Executive Manager, Research

ABOUT THE LOWITJA INSTITUTE

Lowitja Institute is Australia's only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health research institute, named in honour of its patron, Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue AC CBE DSG. It is working for the health and wellbeing of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by facilitating high-impact quality research and knowledge exchange, and by supporting a new generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health researchers. Established in January 2010, Lowitja Institute operates on key principles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, a broader understanding of health that incorporates wellbeing, and the need for the work to have a clear and positive impact.

RESEARCH & KNOWLEDGE TRANSALATION PROGRAM

The Research and Knowledge Translation team is integral to the Lowitja Institute. Under the direction of the Executive Manager of Research and Knowledge Translation (KT), this team is responsible in full or in part for the following strategies in the Strategic Plan:

• Identifying innovative programs of research that address the current and future priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Commissioning and supporting research and translation projects that align with the agreed programs of research.
• Investigate the feasibility a Lowitja Institute Human Research Ethics Committee.
• Developing and implementing a knowledge translation and research impact for empowerment approach to all previous work and future work.
• Identifying and using opportunities for:
• connecting research to contemporary policy and practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
• supporting the adoption and use of research.
• Exploring the viability of establishing a research peer networking and support program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved in health research.
• Providing advice to external stakeholders who employ and supervise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in health research.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Manager of Research and Knowledge Translation will work closely with the DCEO to build the results achieved by research and knowledge translation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The position will also work with the Research Committee to strengthen the profile, quality and reach of the Lowitja Institute's research. The incumbent will initiate and manage strategic research projects and, where required, consultancies to deliver the Institute's current and future research agenda, whilst strengthening collaborations and partnerships to ensure results. The position will also lead the Institute's research governance development and implementation and build internal capacity in this area.

The Executive Manager Research and Knowledge Translation is expected to personally contribute to the shaping and achievement of the annual Lowitja Institute's Business Plan, which contributes to achievement of the Strategic Plan. Further, the Executive Manager of Research and Knowledge Translation will encourage collegiality and a sense of belongingness within and across organisational teams that support or work with the Research and Knowledge Translation team and contribute to a flourishing workplace culture that promotes the values of the Lowitja Institute.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver results through research, which improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Drive the advancement of the Institute's vision to be a trusted research institute that values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's health and wellbeing.
• Provide the timely and accurate advice relating to the activities of the Research and KT program's performance and budget.
• Promote accountability and ensure success when leading the development and implementation of the annual research and operational plans, and when setting performance measurements.
• Take charge of Lowitja Institute research projects and related activities including:
• supervise the management of the Research Committee
• drive the Institute's research commissioning programs.
• take responsibility for all research data/information and intellectual property.
• drive the development and promotion of the Institute's knowledge translation programs and activities.
• lead the Institute's research governance processes and improve risk management and internal capacity.
• Achieve results through strategic networks between the Institute and researchers in the public and private sectors, locally, nationally and internationally.
• Any other duties as required by the CEO or Deputy CEO.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

1. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of matters concerning the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
2. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
   
3. Significant experience in workforce development in health research.
4. Demonstrated track record of effective project management.
5. Demonstrated administration and organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet tight timelines.
6. Highly developed conceptual, analytical and negotiation skills.
7. Demonstrated track record of high quality written and oral communication, including formal presentation to a diverse range of audiences.
8. Demonstrated track record of effective management of professional relationships and networks.
9. Demonstrated ability to effectively represent the Lowitja Institute.
10. Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and to work independently.
11. Demonstrated understanding of cultural safety in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander context and the ability to contribute to a culturally safe environment.
12. Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline.
13. The ability to undertake interstate travel and work out of hours.
    Highly Desirable
14. Relevant post graduate qualifications.
15. Experience working in an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, research, health service or policy organisation.

Highly desirable: PhD or equivalent in relevant discipline or experience working in a research organisation.

Please note this position is funded for two years. Past this date the continuation of this role will be subject to ongoing funding. The preferred locations for this role are Melbourne or Newcastle Australia.

VISION

Lowitja Institute is a trusted research institute that values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's health and wellbeing.

PURPOSE

Lowitja Institute will continue its commitment to pursuing a new generation of solutions that make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We will facilitate knowledge creation and translation that benefits Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples first and foremost.

To do this, we will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priorities and collective ways of working. We will ensure that our work recognises the strength and agency of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The knowledge that we provide will be culturally, ethically and intellectually rigorous.

JOIN OUR TEAM

We prioritise diversity, safety, and inclusion. We believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected, irrespective of their gender, gender identity, marital or family status, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, cultural or socio-economic background, perspective, or experience. Whether you're a part of our team or not, we treat all individuals with fairness and consideration.

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals living with disabilities. Your unique perspective enriches our organization. If you require any accommodations or support during the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to contact us.

In joining the Lowitja Institute, you commit to working respectfully and effectively within an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation to make a direct and significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of our peoples.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

Our national office is on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge the more than 250 nations of sovereign Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have lived across this broad continent and islands for thousands of years, prior to colonisation and who remain here, and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.