RESEARCHER / RESEARCH PROJECT MANAGER HUNTER RESEARCH FOUNDATION ABN 91 257 269 334 T 02 4041 5555 F 02 4961 4981 E info@hrf.com.au W www.hrf.com.au PO BOX 322 NEWCASTLE NSW 2300 5 HALL STREET MARYVILLE
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE The Hunter Research Foundation (HRF) is an independent, world-class research organisation dedicated to the growth and success of the Hunter Region and working in partnership with individual research clients. HRF delivers insights that move the Hunter Region forward, through a unique, rigorous and innovative economic and social regional research program in operation since 1956. HRF also works with individual clients on a fee-for-service basis to deliver high-quality, tailored research solutions in areas such as health, economics and community wellbeing and has developed an outstanding reputation for undertaking complex, custom-designed research projects. The organisation has 20 permanent staff and around 50 casual interviewing staff and operates out of newly refurbished premises in the suburb of Maryville, Newcastle. HRF is a dynamic, fast-paced work environment, and offers flexible and family-friendly work practices. For more information, go to www.hrf.com.au POSITION OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE Researchers and Research Managers are part of the research team at HRF. They report to the Principal Researchers and work as a flexible and shared resource for both Regional and Client Services. The position is offered on a fixed-term basis of 24 months, with a three month probationary period. The purpose of this position is to: Work as an integral part of the HRF Research Team to deliver both the Regional Research Program and quality research services to clients. Undertake a range of research projects and activities that will help provide insights that move the Hunter forward Conduct a range of qualitative and quantitative research projects and activities including survey data collection and desk-top research Work with a range of clients to provide tailored research services to meet their needs and work within the HRF Project Management system to administer each project. Under the guidance of Principal Researchers, contribute to the growth of the HRF business and portfolio of clients Work flexibly across a range of disciplines including economics, health, social and community wellbeing Contribute to the continuous improvement of business systems and research methodologies. Hunter Research Foundation February 2015-2 -
HOURS OF WORK 1. Hours negotiable between 3 and 5 days per week (21-35 hours per week) 2. The HRF generally operates during business hours Monday to Friday. Occasionally, flexibility around working hours may be necessary to accommodate operational requirements. MAIN TASKS AND DUTIES 1. Be responsible for Project Management processes, including leadership in defining, planning, coordinating, implementing and administering projects with specific deadlines and performance indicators 2. Conduct qualitative and quantitative survey research including questionnaire design, sampling, facilitation, data analysis and interpretation, and report writing 3. Conduct desk-top research including literature reviews, data sourcing, analysis (eg. economic, statistical) and report writing 4. Project development, including defining project scope, budgeting and proposal writing 5. Project management including monitoring progress and performance; client liaison and use of systems such as MS Project 6. Completion of administrative tasks that assist with, or are associated with, research and organisational activities 7. Participate in business development initiatives including building and maintaining relationships with clients and stakeholders and attending HRF events 8. Attend and contribute to Research Team meetings and other workplace meetings, as required 9. Other tasks and duties as reasonably required KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Effectively coordinate and prioritise a range of different projects and demands simultaneously 2. Monitor and manage project performance to ensure performance indicators are met or exceeded 3. Contribute to the continuous improvement of business systems and research methodologies 4. Work flexibly and cooperatively with colleagues 5. Liaise effectively with colleagues, clients and key stakeholders 6. Undertake all duties with a high level of efficiency, accuracy and attention to detail Hunter Research Foundation February 2015-3 -
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS 1. As a minimum, the National Employment Standards (the NES ) apply to this position. 2. The job classifications range from Researcher to Senior Research Manager, dependent upon skills and experience. 3. Fixed-term appointment of 24 months, with a three month probationary period. 4. HRF employees are subject to on-going assessment and evaluation 5. HRF offers a flexible work environment. SELECTION CRITERIA Indicative Position Criteria Research Classification Supervision Required Qualification Minimum (or equivalent) Demonstrated Experience Salary Range Guide (excl.super) Researcher Routine Bachelor s Degree Intermediate $48,000-$53,999 Research Manager General Bachelor s Degree Proficient $54,000-$67,999 Senior Research Manager Broad Bachelor s Degree (Honours) Advanced $68,000-$81,000 Essential Criteria - Category 1 Demonstrated experience in Project Management, including scope and budget development, proposal writing and reporting Demonstrated data sourcing, data interpretation and data reporting skills Ability to conduct a range of qualitative and quantitative research projects and activities including survey data collection, focus groups and desk-top research Ability to work flexibly across a range of disciplines including economics, health, social and community wellbeing Demonstrated professional writing skills for tender submissions, project proposals and report writing Ability to participate in business development initiatives including building and maintaining relationships with clients and stakeholders and attending HRF functions Fundamental understanding of statistics and statistical methods Ability to contribute to the continuous improvement of business systems and research methodologies. Essential Criteria - Category 2 High-level proficiency using applications including Microsoft Outlook and Office (in particular Word, Excel and PowerPoint) Excellent, positive attitude with demonstrated organisation and communication skills including: Hunter Research Foundation February 2015-4 -
o Demonstrated ability to work independently, self-manage effectively as well as cooperatively as part of a team o Excellent communication skills (written, verbal and presentation) o Excellence in organisation and time management skills. o High level attention to detail o Demonstrated resourcefulness, flexibility and ability to self-educate. An understanding of and commitment to key organisational obligations including as privacy, information security and Work Health and Safety Desirable Criteria Prior experience in an applied research role Experience with a variety of data collection techniques such as Computer-Assisted Web interviewing (CAWI), Telephone Interviewing (CATI), Personal Interviewing (CAPI) and focus groups Experience in the design and implementation of population-based surveys Demonstrated understanding of research methodology and survey research design Experience in the use of statistical analysis software, such as SPSS Experience in the use of Project Management System software, such as MS Project Current NSW Driver s Licence Willingness to travel within the Hunter and surrounding areas APPLICATIONS Include a cover letter responding to the Essential Criteria (Category 1 only), Desirable Criteria (if applicable) and nominate the Research Classification level you are applying for (that is Researcher, Research Manager or Senior Research Manager) Attach a current CV Lodge by email to rhonda@hrf.com.au Closing date 4.00pm, Thursday 12 March 2015 For enquiries, contact rhonda@hrf.com.au or ph. 4041 5542 Hunter Research Foundation February 2015-5 -