Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Representative Member, JHREC

The Justice Human Research Ethics Committee (the Committee) provides robust and independent consideration of research applications put before it for ethical review according to its criteria for referral and the ethical standards set out in the National Health and Medical Research Council's National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (National Statement, 2018).

Specifically, the Committee undertakes ethical reviews of research or evaluation proposals conducted by or for the Department of Justice and Community Safety or otherwise carried out under its auspices and protects the welfare and rights of participants in research.

The Committee comprises a multi-disciplinary membership, led by the Chair and assisted by the Committee Secretariat. Membership of the Committee conforms to the requirements of the National Statement and comprises:

• Chair;
• Members in the following categories:
  • At least two lay people
  • Person with knowledge of, and current experience in, the professional care, counselling or treatment of others, such as nurse or allied health professional; and
  • Person with a pastoral care role in the community, such as an Aboriginal elder, or a minister of religion;
  • Lawyer;
  • At least two people with current research experience that is relevant to research proposals being considered at the meetings;
  • Aboriginal person.

The Committee meets eight times a year.

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under ‘special measures’ of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

As our ideal candidate you will:

• Be familiar with the National Statement and consult other guidelines relevant to the review of specific research proposals;
• Prepare for, and attend, eight Committee meetings per annum as well as an annual professional development day;
• Identify the relevant risks and benefits of research proposals and assess how well risks are addressed in any proposed mitigation measures;
• Decide whether the research proposals considered meet the requirements of the National Statement;
• Declare any potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, in respect of research proposals put before the Committee; and
• If unable to attend a meeting and where practicable, communicate any opinions on agenda items so that these may be tabled at that meeting.

Specialist expertise

Experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and knowledge systems.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from people of all ages, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and LGBTIQ+ people. We will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help us understand how we can support you through the recruitment process and beyond. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, LGBTIQ+ or a young person, aged 25 years old or less. If you identify as any of the aforementioned, we would welcome the opportunity to contact you and discuss how we can support you through the recruitment process. Sharing this information will help you access support should you need it and will also help us to better understand the impact of our work.

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

If you would like help understanding this document or would like to receive it in another format phone 9136 2100, using the National Relay Service 13 36 77 if required, or Sel Tortoc, Secretary, Justice Human Research Ethics Committee at ethics@justice.vic.gov.au