Research and Engagement Officer

About the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) 

The RFDS is a national, charitable, health organisation delivering primary healthcare and 24-hour emergency services for those that live in rural and remote Australia. Long known as one of the largest aeromedical organisations in the world, the RFDS delivers health care where mainstream health services are not available, using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology and a broad-reaching ground-service fleet.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the development of culturally appropriate training materials and educational content
• Provide support to Aboriginal community engagement specialists using digital platforms, social media, and other channels to centre Indigenous voices
• Develop communication plans and strategies in alignment with Darak’s Culturally Adaptive Governance Framework to support collection of data for systematic evaluation of culturally appropriate practices 
• Prepare updates and reports for the PARTNER Network, RFDS and Darak 
• Prepare abstracts, manuscripts, papers, grant applications and other documents as needed
• Travel across the NT to recruit 10-15 general practices into PARTNER and the associated processes including contributing to marketing materials, distribution of recruitment documents, coordination of tracking and follow-up of responses ensuring data integrity and monitoring recruitment against targets
• Build and grow relationships with general practices and manage existing stakeholders, to develop new research and ensure a positive experience for practices participating in PARTNER supported clinical trials including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Aboriginal Liaison Officers, and other Aboriginal and non-Indigenous health services
• Develop and deliver education and training to practices that are part of the PARTNER network. Facilitate research opportunities for medical students and GP registrars
• Support the development and operationalisation of strategic and engagement plans for the PARTNER network
• Coordinate and support state-based and national activities that facilitate the development of new primary care clinical trials and research opportunities
• Lead the local state component of the national program evaluation framework to measure and monitor PARTNER trials and activities
• Support the regular reporting of progress and milestones to stakeholders as well as operational and steering committees guiding trials and research networks 
• Reliably follow communications protocols and/or policies as appropriate
• Present at conferences and internal meetings across RFDS, ASA and PARTNER

In a typical work week, you may:

• Develop and build new relationships with general practice staff such as practice managers, Aboriginal Liaison Officers and general practitioners, researchers and industry representatives to build strong relationships with all stakeholders. 
• Engage with communities about their health needs and identify what is and is not working well for them. 
• Develop and deliver education and training activities to build capacity in primary care-based clinical trials, via the delivery of workshops, meetings, webinars or self-directed learning resources. 
• Identify leads that can contribute to research outcomes and new primary care research-led clinical trials that meet the needs of the communities. 
• Support the development of processes and documentation that guide the operations of primary care-based clinical trials and the CAGF framework.
• Facilitate educational and research opportunities for medical students, GP registrars, or graduate research students.

Experience, knowledge and skills:

Required

• Motivated to improve the health of all Australians living in rural and remote areas and knowledge and/or experience of rural and remote health and/or stroke. 
• Understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture including contemporary issues such as Indigenous self-determination & governance in health and medical research.
• Experienced working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people. 
• Highly organised with excellent time management skills, the ability to multi-task and, be flexible in your work activities.
• Local language skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team to achieve project goals and meet agreed deadlines.
• Experience with data collection and analysis and ethics. 
• Strong computer skills with common applications, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams.

Desirable

• Experience with Project management, research or Primary health networks
• Understanding of data management systems (e.g. REDCap)

Special Requirements

• Frequent travel to rural areas and occasional travel interstate.
• Some out of standard hours work will be required when traveling and attending conferences and meetings. 
• Current driver’s license and driving rental cars.

Work Benefits

• supportive and flexible workplace including working from home
• Not-For-Profit tax benefits & salary packaging
• paid travel
• flexible working hours and time off in lieu 

How to Apply

To Apply: Please send your Resume and 2-page Cover Letter addressing the key responsibilities and your suitability towards the experience, knowledge and skills requirements for role to: recruitment@rfds.org.au. For further information about the role, please contact Dr Zoe Schofield on 02 6269 5594.

Applications close COB 15 March 2023.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination. We welcome and embrace diversity and strive to provide a culturally safe and inclusive workplace for all employees. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service acknowledges and pays respect to the past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation.