Senior Research Fellow - Social Science Specialist

About the role

The Senior Research Fellow – Social Science Specialist in the Centre for Sustainable Development Reform (CSDR) will lead, with Director oversight, the research effort of the CSDR by identifying opportunities to integrate social and equity considerations across the research portfolio. The role involves developing research expertise through defined projects relevant to the field, including leading the development of robust social accounting frameworks and working with coastal communities and governments to shape development planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead social science expertise as a senior team member and project leader in collaborative interdisciplinary research concerning topics such as sustainable development of the ocean economy, social accounting, sustainable development policy, and partnerships with Pacific Islands countries.
• Provide strategic leadership for the social accounting research program within CSDR, including setting methodological standards for the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership.
• Lead the design, testing, and refinement of social accounting methodologies for ocean accounts, including the development of indicators, data collection protocols, and analytical frameworks adaptable across diverse cultural and institutional contexts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across all relevant projects within the CSDR to support the broad spectrum of work being undertaken, focusing on integrating social and equity considerations across the research portfolio.
• Disseminate findings to create scholarly impact through academic journal articles, conferences, presentations, and publicly accessible knowledge products that advance the utilisation of disciplinary knowledge.
• Represent the CSDR as a recognised expert in social accounting for ocean economies at national and international forums, serving on expert panels, advisory committees, and editorial boards.
• Make independent contributions to research with significant impact in the field and create a nationally recognised research track record.
• Undertake independent research in the discipline or related area, contributing through professional practice and expertise.
• Develop research groups in the area of specialist expertise and research methods appropriate to the discipline, including developing independent research proposals and potentially growing a team of social scientists.
• Lead a small group of researchers, motivating and delivering through the team and being accountable for their performance.
• Contribute to the growth of the CSDR through the development of government and donor relations, fundraising, and grant application preparation, including participating as co-investigator or chief investigator under senior colleague guidance.
• Mentor and guide students, groups, and colleagues; supervise HDRs to timely completion as primary supervisor; and contribute to HDR review panels.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Ensure hazards and risks are identified and controlled for tasks, projects, and activities that pose a health and safety risk within the area of responsibility.

About the successful applicant

• A PhD in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience in policy advisory positions including for government, consultancies, or in applied research.
• Demonstratable experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Societal and equity considerations as they relate to marine and coastal issues.
  • Design and delivery of bespoke surveys, preferably using survey software.
  • Social aspects of natural capital accounting and/or natural resource use.
  • Framework development experience in social accounting, natural capital accounting, or related systematic approaches to measuring societal outcomes.
  • Understanding of how to assess cultural and social capital.
  • Practical experience in participatory and co-design approaches for natural resource management.
  • Integration of qualitative local knowledge into traditional scientific systems.
  • Delivery of national surveys such as the Household Income and Expenditure Surveys.
  • Advanced quantitative analytical capabilities, potentially including statistical modelling, econometric analysis, database design and management, and proficiency with analytical software (R, Python, STATA, or similar).
• Demonstrated track record in research and applied project leadership with outcomes of high quality and high impact, including evidence of successful delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Ability to independently lead a significant area of work with multiple stakeholders and partners.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and work in a team, collaborate across disciplines, and manage complex project workflows.
• Established reputation with evidence of thought leadership in relevant areas, including keynote presentations and advisory roles with government agencies or international organizations, and proven ability to write for a policy audience.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• High level communication skills and ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines, create innovative solutions to complex problems, and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Experience working in varied cultural contexts, interacting with government ministers and senior officials, and experience in training and workshop delivery are all highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in working in developing countries, preferably with coastal communities and/or natural resource management is highly desirable.
• Evidence of an ability to raise funds from a range of sources to support their work and a wider team.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Benefits

• Level C salary range: $155k - $178k per annum plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading.

Schedule

• Fixed term appointment for 2.5 years.
• Full-time position (35 hours per week).