About the Role
The Director Ethics and Research Governance is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership to the Ethics and Research Governance team and undertaking work with a high level of complexity. We are seeking a high performing and talented Director who will be responsible for leading a small team to produce a Situation and Status of Indigenous Cultures and Heritage report (SSICH). Designing and leading the development of cutting-edge research initiatives. Promoting and advocating ethical and responsible practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research in line with the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research. The successful candidate is expected to apply and maintain an extensive understanding of the role and responsibilities of the agency, incorporating a comprehensive understanding of the agency’s impact on the wider political and community context in which it operates and be effective, versatile and action oriented. As part of the senior leadership cohort, the Director Ethics and Research Governance will work collaboratively with the Executive Director and other Directors within the Group as well as across the agency to achieve the goals as outlined in the AIATSIS Corporate Plan and to strategically shape the agency's culture. The position requires skills in strategic thinking and forward planning, formulation and co-ordination of policies, analytical skills to resolve complex issues and to design and manage projects. The position encompasses all aspects of staff and team management including supervision, training, as well as professional development and performance management. The Director Ethics and Research Governance reports to the Executive Director Research and Education Group.
Key responsibilities of the role include:

• lead the development of a new national report on the situation and status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage.
• develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including the university sector, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and peak bodies, and other cultural institutions.
• oversee the operations of the AIATSIS Indigenous Knowledge Exchange Platform known as Yumi Sabe and its continued development.
• provide expert advice and coordinate the review, contribution and production of high-quality research and cultural publications and resources for a range of audiences to a high standard.
• provide complex written reports, submissions and correspondence as well as developing and managing the program workplan, budget and reporting functions.
• oversee the provision of administrative related support to the AIATSIS Research Ethics Committee and promotion of the AIATSIS Code of Ethics to researchers, universities and the broader research community.
• work closely with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate the ethical conduct of research consistent with and aligned to the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
• represent AIATSIS at various forums and events.

Our Ideal Candidate
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate respect for diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and possess a high level of cultural capability in order to lead and champion an authentic and respectful interest and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research, policy and peoples. You will come with the following skills, experience and attributes:

• demonstrate respect for diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. In particular, the ideal candidate should possess a high level of cultural capability in order to lead and champion an authentic and respectful interest and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, policy and peoples.
• proven ability to shape strategic thinking, provide strategic advice, along with the ability to solve complex issues and translate strategy into operational goals.
• demonstrated ability and experience in managing programs, including budgets.
• proven ability to lead and inspire a team through excellent people management and leadership, commitment to organisational culture and resilience and capability to manage competing priorities, in a changing environment.
• proven skill and experience in cultivating and nurturing productive working relationships, facilitating cooperation by fostering teamwork, resolving conflict using appropriate strategies, display integrity and professionalism and a commitment to achieving results.
• demonstrated ability to communicate with influence. Strong interpersonal, negotiation, liaison and collaborative skills evidenced in interactions with internal and external clients.
• strong understanding of ethical research practice and a demonstrated track record of undertaking high-quality impactful research.

Cultural Capability
Roles at AIATSIS require candidates to have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and proven culturally appropriate engagement and communications skills. The nature of this role requires the candidate to consistently demonstrate the following specific cultural capabilities:

• understanding of the AIATSIS vision to create a world in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s knowledge and cultures are recognised, respected, celebrated and valued.
• informed, authentic and respectful understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and societies, including ethical research and policy matters related to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• capability to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ voices, experiences, and perspectives in all of our work.

AIATSIS embodies Yindyamarra in everything we do

Contact
If you have any questions about the role, you can contact John Gibbs on 0417 764 356 or [email protected]