Are you a research and evaluation professional who wants to make a difference as part of an organisation that contributes to the resilience and safety of the community. Natural Hazards Research Australia is seeking a Senior Project Officer Research and Evaluation to join our team.

• Full-time
• Based in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney
• Flexible working conditions
• Salary range – $82,500 to $92,500 plus 11% superannuation with generous parental leave provisions

Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre) is Australia’s national centre for natural hazard resilience and disaster risk reduction. The Centre addresses the major challenges arising from natural hazards, including bushfires, floods, cyclones, heatwaves, storms and other hazards. The Centre undertakes research that promotes resilience to the impacts of natural hazards and reduces disaster risk, supporting the needs of a variety of critical stakeholders – including emergency service agencies and communities – in mitigating impacts of, responding to and recovering from disasters caused by natural hazards.

About the role

The Senior Project Officer Research and Evaluation plays a crucial role in both the implementation and continual enhancement of the Centre's performance evaluation framework, aimed at assessing the effectiveness of its research programs and initiatives. The position will be responsible for generating detailed reports and case studies to highlight the impact of the Centre's research, while also offering expert advice to team members on various aspects of research evaluation. In addition, the role involves rigorous monitoring of the Centre's performance against the strategic milestones set in the Research Plan and Corporate Plan, with a focus on identifying and addressing areas for improvement and recommending strategies to boost the performance and utilisation of research.

The Senior Project Officer Research and Evaluation will coordinate the preparation of progress reports and targeted reports to participant organisations in collaboration with other teams. The position also encompasses broader responsibilities such as maintaining up-to-date knowledge on sector-wide research related to natural hazards and disaster risk reduction, assisting in the review and upkeep of the Centre's research strategy, and providing secretarial support to the International Research Advisory Panel. Additionally, the position supports the Centre’s thought leadership program by coordinating relevant projects and contributes to broader operational activities, such as event planning and research project selection processes, enriching the Centre’s influence and outreach.

Selection Criteria

Education:

• University degree, preferably in an area relevant to natural hazards or disaster risk reduction, or evaluation, or equivalent work experience.

Specific knowledge and experience required:

• Proven experience in project management and coordination.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, together with the ability to liaise effectively with a mature, friendly and confident personal style, and build and maintain strong and effective relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Proven expertise in the evaluation of research or similar programs and the ability to effectively communicate results.
• Proven research skills with an ability to understand scientific concepts related to natural hazards research.
• Knowledge of the workings of universities and research organisations.
• High level of initiative and self-motivation, with the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable knowledge and experience:

• At least two years’ experience in a similar, or related role.
• Knowledge of the workings of government, industry, universities or research organisations.

Natural Hazards Research Australia is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from First Nations peoples, women, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ people, and people with family and caring responsibilities.

Next steps

For more information contact Stacey Rosenbrock – [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Project Officer Research and Evaluation - Brisbane / Melbourne / Sydney enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Employment may be subject to the successful completion of a security screening process.

To be considered you must have the right to work in Australia.

Further information can be found in the attached position description.