• 0129380
• Full-time, fixed-term opportunity until 31 December 2025, with the possibility of extension
• A great opportunity to work with the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use on an Australian Government Department of Health-funded project to build the capacity of the alcohol and other drug workforce to respond to mental health conditions
• Base Salary $108,557 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use provides a world-first synergy of leading prevention, early intervention, treatment research and translation programs in substance use and mental disorders. The Matilda Centre undertakes research and brings together researchers currently working across disorder silos (substance use, depression, suicide, anxiety, exercise physiology, dietetics, chronic disease) to share skills, synergise data, and harness new technologies to develop and trial innovative prevention and early intervention programs for substance use and mental disorders.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health is looking for a Senior Project Officer to join The Matilda Centre on a full-time 12-month fixed-term basis, with a possibility of extension. The Senior Project Officer will be required to undertake administrative, research, and project support-related tasks. Expectations of this role will include supporting the development of national practice standards for the alcohol and other drug workforce, planning and organising national consultations with key stakeholders, coordinating project logistics, and providing high-level project support.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Provide project management specialist support and advice to contribute to the planning and establishment of Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care-funded projects
• develop and maintain productive relationships with diverse internal and external project stakeholders, while implementing strategic communication plans to ensure stakeholders are informed and engaged
• conduct national consultations with stakeholders to inform the development of project resources, collate and synthesise feedback, and provide support to Project leads to implement changes
• collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive and accurate project plans that ensure consistency and alignment with project objectives
• coordinate the logistical aspects of multiple project components, while effectively managing project performance and resource allocation
• generate detailed project activity reports and proactively implement necessary changes to ensure consistent progress towards milestones and timely delivery of project deliverables
• develop and implement robust project governance procedures to effectively monitor project performance, mitigate risks, and support the development of business cases and audit reports
• monitor project financials by tracking budgets, allocating costs effectively, and promptly identifying and addressing any financial issues or project-related problems
• undertake other duties and projects appropriate within the classification level as required

About you

• tertiary qualifications in psychology, public health, or behavioural or social sciences (honours will be highly regarded) and/or a related field or equivalent combination of training and work experience
• work with a team of researchers and lead the team through fostering high levels of collaboration, reporting to the team lead, Christina Marel - Senior Research Fellow
• demonstrated understanding of substance use and mental health issues in Australia (highly regarded)
• excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with sound negotiating and conflict resolution skills and a demonstrated level of tact and discretion in dealing with day-to-day operational matters
• extensive attention to detail and ability to plan, organise, and work within project deadlines, with exceptional and proven skills in report writing
• outstanding interpersonal skills, maintaining professional and positive relationships with stakeholders
• high levels of computer literacy with a comprehensive understanding of the Microsoft Office Suite.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires valid work rights for Australia.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to Apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the "Apply Now" button at the top of the page.