ACIAR Graduate Research Officer – Research Program

Position Number: 99976
Classification: Australian Public Service Level 4
(Non-ongoing specified term)
Salary: $69,118 per annum, plus 15.4% super
Title: Graduate Research Officer
– Research Program
Program: Research/Capacity Building

About ACIAR

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is an independent agency within the Australian Government Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio. Our mission is to catalyse more productive, sustainable and resilient food and farming systems for the benefit of developing countries and Australia. We do this through brokering, funding and managing research partnerships between Australian scientists and developing countries.

Operating under the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Act 1982, we are a specialist element of Australia’s overseas development assistance program, fostering international agricultural research and development partnerships for more sustainable agricultural, forestry and fisheries systems, improved livelihoods for smallholders and more resilient food systems in partner countries.

Our headquarters are in Bruce (Canberra) with 10 offices located in the Indo-Pacific. Further information on our current projects, programs and priorities can be found at https://www.aciar.gov.au

About the Position

The purpose of this position is to provide a unique work experience opportunity for a young Australian graduate with an interest in international agricultural research and policy development within ACIAR. This position is specifically targeted as an initial 12-month graduate position with an additional 12-month contract as a Research Program Officer at the APS5 level. The program is designed to provide an experience for the graduate that will equip them with the skills and confidence to be competitive for possible roles within international agricultural research institutions in Australia and internationally, or the broader public service.

The graduate will be mentored for the duration of the program by Research Program Managers (RPMs) from different disciplines, with the overarching program overseen by the Capacity Building Team. The graduate will also have exposure to other key parts of ACIAR including assisting on short-term outreach (science communication) and capacity building activities as a part of their work program. Depending on travel restrictions, there will also be opportunities to travel interstate and overseas to view ACIAR programs and engage with our Australian and in-country research partners.

On commencement, a bespoke workplan will be developed which takes into account interests, career goals, and development needs. This will be designed to equip the graduate with the skills and experience needed for their next position, outside of ACIAR. The workplan will be regularly reviewed and revised in light of experiences on the program. Formal training courses, such as workshops and short courses, will also be identified and supported.

In their day-to-day work, the graduate will be placed in a small team consisting of Research Program Managers (RPMs) and Program Support Officers (PSOs) and be responsible for assisting with developing and supporting a portfolio of research for development projects commissioned by ACIAR. The projects involve research institutions in Australia, developing countries and international agricultural research centres carrying out agricultural research within the Indo-Pacific. This experience is designed to assist graduates improve their project management and coordination skills.

In 2022 the ACIAR graduate program will include only one Graduate Research Officer, instead of two. A second graduate position will focus on building expertise in impact evaluation and be known as a Graduate Evaluation Officer and will work under the direction of the Research Program Manager, Portfolio Planning and Impact Evaluation.

Duties:

Assisting with the development and management of ACIAR’s research programs and contribute to ACIAR corporate activities through the following duties:
1. Conduct desktop research analysing scoping studies, research and scientific literature, reports and other information sources.
2. Assist RPMs to develop and monitor selected research projects addressing research and development priorities, by:

• assisting in the preparation of proposals for research and development projects, including impact evaluation studies
• having a supporting role in developing the scientific and technical basis of contracts for approved projects
• supporting the coordinating and monitoring progress of implementation of the projects by contracted agencies, and
• analysing the results of research in programs and projects, and initiatives for the extension of project results to end-users.

3. Attend relevant project, program and agency meetings and briefings shadowing relevant RPM.
4. Participate in ACIAR Committees, such as Gender Equity and Social Inclusion, and other whole-of-ACIAR activities.
5. Assist with other activities as directed, including exposure through short-term projects to other parts of ACIAR including Outreach and Capacity Building.
6. Assist in the identification of interesting stories from project/program work for publication by ACIAR’s Outreach Team.

SELECTION CRITERIA

APS 4
Graduate Officer – Research Programs
Research and Development Program
Position Number 99976

1. Experience in conducting agricultural research activities.
2. Well-developed written and oral communication skills and experience in the production of quality written material.
3. Ability to develop productive working relationships within a team environment. Show initiative and manage own performance by being self-directed, prioritising, planning and organising tasks to achieve desired results.
4. Good interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to provide excellent client service and sensitivity in dealing with people from other cultures.
5. Ability to analyse a wide range of information to inform and improve research projects and methods of information delivery, with the ability to work independently.
6. Competent in the usage of Microsoft office and other PC-based office application software.

Qualifications and/or Interest:

Graduated from or enrolled in an undergraduate degree, in field relevant to agricultural science, agricultural production, agribusiness, marketing, agricultural economics, environment or natural resource management or social sciences.

Interest in international aid/development, community development.

Mandatory

Australian Citizen to be employed in the Australian Public Service.

Application

Suitably qualified graduates are invited to submit a 1000-word pitch stating their claims against the selection criteria. If applying for both graduate positions, applicants should indicate whether they have a preference.

Applicants should also provide a copy of their CV and details of two referees.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed either in person or by Webex.

For more information: Eleanor Dean via email at Eleanor.Dean@aciar.gov.au

NB: All ACIAR employees demonstrate a commitment to the APS Code of Conduct and Values, as well as to workplace diversity and occupational health and safety. It is also expected that ACIAR employees will have appropriate cross-cultural sensitivities.