About the position
The Research and Education Lead, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (R&E Lead, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health) will work closely with an established VCCC Alliance Health Equity Steering Group. They will be accountable for identifying and driving ongoing development and implementation of a stream of work that contributes to addressing inequities in cancer outcomes experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians through the VCCC Alliance Health Equity Program.
The R&E Lead, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health will provide leadership and support to build capability and capacity for addressing inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the alliance and our collaborators, in alignment with the Victorian Cancer Plan. The role will also assist in the coordination and collaboration of activities that contribute to, build upon and collaborate with others to address inequities in cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in Victoria and beyond. The role is supported by the VCCC Alliance Health Equity Manager.
This role requires a pro-active and highly motivated individual with significant experience in developing and implementing complex equity-related initiatives, preferably in the health sector, and who can establish strong collaborative relationships with staff across the VCCC Alliance, within member organisations, and with external stakeholders and groups.
Key responsibilities
- As this is a new position and program of work at the VCCC Alliance, the initial stages in this appointment will be to complete a roadmap to facilitate and embed equity initiatives across the complete cancer pathway. This may include research, knowledge translation, education, leadership, and advocacy.
- The R&E Lead, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health will provide strategic leadership across the VCCC Alliance in the development and implementation of key initiatives to contribute to addressing inequities in cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This will include:
- building internal and external networks and partnerships to develop and support initiatives that address the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people related to improving cancer outcomes;
- providing strategic leadership for the research and education/training across relevant tumour streams and other strategic program areas;
- facilitating VCCC Alliance members working together more effectively to address inequities in cancer outcomes.
- Provide expert advice on existing health inequities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander needs, to inform programming and contribute to the VCCC Alliance’ strategic planning processes.
- Continue to assess the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health landscape across the alliance to gain an understanding of where the VCCC Alliance we can add value with consideration for the following areas:
- linkage and sharing of health, clinical and patient experience data as an enabler for research;
- personalised cancer care;
- development of novel therapies;
- systems and processes that increase access to clinical trials;
- innovations to improve cancer outcomes in regional Victoria;
- research and research-enabling infrastructure;
- education, training (including research training) and professional development;
- evidence for best practice across the continuum of care.
- Act as an ambassador for the VCCC Alliance by:
- increasing awareness of the role of the VCCC Alliance;
- identifying key opportunities for VCCC Alliance engagement;
- speaking publicly about VCCC Alliance programs in the media, scientific and clinical communities;
- contributing content to the VCCC Alliance newsletter and annual report as appropriate;
- other communication activities as and when appropriate.
- From time to time, the VCCC Alliance may also call on the R&E Lead’s expertise to have input into other related activities. Such input will be discussed and agreed in association with the VCCC Alliance Executive Director.
- With support from the VCCC Alliance program staff, participate in the development of the evaluation of the distributed model of leadership to inform future planning, with the aim of continuing to drive impactful collaborative initiatives toward improved patient outcomes.
- Lead and advocate for the inclusion of consumers in the development and implementation of equity activities, supported by the Consumer Involvement Manager
Key selection criteria
Skills and Experience
- Significant experience in addressing inequities in health outcomes experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Significant research profile relative to opportunity in the health disparities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Proven experience in contributing to a collaborative enterprise and enabling collective impact
- Experience in developing and/or delivering post-graduate education/training for health and/or research professionals
- Demonstrated success in building research capability in a complex environment
- Demonstrated involvement in, and support for, evidence-based processes that improve patient outcomes
- Significant experience effectively managing the requirements of a wide range of stakeholders, including organisations working with or representing the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Demonstrated understanding and commitment to Victorian Aboriginal health and culture
Qualifications
- PhD or proven track record in the design, implementation and evaluation of equity initiatives
- A relevant health, education, or policy-related qualification
Term and time commitment
Availability to continue a program of work spread across a week (time commitment is negotiable subject to the successful delivery of the program of work) until 30 June 2024. The tenure of this role is linked to the VCCC Alliance Strategic Program Plan 2021 - 24. Residency in Victoria is desirable but is not a requirement of this position as remote working/working from home options can be organised.
Further information
For confidential inquiries regarding applying for this role, please contact the VCCC Alliance Health Equity Manager, Dr Vijaya Joshi (she/her) +61 408 087 567 and/or [email protected]
To express your interest
In the interest of finding a candidate with the most relevant expertise and experience, this position will be advertised both within and outside the VCCC Alliance member network. A secondment opportunity will be considered for candidates from within the Alliance.
Please note: this is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). This employment opportunity is only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
To express your interest in this role, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining the key reasons for your interest and specifically addressing the key selection criteria to Dr Vijaya Joshi [email protected], no later than COB Monday 13 September 2021.
