This vacancy has now closed.
Are you a research manager who wants to make a difference to the resilience and safety of the community? Natural Hazards Research Australia is seeking a Research Services Manager to join our team.
- Full-time, three-year contract
- Based in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney
- Flexible working conditions
- Salary range: $126,000–$133,200 plus superannuation
- Applications close 11.59pm AEST Sunday 20 August
Natural Hazards Research Australia 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. The research supports 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.
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.
About the role
Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre) is driven by its mission to work with partners and the community on research that is useful, actionable and supportive of better decision-making to save lives and protect property.
The Research Services Manager manages and leads the Research Services Team to support the development and administration of the Centre’s research program by ensuring efficient and effective contracting, project management and research support services.
Reporting to the Research and Implementation Director, the role is responsible for:
- providing leadership and management of the Research Services Team
- leading the effective implementation of research project and contract management including the negotiation of research services agreements
- ensuring timely and accurate information is available to Centre management and Board regarding the status of the Centre’s research portfolio
- supporting the research, translation and implementation elements
- supporting the monitoring and evaluation of the Centre’s research program
You will have previous experience managing a small team and administering research contract and grant management processes, with excellent negotiation and communication skills, be flexible and adaptable with a high attention to detail and capacity to meet deadlines and deliver quality outcomes. Strong stakeholder engagement skills are required, as effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders are essential for the efficient management of the Centre’s research program.
The position will be located in one of the Centre’s nodes in either Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney, with flexible working conditions available from these locations.
Selection criteria
Education
- University degree, preferably in an area relevant to business, project and contract management, law or equivalent work experience in administration and management.
Specific knowledge and experience required:
- Leadership experience with a track record of inspiring teamwork and demonstrating effective communication and 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.
- Experience in project management, including demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of projects and to operate effectively in an environment characterised by short and often conflicting timeframes.
- Demonstrated skills and experience in implementing contract management and grant processes including drafting, negotiation and finalisation of agreements and intellectual property management.
- Highly developed negotiation skills with an ability to resolve conflict to achieve favourable outcomes.
- Demonstrated sound conceptual and analytical skills, including the ability to identify risks and issues, develop appropriate solutions, foster continuous improvement and to communicate effectively to executive leaders.
- Advanced computer literacy, particularly with current business management software packages and their various application capabilities.
Desirable knowledge and experience:
- At least four years’ experience in a similar, or related role.
- Knowledge of the workings of universities or research organisations.
- Knowledge of the workings of government departments and agencies.
Further information can be found in the attached position description.
Applications
Applications close 11.59pm AEST, Sunday 20 August 2023.
To apply, please submit a CV and a two-page cover letter introducing yourself, your skills and explaining your interest in the role to office@naturalhazards.com.au.
Employment may be subject to the successful completion of a security screening process.