes, methods and guidelines.
• Work in an integrated way with others on CEI teams.
• Other duties, as required.

Health and safety requirements

• Act in a safe manner at all times, including complying with all safety instructions and training given at the workplace.
• Participate in, and contribute to, health and safety awareness and improvements.
• Comply with emergency evacuation procedures.
• Report all incidents, injuries and potential hazards in a timely manner.
• Be aware of, and consider, the risks associated with your everyday work and apply appropriate mitigation measures.

Key selection criteria

Essential skills and experience

• Familiarity with and proven aptitude for conducting quantitative and qualitative research (including data collection, analysis, report writing, and use of statistical analysis packages) – ideally with direct experience of all or some of these activities.
• Demonstrated understanding of the interaction and intersection between government and community/non-government organisations in Australia.
• Proven skills in systematically searching for and summarising research evidence.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out project work to a high standard within tight timelines.
• Proven ability to form positive relationships and work well with colleagues, practitioners and service users.
• Willingness and ability to expand your research skills and experience across substantive practice areas.
• Strong conceptual, analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable attributes

• Experience with, or awareness of, the NSW social service sector.
• Experience in writing for a range of audiences.
• Awareness of key principles and frameworks from implementation science.
• Knowledge of evaluation methodologies, frameworks and tools (financial/cost analysis skills are highly desirable).
• Experience in conducting and contributing to systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Qualifications/accreditations

• An undergraduate degree in Psychology, Social Work, Health, Social Policy, Social Sciences or related disciplines.
• Postgraduate qualifications are also desirable.

Diversity and inclusion at CEI

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to CEI’s work. We are driven to improve outcomes for communities facing adversity through leveraging the best available evidence.

We actively seek and welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, and with lived experience of the social issues our work addresses and in the communities we aim to serve. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

How do I apply?

Download the applicant pack HERE (which includes the role description)

Download the role description document HERE

To apply, please email your CV and covering letter (maximum 4 sides A4) to: cei.hr@ceiglobal.org

Applications close: 5pm, Tuesday 11 June 2024.

Note: While you’re not required to address each selection criteria individually, we encourage you to illustrate how you satisfy as many of the job-related, personal and qualification criteria as you can.

The Centre for Evidence and Implementation (CEI) is a subsidiary of Save the Children Australia, a child-safe organisation. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and sign our Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct.

Only applicants with rights to work in Australia will be considered.

Why You'll love working here

How to apply