Research And Data Officers

> Canberra ACT

The Research and Analysis team sits within the Assessment, Research and Reporting Branch, in the National System and Performance Division. Interesting and challenging positions are available in the team for employees with an interest in the use of evidence to inform policy. The team has a variety of responsibilities within the sphere of research, analysis, and reporting on research project findings. This includes ongoing management of the Schools Group’s Research Strategy Framework.
The team also has responsibility for managing the highly-valued Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth and associated reporting and research. The team serves the research and data needs of the Schools Group via analysis on regular data products, as well as analysis on current policy issues and undertaking research projects to inform policy. The team provides data advice and works with policy areas to undertake research projects that are aligned with departmental priorities. 

Current priorities for the team include:

providing strategic oversight of the improving national data quality initiatives under the National School Reform Agreement

overseeing the department’s Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth

undertaking analysis of youth transitions, including new insights provided through linkages of administrative and survey data

managing the Schools Group’s Research Strategy and associated intranet page the Research Corner

providing data advice and analysis for policy areas including the development of fact sheets on schooling

managing data linkage projects under the National School Reform Agreement.

 

The key duties of the position include:

The Position

We are looking for applicants with highly developed analytical and communication skills who will operate as productive team members to support schools research and analysis, including implementation of National School Reform Agenda projects to improve data quality. The successful applicants will take accountability for achieving outcomes and continuously improving the way we work.

The positions will involve:

undertaking research and analysis of student performance, outcomes and youth transitions 

preparing briefings and correspondence and assisting with other documentation as required, including providing editing and quality assurance checks 

communicating with stakeholders across a range of levels

translating complex technical information for non-technical audiences 

One of the positions will also involve:

providing administrative support for the improving national data quality initiatives under the National School Reform Agreement

assisting with the development and management of youth surveys and data linkage projects including the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth 

Candidates should possess the following skills:

high-level analytical, conceptual skills and research capabilities to support and promote the Research Strategy and associated products within the Group and the department 

excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft briefings and prepare documents for review and publication 

the ability to work well in a team

high-level organisational skills

an ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently

the ability to work flexibly and collaboratively by building and maintaining strong working relationships both within and beyond the department

experience in conducting research and analysis using statistical analysis software such as SAS may be regarded as an advantage for some positions

experience in survey design and development may be regarded as an advantage for some positions but is not essential

experience in analysing longitudinal data and/or working on data linkage projects may be regarded as an advantage for some positions but is not essential.

Eligibility

Please note, under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency delegate has agreed, in writing.

This is a designated security assessed position. The successful candidate will have the ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance. 

This selection process may be used to establish a merit pool. The pool might be accessed to fill ongoing vacancies for similar roles in the Department over the next 12 months.

 

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability