Research Officer. Program Development & Evaluation. Classification Level 4. Supervisory Responsibilities. Date document created or updated 18/01/2017

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1 Research Officer Work Unit Program Development & Evaluation Classification Level 4 Employment type Work location Reporting line Supervisory Responsibilities Continuing Full time Melbourne Office Research Manager Nil Date document created or updated 18/01/2017 Position purpose The Alcohol and Drug Foundation is committed to delivering high quality, evidence-based resources and programs to support people and communities to reduce alcohol and other drug related harm in Australia. The Research and Evaluation Team, within the Program Development & Evaluation Unit, supports the organisation to deliver on its commitment to evidence-based practice. The Research and Evaluation team provides tailored, responsive and practical advice and support for evidence-based practice, both for quality assurance and monitoring, across the projects, programs and services of the organisation. The team is engaged across a number of projects (internally and in conjunction with external research partners) to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate a range of alcohol and other drug harm minimisation interventions, resources and services. The Research Officer is responsible for providing design, research and evaluation advice and support across the projects, programs and services of the organisation with a high degree of expertise and a focus on effectively translating science into practice. The Research Officer plays a major role within the ADF s research and evaluation program and is expected to take a leadership role in integrating sound evidence-based practice across the activities of the organisation. Organisational context Celebrating nearly 60 years of service to the community, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation is Australia s leading body committed to preventing alcohol and other drug harm in communities around the nation. Our aim is to create an Australian culture that supports people to live healthy, safe and satisfying lives, unaffected by drug and alcohol problems. The Foundation s work reaches millions of people in local communities through multiple settings including sporting clubs, workplaces and schools, offering educational information, drug and alcohol prevention programs and advocating for strong and healthy communities. The Alcohol Drug Foundation is proudly independent and not-forprofit.

2 Our services and programs include: Alcohol and drug information Community programs Workplace services Policy and advocacy For further information, please go to our website: Key Relationships Internal Relationships: Research Manager Knowledge & Information Team Program Development & Evaluation unit Program Delivery Unit Marketing and Engagement Unit External Relationships: Funding Bodies Research Partners Other External Stakeholders (e.g. Community based organisations, Government etc.) Responsibilities Research & Evaluation Take a leading role in providing advice on and supporting evidence-based practice, program development, delivery and evaluation across the organisation. Actively support project teams within the organisation to identify and act upon opportunities for quality improvement. Take a leading role in the design of research projects and pilot programs that appropriately consider the setting, objectives and context, including development of evaluation methodologies, leadership and/or support in project delivery, data collection, documentation and reporting as required. Take a leading role in the statistical analyses and interpretation of data and outcomes of internal quality assurance, monitoring, research and evaluation activities. Undertake all tasks to a high quality and in a timely manner. Participate in and prepare conference and seminar papers and publications to disseminate research and the work of the Foundation as required. Partnerships and Organisational Profile Contribute to the translation, dissemination and application of evidence-based research into accessible and practical information for key audiences, including academic, Government and non-government, community and general public. Assist with internal communication and advocacy of research projects and findings Enhance the reputation of the ADF as a credible source of knowledge for the sector by ensuring appropriate standards are applied to research and evaluation activities. 2

3 Collaborate with staff, colleagues and identified external stakeholders and form sustainable partnerships with internal staff as well as key organisations Australia-wide. Self-Responsibility and Development Role model behaviours that support the values and goals of the ADF Contribute to the maintenance of a high performing research capacity Commit to your own self development As required, mentor research assistants, research support and administrative staff to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of projects. Participate in professional activities, including attendance at conferences and seminars in the field of expertise or associated with areas in which research is being conducted. Capability Profile Formal Education Research-based qualification (Masters or minimum equivalent) in a health or related discipline. Skills and Knowledge Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to evidence-based practice and research in population health, health promotion and/or harm reduction. Experience in translating research into practice. Demonstrated high-level experience in research and evaluation methodologies including program and research design, quantitative and qualitative research methods, data collection, survey development, statistical analyses and interpretation. Demonstrated high-level proficiency in conducting statistical analyses using SPSS or other statistics tools. Familiarity with salesforce and other data capture systems. Familiarity with grant assessment, including the use of smartygrants. Ability to articulate complex information to a range of audiences, without compromising the quality of the message or information being communicated. Sound understanding of alcohol and other drug issues and prevention programs. Ability to complete projects in a timely manner and within budget. Demonstrated high level of communication skills: interpersonal, written, presentation and public speaking 3

4 Key Competencies (See table below) Competency Definition Importance Analytical and critical thinking Judgement/ Problem Solving Able to understand a situation by systematically seeking and evaluating available information and/or by breaking it into causal steps to support effective decision-making. Effectively applying judgement to critically interpret, analyse and evaluate information. Makes rational, realistic, sound decisions. Considers all facts and alternatives available. Looks for causes, not just symptoms, and selects appropriate courses of action to solve problems. Communication Establishes open communication channels. Able to express own ideas and opinions in an appropriate manner. Receptive to others communications. Quality Focus Performs duties in a consistent and reliable manner. Demonstrates attention to detail and standards of excellence. Committed to the achievement and maintenance of quality. Planning and Organising Sets action plans for work and organises time and resources as appropriate. Plans own work (and work of others if required) and establishes priorities, deadlines and objectives. Strategic Perspective Takes a long term view and thinks on a broad canvas. Helps to chart the long term course of the business by evaluating key options, capabilities, threats and opportunities. Establishes and implements operational plans aligned with strategic visions. Ongoing Learning Seeks to learn from experiences and takes responsibility for own learning. Takes action to develop the personal qualities, skills and knowledge to handle work responsibilities. Influence and Negotiation Persuades, convinces and negotiates to gain acceptance of ideas and/or courses of action. 4

5 Evaluation Performance Objective Measurement Criteria 1. Contribution to evidence-based Working in accordance with the ADF strategic goals. practice Development of scientifically sound and appropriate research and evaluation methodologies Effective translation of scientific principles to support evidence-based practice in the community setting. Ensuring data is collected, analysed, and interpreted to a high standard Provision of regular progress reports and updates to internal and external stakeholders Successful completion of internal reports, peerreviewed publication and presentation of findings both internally and externally. 2. Project management Projects are developed and delivered in a manner that is scientifically rigorous and reflects the needs of relevant target groups, funders and the ADF s policy positions and strategies Projects are delivered on time and on budget 3. Enhance ADF profile Ensure ADF services and programs work to enhance the organisation s reputation as a leader in evidence-based practice. Strong internal and external partnerships are developed and maintained. Weighting (% of total job) 55% 35% 10% 5