Director, Research Program (Specific Projects) - [Archived Advertisement]

Director, Research Program (Specific Projects)

About ANROWS

Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) was established in 2013 as an initiative of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 (the National Plan). ANROWS is funded primarily by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments of Australia (core funding) to assist them in achieving the National Plan’s vision of women and their children living free from violence and in safe communities.  Its objectives are to build the evidence base (internally and through an external research grants program), and support the take up of evidence in policy and practice in the violence against women field across Australia. This is reflected in the following strategic goals:

1. Deliver high quality innovative and relevant research.
2. Ensure the effective dissemination and application of research findings.
3. Build, maintain and promote collaborative relationships with and between stakeholders.
4. Be an efficient, effective and accountable organisation.

In addition to its core funding, ANROWS undertakes research commissioned by individual jurisdictions (Commonwealth, state and territory governments) and not-for-profits, and conducts research funded through its Public Fund (philanthropic donations). We are committed to respectful engagement with the First Nations people of this land, guided by the Warawarni-gu Guma Statement, and we have established a dedicated research stream to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions to violence against women.

About the position

This is a full time position (37.5 hours per week) reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and is to be located at the ANROWS national office in Sydney (Level 11, 31 Market Street, Sydney, NSW 2000). The appointment is for an initial period from commencement until 30 June 2022, with the potential to extend, subject to continued funding, beyond that date. 

The primary purpose of this role is to provide research leadership, including project and staff management, for the implementation and successful delivery of strategic, high impact national research.

Remuneration and leave entitlements

The salary range for this position is $139,952 to $149,810 per annum plus 9.5% employer contributions to the employee’s chosen superannuation fund.  ANROWS staff are entitled to 4 weeks annual leave, in addition to personal and sick leave. 

Key responsibilities

1. Lead the development and implementation of specific projects funded through the Commonwealth Fourth Action Plan (4AP) Research Stream: This includes (but is not limited to) providing strategic and conceptual leadership for the Research Stream; leading the preparation of project and research plans, ethics applications, progress reports, budgets, compliance and reporting; and negotiation of external research contracts as required.
2. Provide management and supervision of the Research Stream’s staff (including contractors who may be engaged from time to time): This includes staff selection and recruitment, resource and workload prioritisation, building and continuously developing staff capability, and fostering a constructive and collegial organisational culture.
3. Oversee the production of a range of written reports and other resources to a publishable standard with appropriate written, graphic and data elements intended for a public audience: This includes draft final reports and summary reports. Responsibilities may also include: leading and/or supervising analysis and writing; engaging and coordinating with authors or contributors, including commissioning additional writing, data synthesis, and research support as required; and commissioning graphic and other multi-media components of the Research Stream.
4. Undertake leadership and stakeholder relationship functions: This includes liaison, consultation and the provision of expert subject matter advice to policy-makers and jurisdictional representatives, and representing ANROWS on external bodies, as approved by the CEO.
5. Capacity building, networking and partnerships: This includes establishing and maintaining relationships with researchers, policy makers and practitioners in the violence against women field; and developing relationships with, and facilitating relationships between, key stakeholders in these sectors. 
6. Provide expertise, analysis, specialist advice on research on violence against women in general.
7. Make a range of decisions within delegated authority including operational expenditure, funding, and resourcing decisions.
8. Provide strategic and organisational advice and support to the CEO.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. PhD (or equivalent experience in research design, implementation and/or delivery) in the social sciences.
2. Expertise across a range of social science methodologies and in designing, supervising and managing multiple research projects (preferably in the field of gender and/or violence against women and their children) to time and budget.
3. Proven ability to inspire, mentor and supervise staff and sub-contractors and to build and lead a cohesive, high-functioning team.
4. Exceptional strategic thinking and communication skills and the ability to understand social policy formulation within Government and to frame and translate research evidence into compelling narratives for policy and practice.
5. Outstanding relationship building skills including the proven capacity to build and maintain positive professional relationships and partnerships; a strong capacity to lead contractual negotiations and foster ongoing collaboration with agencies.
6. Strong record of published work in social science; a record of peer reviewed publications will be highly regarded.

Desirable

1. Research, practice or policy expertise in violence against women and/or their children, including an understanding of the role and impact of gender and other inequalities in relation to that violence, will be highly regarded.
2. Appreciative understanding and/or competence of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, or the ability to acquire competence, in working effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

Further information

Any questions regarding the position should be directed to:

Dr Heather Nancarrow, Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: 02 8374 4000
Email: heather.nancarrow@anrows.org.au

Applications

Applications for the position close at midnight on Friday 29 November 2019. Applications, including a brief covering letter, a concise response to each selection criterion and a current résumé, should be emailed to grace.omalley@anrows.org.au

Criminal History Check

The successful applicant will be offered the position subject to a Criminal History Check (also known as a Police Check).