Better Place Australia has a vision of “An Australia where all people experience positive relationships, truly value each other and live safer, more confident lives”. As a community focused not-for-profit organisation with an ever-growing range of psychological and community support services, Better Place Australia is taking a leadership role in the provision of high-quality, effective services for a wide range of community groups across 14 locations in Victoria. 

This is an opportunity to join our expanding team of highly experienced and passionate people who want to make Australia a better place. 

The Role 

This is a 12 month Part time (0.6 FTE) opportunity

The Research Assistant will work within The Centre for Better Relationships (The Centre), being a research initiative by Better Place Australia.  It's aim is to influence the research and policy landscape by generating quality assured research outputs and content that will be amply disseminated and enrich the debate. 

Specific objectives of the role include:

• Assisting in building the organisation’s reputation as a thought leader
• Synthesizing different information and data sources to inform a organisation point of view
• Support rigorous, evidence-based approaches to research
• Assist in the building of a case for the commissioning of research as a means of advocacy to decision makers
• General administrative duties pertaining to The Centre including assisting with papers, briefings, consultations and submissions as required

The Research component of the role includes:

• Analysis of a broad range of information and data sources
• Writing up background briefings, issues papers or short form reports
• Assisting with preparing and supporting the co ordination of two key research projects carried out by The Centre
• Assist in the data collection and data analysis of research projects carried out by The Centre
• Develop an understanding of relevant research areas using a variety of methods such as systematic and non-systematic literature reviews using appropriate academic and non-academic databases
• Assist in preparation of documents relating to committee requirements
• Assist with the organising and maintenance of a reference library for The Centre 
• Actively participate in the dissemination of the research carried out by The Centre 

Required Qualifications and Experience 

• Appropriate tertiary qualification ideally in the health, population health, allied health and/or social sciences and with a strong applied research component and/or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Highly developed writing skills in creating short form to longer form papers with a particular ability to synthesise research into concise reports.
• Highly developed data and information analysis skills 
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to independent and team-based research 
• Excellent prioritising, time-management skills with the ability to work effectively across a variety of projects with competing deadlines.
• Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders across multidisciplinary teams and handle urgent and sensitive matters with high levels of discretion and professionalism.  
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships across all levels
• Excellent attention to detail and high-level analytical skill
• Understanding of how research can influence policy and advocacy

Better Place Australia 

Better Place Australia offers a workplace culture reflective of a vibrant, learning organisation where our people are highly engaged in their work and committed to making a difference.  As an equal opportunity employer, we aim to create an inclusive environment where differences including gender, age, culture, disability, sexuality and family and caring responsibilities are valued. We invite you to be part of a not for profit organisation that fosters a diverse workplace. 

Further Information 

For further information and to access a copy of the position description, please visit our website www.betterplaceaustralia.com.au/careers/.

Our organisation is committed to child safety and satisfactory completion of a Working with Children Check and National Police Check are mandatory for the preferred candidate. 

Whilst we appreciate the interest of all prospective candidates, please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.  

Apply today!