The role: EL1-Evaluation Policy
Location: Canberra
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Length: 12 months months (with possible extension)
Hours: Full time with hybrid model
About the Position
The Department is developing the Research Insights Capability as a new approach to national research evaluation. The capability is designed to generate flexible, data-driven insights into the research system through analytical dashboards, reports and State of the Research Environment publications.
The project aims to strengthen understanding of the Australian research system, recognise excellence, support evidence-based policy development, and ensure insights generated through evaluation activities are accessible to stakeholders while minimising reporting burden on universities. To support the development and implementation of the Research Insights Capability, the department requires dedicated capability to design evaluation frameworks, translate policy concepts into measurable indicators, and integrate analytical outputs with the departments data systems.
Duties and Tasks
The Assistant Manager – Evaluation Policy will contribute to several areas supporting the Research Insights Capability.
Evaluation Framework Development:
... - Support the development of evaluation approaches aligned with the Research Insights Capability
- Contribute to the design of indicators across research excellence, impact and research depth.
Indicator Development:
- Translate evaluation policy concepts into measurable indicators
- Work with the departments internal data teams to identify relevant datasets and test indicator feasibility
Research System Analysis:
- Analyse the Australian research landscape to understand anomalies and trends
- Examine collaboration patterns between researchers, institutions and end-users
Analytical Reporting:
- Prepare analytical reports, briefings and insights
International Engagement:
- Support the departments engagement with international initiatives on research evaluation
- Maintain awareness of global developments in responsible research assessment, including collaborating with Research on Research Institute and maintaining awareness of emerging projects
Required Skills and Knowledge
- strong understanding of research evaluation policy
- demonstrated ability to translate policy objectives into measurable indicators and frameworks
- experience supporting evaluation and classification frameworks the ability to work with data scientists to translate technical outputs into the policy outcomes
- strong analytical judgement and the ability to interpret complex information to inform the decision-making of senior executives
- experience preparing high-quality briefs, reports and advice for senior executives and stakeholders
- strong stakeholder engagement skills across government, research and external sectors
- awareness of international developments in research evaluation
- highly developed written and verbal communication skills
Our Ideal Candidate
- strong experience in policy development and evaluation frameworks.
- able to translate complex policy concepts into practical outputs that can be implemented within a national evaluation framework.
- comfortable working across strategic policy, analysis and delivery,
- demonstrated experience contributing to evaluation policy and classification systems within a government context.
- track record of strong analytical judgement and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
- experienced in providing clear, well-reasoned advice to senior decision-makers, and will have demonstrated the ability to be collaborative, outcome-focused
- capable of leading work across teams to deliver high-quality, policy-relevant outputs.
Eligibility: Candidates must be Australian citizens to be eligible to apply.
Benefits of Contracting with Randstad:
- Access to benefits platforms with discounts at major retailers
- 3 weekly pay runs
- Exclusive access to roles before they go to market
- Employee assistance programme, including counselling services
If you would like to be considered for these roles, this is a great opportunity to tell Randstad about you. Please click “Apply Now” to submit your current resume.
At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.
