POSITION OBJECTIVE

To undertake the union’s research and policy activities, including preparing submissions and conducting desktop, quantitative, or qualitative research across all areas of the union’s coverage in Victoria and Tasmania.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Monitor, communicate and engage in policy discussions in key sectors – Key Responsibility

• Duties and Responsibilities
  • Prepare submissions, research papers and policy documents, background briefings, website content and associated communications to members
  • Communicate, liaise with and inform internal and external stakeholders on policy issues of relevance to members.
  • Represent the ASU in industry groups and other forums as required
  • Contribute to the branch’s political lobbying, including through planning and preparing materials to support lobbying.

Provide research and information support – Key Responsibility

• Duties and Responsibilities
  • Coordinate the union’s research activities consistent with the priorities identified by elected officers.
  • Desktop research drawing on information sources including but not limited to annual reports, government publications, research reports and academic publications.
  • Undertake research on workers’ views and experiences
  • Organise and develop sources of information for the Branch and relevant committees
  • Monitor and communicate relevant developments in industries where ASU members are employed to elected officers and lead organisers.
  • Undertake research to support industrial activity, bargaining and whole-of-branch campaigns
  • Contribute to the development of campaigns.
  • Membership of relevant committees or bodies on behalf of the ASU.

The Research and Policy Adviser is supported by a Research and Policy Assistant (0.6 EFT).

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Experience or demonstrated understanding of strategic campaigning and political lobbying techniques (desirable).
• Experience working within a union, government, political party or advocacy organisation in a research or policy role.
• Experience in desktop research, quantitative and qualitative research techniques, including focus groups and text analysis.

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline (desirable).
• Well-developed analytical and conceptual skills.
• Knowledge of social, economic, industrial and political issues and trends, and ability to translate these issues in terms of their impact on ASU members and industry divisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and communicating to a broad range of audiences.
• A demonstrated commitment to trade unionism and understanding of union values.

• Excellent project management skills.
• Ability to quickly understand unfamiliar topics to provide advice on the most appropriate information sources or research methods to deepen the branch’s knowledge of the topic.

• Sound knowledge of MS Office and Internet research techniques.
• Current driver’s license essential

General Statement

This position description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for performing this job. It is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. The performance of other duties within the employee’s competence and skills will be required from time to time in order to meet the union’s needs.

Privacy

• Ensure the collection and handling of information will be consistent with the requirements of the Information Privacy Act 1988 and all subsequent amendments

OH&S

• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the union and take all reasonable care to ensure that the actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of others in the union.

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

Reports to: Branch Secretary

Internal Liaisons:

• All Branch staff
• ASU National Office
• Other Branches

External Liaisons:

• ASU Members and ASU Workplace Representatives
• State and Federal Government representatives
• Peak bodies
• Employers & Employer associations
• Other unions, Victorian Trades Hall Council & RTLCs
• Australian Council of Trade Unions

Accountability

• Accountable to the Branch Secretary

next steps

Click Apply Now to submit your application. 

A position description is attached.