• Position    : Fixed Term - Full Time (1 Year)
• Location   : Preston VIC 3072
• Salary      : $100,783 - $105,349 based on level of experience, plus super
• This role is designated for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.

The Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) are an Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation that supports and advocates for the Aboriginal Community and is the largest organisation of its kind in Australia. The VACCA team is committed to the organisation’s visions and values, passionately providing support, service and advocacy for our children and other vulnerable members of the community.

Our strength lies with our people.

About the role

The Research and Project Officer (Child Protection Reform) play a key role in supporting VACCA’s work to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children. You’ll contribute to research and evaluation projects that aim to reduce over‑representation in the child protection system, using culturally grounded and Indigenous research approaches.
You’ll help gather and analyse data, yarn with Community, and ensure our research reflects Culture, lived experience, and Aboriginal ways of knowing and doing. This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated role within a growing team committed to building an Aboriginal evidence base. The role is based in Preston, with flexible and remote work options available, including the possibility of being fully remote.

About You

You’re guided by a deep respect for Culture, Community voice, and the power of shared stories. In this role, you’ll help shape research that is grounded in relationships, yarning with Community, listening with care, and making sure our work reflects the strengths and experiences of our people. You’ll support projects from the early planning stages right through to sharing findings in ways that are clear, meaningful, and accessible. Whether you’re helping analyse data, preparing reports, co‑facilitating workshops, or contributing to ethics and grant work, you’ll be part of a team committed to building an Aboriginal evidence base that honors Culture and helps create better outcomes for our children, families, and Communities.

• Desirable:
• Experience working in Child Protection or the OOHC sector.
• Experience using research programs and/or software for data collection or analysis (e.g. Qualtrics, STATA, NVivo, Miro). 
• Post-graduate degree in public health, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• Experience working on primary research projects, especially in data collection and analysis
• Project management and administration skills including assisting with preparing briefs, project plans, managing budgets, risks, and/or communications. Ideally in the context of research, evaluation or policy related projects.
• Requirements:
• Valid Police Check, a Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and a Victorian Driver Licence. 
• Current COVID-19 vaccination (Strongly Recommended).

What we can offer you

• A supportive environment that includes comprehensive induction
• The support of regular internal supervision
• Professional development and training opportunities 
• Attractive salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• 17.5% loading on annual leave
• Access to agency vehicles for all work-related travel 
• Access to Employee support and wellbeing programs 
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Opportunity to work and build connection with the Aboriginal Community and culture
• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available on this program 

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. This employment opportunity is only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and current resume.

We encourage applicants to view the Position Description prior to applying.

Please click here  PD_Research and Project Officer PD.pdf to download the position description for this role. 

Application closes by Monday 16th of March 2026

We are committed to Aboriginal self-determination and supporting strong, safe, thriving Aboriginal communities and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity, honouring all cultural backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and spiritual beliefs.

VACCA is a child-safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with zero tolerance for child abuse. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement of employment and periodically following commencement.

VACCA is an equal opportunity employer and has a smoke-free workplace policy