Research Assistant jobs in Melbourne VIC

About You

Are you a researcher and/or policy officer who is passionate about social justice, workers' rights, and building collective power? The Australian Services Union – Victorian and Tasmanian Authorities & Services Branch is seeking a Research and Policy Assistant (0.6FTE) to join our team and help empower workers across local government, water, energy, clerical/admin, airlines and social and community services.

As the Research and Policy Assistant, you will use your skills and knowledge to undertake evidence-based research. You will interpret complex legislative and policy features across Victorian, Tasmanian and national settings to develop relevant submissions and industrial campaigns for impact.

Working across the union’s membership, you will examine social, economic, industrial, and political conditions to analyse how these factors impact members’ work and employment experiences.

In collaboration with ASU colleagues, your work will contribute to the development of industrial frameworks and approaches that advance conditions of decent work for the ASUs membership.

About Us

The ASU is one of Australia’s largest and most progressive unions, advocating for fairness, equity, and dignity in the workplace. Our Victorian and Tasmanian Branch is deeply committed to supporting members, building strong workplace representation, and driving campaigns that improve working lives.

The ASU is an organising union that protects and improves our members' working lives. Our union is growing, using strategies to bring workers together to collectively stand to improve wages and conditions. Delegate development is central to everything we do as we see this as fundamental to continuing to grow and build power as a union.

Your Impact

As part of a union committed to building power across our industries, we seek passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team. Ideal applicants will bring enthusiasm for ASU’s values and a strong commitment to activism that advances the rights and conditions of ASU members and all workers across the movement.

As an Assistant Researcher and Policy Adviser, you will:

• Interpret the political environment to develop evidence-based analyses of social, economic, industrial, and political issues and trends.
• Engage with members to understand their experiences of work and employment
• Provide assistance to the Research and Policy Adviser.
• Liaise and consult with internal and external representatives and stakeholders on policy and campaign issues and other activities.
• Monitor and communicate state and national issues impacting on relevant ASU members and the branch.
• Assist with the provision of strategic research, analysis and advice on key policy issues.
• Support state and/or national industry-wide initiatives and campaigns with research and documentation.
• Undertake and liaise with other ASU branches on industry-based research, planning and campaigning.

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful work that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
• Supportive team culture with mentoring and professional development.
• Flexible work arrangements and travel opportunities.

Union values of equity, inclusion, and solidarity.

Queries

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Research and Policy Adviser, Karen Douglas, at kdouglas@asuvictas.com.au or 0499 338 865