Walk Alongside First Nations Communities While Building Your Research Career
First Nations Researcher (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified role)
Full‐time | North Parramatta Location
Who are Uniting?
At Uniting, we are committed to taking concrete steps to create a better world. Guided by our purpose, we work to inspire people, enliven communities, and confront injustice. Our unwavering focus is always on the individuals and communities we serve, ensuring their wellbeing‐being and self‐determination. Our services cover aged care, community services, disability, early learning, chaplaincy, and our social justice and advocacy work, we seek to disrupt entrenched disadvantage and create lasting change. As an organisation, we walk alongside Aboriginal people and communities in ways that strengthen First Nations communities, shift power, and empower them to thrive. We celebrate diversity and welcome all people, and we are determined to ensure our actions reflect our responsibility to enable just, inclusive, and self‐determined futures.
About the role
Uniting's Research and Social Policy team is recruiting a First Nations Researcher (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified role) to join us on a full‐time, ongoing basis within the Social Impact and Advocacy directorate. The role sits alongside the Advocacy/Government Relations and Social Innovation teams and works closely with Uniting's First Nations Outcomes Unit, supporting the delivery of the First Nations People and Place Strategy and contributing to work that seeks to disrupt entrenched disadvantage. This is a broad and varied role involving collaboration with First Nations communities, Uniting programs and practitioners, university partners, and government agencies across NSW and the ACT. You will be responsible for the day‐to‐day management of a portfolio of external research and evaluation projects and will work alongside Principal Researchers on in‐house qualitative and quantitative studies that inform practice improvement, innovation, and advocacy. The role places strong emphasis on culturally safe, ethical, and strengths‐based research practice, including codesign and consultation with First Nations people and communities, and supporting evidence that reflects First Nations knowledges, priorities, and lived experience.
About You
This role would suit an emerging researcher looking to gain experience and develop their skills in a practical environment. We are particularly interested in applicants with skills in qualitative research, and an interest in sharing results with diverse audiences and translating them into practice.
This is an identified position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Aboriginality is a genuine qualification authorised under Section 14(d) of the Anti‐Discrimination ACT1977. Successful applicants will be required to provide appropriate evidence of identity as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
First Nations staff at Uniting are invited to connect with the Ngumbadal First Nations Employee Network, a First Nations‐led space that strengthens cultural connection, collective voice, and leadership across the organisation. Ngumbadal provides opportunities for First Nations employees to come together through yarning circles, regular communications, and an annual gathering, supporting connection, cultural safety, and shared influence within Uniting.
Your skill set will include
* A ability to translate research findings into proposals that can drive practice improvement, innovation, and policy change
* A ability to consult and cultivate productive working relationships with practitioners, policy makers and academics.
* A firm commitment to social justice and interest in research relating to Aboriginal people and to the areas covered by Uniting's services.
Your Qualifications and Experience
* Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline (e.g. social science, public health or social work).
* Experience in conducting qualitative consultations in applied contexts, with an interest in quantitative analysis/mixed‐methods research.
Even Better
* Knowledge of government bodies and of social policy relating to the areas in which Uniting offers services.
* Experience developing and contributing to research projects in partnership with Aboriginal people, staff and/or communities.
* Willingness to use research software such as R, SPSS, Zotero, and/or NVivo.
* Interest and skills in dissemination and knowledge translation.
What next
Please click the Apply button in this ad and submit a CV and cover letter showing how you meet the criteria described above under "Your skill set will include", "Your qualifications and experience" and "Even better". For a confidential discussion about the role and salary range please don't hesitate to contact Racquel Espie at respie@uniting.org.
Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks which may include a national police check, reference checks, working with children checks, and NDIS checks.
Who is Uniting?
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.
Empowered by diversity
At Uniting, inclusion isn't just something we value – it's how we work. Our culture and practice reflect the vibrant diversity of our colleagues, and the clients and communities we serve.
At Uniting, we welcome and celebrate everyone regardless of lifestyle, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, and gender identity and proudly create a safe and inclusive environment for staff and clients.
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