Research and Evidence Manager

About the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC)

The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) is the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across New South Wales. We work alongside our Members to strengthen Aboriginal community-controlled healthcare and improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Our work spans advocacy, policy, workforce development, health promotion, research, training and organisational support. We bring the experience and priorities of our Members into state and national decision-making, advocate for better health systems and investment, and help build the capability and sustainability of the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector.

Join our team of dynamic and innovative people who value and proudly play a meaningful role in supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people and communities across NSW.

About the Role

Lead research, evaluation and evidence that helps shape better health outcomes for Aboriginal communities across NSW. As the Research and Evidence Manager, you’ll lead the AH&MRC’s research agenda, evaluation, data governance and evidence generation, ensuring research is Aboriginal-led, culturally informed and aligned with community priorities.

You’ll build research partnerships, identify funding opportunities and lead high-quality research and evaluation projects, while strengthening the capability of staff and Member Services to use data and evidence to improve programs and services.

This is an opportunity to influence policy, strengthen practice and drive meaningful, evidence-based change across the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector.

Responsibilities

Research Leadership & Strategy 

• Lead and implement AH&MRC’s Research Agenda and identify emerging Aboriginal health priorities. 
• Ensure research aligns with community and organisational priorities, promoting Aboriginal-led research and Indigenous Data Sovereignty. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Team Collaboration 

• Build strong relationships and collaboration with teams, communities, Member Services, research partners and government stakeholders. 
• Represent AH&MRC at relevant workshops, events, committees and advisory groups. 
• Foster an inclusive, culturally respectful, and supportive working environment. 

Research Grants & Funding 

• Identify funding opportunities and lead competitive grant applications. 
• Develop and manage research partnerships, agreements and reporting requirements. 
• Act as Chief Investigator or Principal Investigator where appropriate. 

Evaluation & Evidence Generation 

• Oversee the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and evaluation of key initiatives. 
• Lead research, evidence reviews and data analysis to inform policy, programs and services. 
• Translate findings into continuous improvement and evidence-based practice. 

Research Governance & Ethics 

• Oversee research governance, ethics and Data Governance Frameworks. 
• Ensure research meets ethical, legal and organisational requirements. 
• Uphold Aboriginal community ownership and control of data. 

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement 

• Lead and support the Research and Evaluation Team and represent the organisation on relevant advisory groups and committees. 
• Build and maintain partnerships with universities, research institutes, government agencies and Member Services. 
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and culturally respectful team environment. 
• Advocate for the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector and support research publication and knowledge translation. 

Essential Criteria  

Qualifications & Experience: 

• Postgraduate qualifications (Masters or PhD) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Research, Social Sciences, Health Sciences or a related discipline. 
• Demonstrated research track record including publications, grant applications and project leadership. 
• Experience acting as Chief Investigator, Principal Investigator or equivalent research leadership role. 
• Significant experience leading research and evaluation projects. 
• Experience managing research governance and ethics processes.  
• Ability to work independently and manage complex priorities. 
• Ability to hold a National Police Check and current Working with Children Check. 

Skills & Knowledge: 

• Advanced knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with strong analytical and evaluation skills. 
• Strong grant writing, research funding and project management experience. 
• Extensive understanding of Aboriginal health research, Aboriginal-led research and Indigenous Data Sovereignty. 
• High-level written, presentation, stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills, with the ability to influence diverse audiences. 
• Strategic and organised leader committed to evidence-based practice and meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal communities. 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to talent@ahmrc.org.au. Please include “Research and Evidence Manager” in the subject line.  

Join Us!  

Be part of a transformative initiative that prioritises the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through innovative research and evidence-based initiatives. 

We look forward to your application!