Research Ethics Committee Secretariat Officer (Affirmative Measures)

Research Ethics Committee Secretariat Officer (Affirmative Measures)

$94,563 - $105,910 + 15.4% superannuation

About Research Policy and Ethics
The Ethics team sits within the Research and Education Group. In the ethics space, the team is responsible for leading and influencing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research, ethics, and protocols. This includes the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research and the AIATSIS Research Ethics Committee, which is responsible for reviewing ethics applications and projects involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research.

About the Role
We are seeking a high performing and talented Secretariat Officer to support the operations of the AIATSIS Research Ethics Committee. The position reports to the Assistant Director, Research Ethics. A merit pool may be created for future vacancies of similar positions across the Institute.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research and provide secretariat and operational support to the AIATSIS Research Ethics Committee.
• Provide and facilitate high-level verbal and written subject matter expert advice in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
• Ensure the maintenance and records management of all AIATSIS Research Ethics Committee records and support the setting of forward meeting agendas.
• Conduct high-level quality reviews of research ethics applications.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Committee members, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaise with key internal and external stakeholders to coordinate activities, complete tasks and prepare relevant briefing and reporting as required.
• Undertake a range of tasks including organising payment and reconciliation of invoices, timely distribution of research ethics applications to Committee members, arranging travel and organising meetings, and developing procedural guides.

Our Ideal Candidate
To be successful in this role, you will possess a thorough understanding of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research. You will come with the following skills, experience and attributes:

• Excellent judgement, strong attention to detail and an ability to manage multiple priorities and respond flexibly in a shifting work environment.
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to build and sustain strong networks and relationships within the agency and with external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in the provision of secretariat support services to high-level or expert committees.
• A 'can-do' attitude and an ability to work in a fast-paced environment to achieve results, whilst managing demanding lead times and competing priorities.
• Knowledge or the ability to gain knowledge in the application of human research ethics policies and guidelines.
• Experience working with Electronic Documents and Records Management Systems (EDRMS), and Research and Ethics Compliance Software.

Cultural Capability
Roles at AIATSIS require candidates to have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and proven culturally appropriate engagement and communications skills. The nature of this role requires the candidate to consistently demonstrate the following specific cultural capabilities:

• Understanding of the AIATSIS vision to create a world in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s knowledge and cultures are recognised, respected, celebrated and valued.
• Informed, authentic and respectful understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and societies, including ethical research and policy matters related to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Capability to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ voices, experiences, and perspectives in all of our work.

What we offer

• Great salary conditions
• 15.4% Superannuation
• Competitive leave entitlements, including 20 days annual leave, 18 days personal leave, Cultural, ceremonial and NAIDOC leave, up to 18 weeks parental leave, and the ability to purchase extra leave.
• Health benefits including, reimbursements for health promotion activities, eye health and flu vaccinations.
• For eligible employees, generous study leave, course fee and materials assistance, to undertake relevant accredited study.
• Paid leave during extended end of year shutdown

This is an Affirmative Measures opportunity
This position will be filled using the Affirmative Measure provision, which allows for the targeted recruitment of Indigenous Australians into the Australian Public Service. The vacancy is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. The filling of this employment opportunity is intended to constitute an Affirmative Measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.