Job description
The National Mental Health Consumer Alliance (NMHCA) is the national peak body for mental health consumers, led by and for people with lived experience of mental health challenges. It works collaboratively across Australia to influence systems, policy and practice, ensuring the consumer voice is heard where it matters most.
The National Research Manager will support the Alliance's consulting and project work. They will undertake relevant desk and qualitative research on topics such as human rights (including disability rights), peer work, and mental health consumer needs.
As an experienced rights-based researcher and writer, you will consult with your fellow mental health consumers to gather evidence, write reports, and provide advice under the direction of the National Policy & Research Lead. This will result in you influencing progressive outcomes for people with a lived experience of mental health challenges in Australia.
About the role
As the National Research Manager for the Alliance’s projects, you will:
* Work closely with the Alliance’s team and support them with research to meet project KPIs.
* Provide advice on human rights (including disability rights) as they pertain to mental health consumers to ensure that our work is factually correct.
* Lend a helping hand on projects and events throughout the year in addition to regular duties.
As the NMHCA is a small organisation, we are looking for a Research Manager who is an all-rounder and is as happy doing strategic thinking as they are doing hands-on work.
This role reports to the National Policy & Research Lead, and will be working closely with the National Codesign Manager. It is initially a 3 day/week short-term role, with possible extension of contract dependent upon funding.
about you
You are an experienced researcher with the ability to use both lived expertise and qualitative evidence to produce public information, analysis, models, and provide high-quality advice to support projects and public campaigns.
You will also bring:
* Demonstrated understanding of Human Rights / Disability Rights
* Collaborative work in a small team in a social justice context
* Working knowledge of relevant public data sets
* Understanding of logic models
* Understanding of the risks and benefits of using AI to undertake research
* Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail
* A good understanding of the consumer movement, or otherwise similar social justice movements
This is a work-from-home role and you can be based anywhere in Australia.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Produce relevant evidence, information, analysis, models and advice, and write research reports using your findings
* Provide input into consultancy projects, grant-funded projects, and policy development
* Contribute to relevant sector committees, working parties, stakeholder engagements
* Identify and manage risks to projects
Lived Experience (genuine occupational requirement)
This is a peer‑identified role. In accordance with Section 66(s)(c) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, applicants must have lived experience of mental health and/or social and emotional wellbeing challenges and recovery.
As a lived experience‑led organisation, you are not required to disclose personal details about your experiences during the application or interview process.
Qualifications and requirements
* Relevant tertiary qualifications (e.g. in social science, political science, public policy, law, economics) or equivalent experience
* National Police Certificate
* Working with Children Check (or state/territory equivalent)
Applications from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Pacific Islander peoples, people of colour, women, non‑binary and gender diverse people, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disability, are strongly encouraged, even if you don’t meet every criterion.
next steps
To submit your application, please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date. Please don't delay in submitting your application as we will be assessing applications as they are received.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications must include a cover letter including a statement addressing the Selection Criteria on page 3 of the Position Description and what makes you a fit for the position.
For specific questions contact: Jennifer Nixon at using the subject line: National Research Manager - Remote / Work From Home enquiry via EthicalJobs.
A position description is attached.