POSITION DESCRIPTION

Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research

Faculty of Business and Economics

HILDA Database Support Officer

POSITION NO 0022279

CLASSIFICATION UOM 6

SALARY $79,910 – $86,499 p.a.

SUPERANNUATION Employer contribution of 9.5%

WORKING HOURS Full-time (1.0 FTE)

BASIS OF Fixed-Term, externally funded

EMPLOYMENT
Available until 31 December 2020

OTHER BENEFITS http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/working/benefits

HOW TO APPLY Online applications are preferred. Go to

http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers, select the relevant option
(‘Current Staff’ or ‘Prospective Staff’), then find the position by title or
number.

CONTACT Ms Michelle Summerfield

FOR ENQUIRIES ONLY Deputy Director (Survey Management), HILDA Survey,
Melbourne Institute
Tel +61 3 8344 2099
Email: [email protected]
Please do not send your application to this contact

For information about working for the University of Melbourne, visit our website:
about.unimelb.edu.au/careers

Date Created: dd/mm/yyyy Last Reviewed: dd/mm/yyyy Next Review Due: dd/mm/yyyy

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Position number: 0022279 The University of Melbourne

Position Summary
The Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research is Australia’s leading applied
economics and social policy research institute. It has a longstanding history of rigorous study
and analysis of economic and social issues affecting broader society. Areas of research include
labour markets and employment, social disadvantage, health economics and markets,
education and child development, macroeconomics, and public economics. The Melbourne
Institute is known for establishing and curating several panel surveys, including Journeys Home,
Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life (MABEL) and Household, Income and
Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA), as well as working with administrative data, behavioural
data and conducting randomized control trials. The Melbourne Institute combines the expertise
needed to model and frame policy relevant questions with data and analytical analysis. As a
department in the Faculty of Business and Economics, the Melbourne Institute is focused on
undertaking academic research and engaging with non-academic stakeholders on a range of
projects that help to fulfil its mission of informing Australian Economic and Social Policy.

A Database Support Officer provides research and database support for the Household, Income
and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey; a longitudinal survey being managed by the
Melbourne Institute for the Department of Social Services.

1. Key Responsibilities
The HILDA Database Support Officer will work on the HILDA Survey. Specific duties
include:
Under broad supervision, undertake data checking and editing.
Prepare the HILDA Survey data documentation for release to users.
Under broad direction, manage the HILDA Codebook Database, which includes
maintenance, optimisation and further development of methods by which
metadata from the HILDA Survey is captured, stored and released via the Online
Data Dictionary.
Maintain an on-line data dictionary system.
Provide support to users and contributing as required to the user training and the
user manual.
Contribute to analysis and description of data quality issues in HILDA discussion
papers.
Acceptance testing of the Computer Assisted Person Interviewing (CAPI) scripts.
Using computers and relevant software for data analysis and word processing.
Actively participate in team meetings and other events as required.
Contribute to the smooth operation of the HILDA Survey Project team by
assisting other staff during peak periods or absences.
Undertake tasks leading to the ongoing improvement of the HILDA Survey.
Contribute to the development and achievement of the HILDA Survey Project
team performance indicators.
Perform administrative tasks connected with HILDA Survey.
Perform any other duties as directed by the HILDA Director or Deputy Directors.
Undertake ad hoc analysis on the HILDA data as directed by the HILDA Director
or Deputy Directors

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Position number: 0022279 The University of Melbourne

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) responsibilities as outlined in section 6.

2. Special Requirements
A police check is a requirement of the appointment

3. Selection Criteria
3.1 E S S E N T I AL

Relevant tertiary qualifications, and subsequent relevant experience or extensive

experience and specialist expertise or broad knowledge in a technical or administrative
field.
Programming experience in statistical packages (such as SPSS or SAS) and/or database
packages (such as Access, SQL).
Experience in working with survey data.
Demonstrated high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
An ability to work as part of a research team.
Proven ability to use clear and concise language in verbal and written correspondence as
well as including content fitting for the purpose and audience.

3.2 D E S I R AB L E

Experience with large datasets.

Experience with website design.
Strong interest in quantitative research, especially in the social sciences.

4. Job Complexity, Skills, Knowledge

4.1 LEVEL OF SUPERVISION / INDEPENDENCE

The HILDA Database Support Officer will report to the Director of the HILDA Survey and
work under broad direction from the Director and the Deputy Director (Survey
Management). They are expected to work independently and show initiative and
confidence in the preparation of documentation and materials and is responsible for
prioritising their own tasks and day to day work is carried out with minimal supervision.

4.2 P R O B L E M S O L V I N G AN D J U D G E M E N T

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate knowledge of the operational needs of the

HILDA Survey team, and apply knowledge to assess the best approach to a given task,
as well as exercise judgement in prioritising to meet specified timelines and comply with
standard practices. The incumbent is also expected to show maturity and insight in
solving problems given the sensitive and important nature of the issues/work they are a
part of.
Individual problem solving skills and the exercise of independent judgement are required
in prioritising workloads, working to timelines/tight deadlines and coping with a variety of

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Position number: 0022279 The University of Melbourne

activities at once and exercising discretion in determining what matters require the direct
attention of the Director and the Deputy Director (Survey Management).

4.3 P R O F E S S I O N AL AN D O R G AN I S AT I O N AL K N O W L E D G E

They should have quantitative skills, as well as skills in data collection and analysis,
management of databases and statistics. They would be expected to contribute to the
HILDA project team as a whole, so an ability to work within a substantial project on a
teamwork basis is essential.

4.4 B R E AD T H O F T H E P O S I T I O N

The Database Support Officer is responsible for a broad array of duties and
responsibilities and is required to liaise with a range of staff including professional and
academic staff within the Melbourne Institute as well as with the broader data users.

5. Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion

The University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a
workplace free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification
and victimisation. The University makes decisions on employment, promotion and reward
based on merit.

The University is committed to all aspects of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion in
the workplace and to providing all staff, students, contractors, honorary appointees,
volunteers and visitors with a safe, respectful and rewarding environment free from all
forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, vilification and victimisation. This
commitment is set out in the University’s People Strategy 2015-2020 and policies that
address diversity and inclusion, equal employment opportunity, discrimination, sexual
harassment, bullying and appropriate workplace behaviour. All staff are required to
comply with all University policies.

The University values diversity because we recognise that the differences in our people’s
age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, physical ability and
background bring richness to our work environment. Consequently, the People Strategy
sets out the strategic aim to drive diversity and inclusion across the University to create
an environment where the compounding benefits of a diverse workforce are recognised
as vital in our continuous desire to strive for excellence and reach the targets of Growing
Esteem.

6. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

All staff are required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of
other personnel who may be affected by their conduct.

OHS responsibilities applicable to positions are published at:

http://safety.unimelb.edu.au/people/community/responsibilities-of-personnel
These include general staff responsibilities and those additional responsibilities that apply
for Managers and Supervisors and other Personnel.

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Position number: 0022279 The University of Melbourne

7. Other Information
7.1 O R G AN I S AT I O N U N I T

http://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/

The Melbourne Institute is a research-only department within the Faculty of Business and
Economics at the University of Melbourne. It is Australia’s leading and longest standing
research institute in the field of economics, undertaking cutting-edge research into key
issues relevant to modern economic and social policy.
The Melbourne Institute has a core faculty of some 40 academics, 17 research support
staff, a further 16 honorary fellows, 10 professional/administrative support staff, and PhD
students. Reflecting the standards of research excellence achieved at the Melbourne
Institute, staff are expected to publish in internationally acclaimed peer reviewed journals
and to lead the public debate on economic and social policy.

The Melbourne Institute currently has an organisational structure with program areas that
capture several areas of economic and social policy. Each senior research staff
(academic level D & E) are expected to bring in external funding to support staffing costs
and operational needs of the department. Researchers may work on projects in different
programs, consistent with their research capabilities and work demands.
The Melbourne Institute also provides postgraduate education at the PhD level.

7.2 BUDGET DIVISION

The Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Melbourne has been
preparing students for exciting and challenging careers in industry since 1924. We have
developed an outstanding reputation, locally and internationally, for the quality of our
teaching and research. The Faculty has an active board of business leaders, government
representatives and community leaders who contribute to the implementation of our
vision.

Organisational Structure
The Faculty is home to Melbourne Business School (MBS) and to six teaching and
research departments:

Accounting

Business Administration
Economics

Finance

Management and Marketing

Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research

Melbourne School of Professional and Continuing Education

The Faculty has the following student and academic support centres:

Academic Support Office

Student Employability and Enrichment

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Position number: 0022279 The University of Melbourne

Research Development Unit

The Williams Centre for Learning Advancement

The Faculty is supported by the following Professional Services Units:

Finance
Human Resources (including OHS)

Marketing and Communications

Service Level and Facilities Management

Quality Office

The Faculty also hosts two University-wide initiatives:

The Melbourne School of Professional and Continuing Education (MSPACE) which
provides support to all Academic Divisions for their existing professional, continuing and
executive education programs, and operates with a specific whole-of-institution
mandate to significantly expand the University’s professional, continuing and executive
education offerings.
The Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC) which brings together a number of
programs to focus a range of activities aimed at developing an entrepreneurial culture at
the University of Melbourne.
Our Programs

There are about 9,500 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degrees within
the Faculty.

The Bachelor of Commerce is one of the most sought-after business courses in Australia.
From 1 May 2013 all graduate programs in business and economics are offered through
Melbourne Business School. Melbourne Business School offers a full suite of professional
masters programs for those with little work experience right through to the MBA suite. It is
also the home of leading research masters degrees and the PhD.

Our Graduates

Since the Faculty was established it has produced over 53,000 graduates. Many of our
alumni now occupy senior positions in business, government and academia, in Australia
and around the world.

Further information about the Faculty is available at www.fbe.unimelb.edu.au.

7.3 THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is a leading international university with

a tradition of excellence in teaching and research. The main campus in Parkville is
recognised as the hub of Australia’s premier knowledge precinct comprising eight
hospitals, many leading research institutes and a wide-range of knowledge-based
industries. With outstanding performance in international rankings, the University is at the
forefront of higher education in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.
The University employs people of outstanding calibre and offers a unique environment
where staff are valued and rewarded.

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Position number: 0022279 The University of Melbourne

Further information about working at The University of Melbourne is available at

http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers.

7.4 G R O W I N G E S T E E M , T H E M E L B O U R N E C U R R I C U L U M AN D
R E S E AR C H AT M E L B O U R N E : E N S U R I N G E X C E L L E N C E AN D I M P AC T T O
2025

Growing Esteem describes Melbourne's strategy to achieve its aspiration to be a public-

spirited and internationally-engaged institution, highly regarded for making distinctive
contributions to society in research and research training, learning and teaching, and
engagement. http://about.unimelb.edu.au/strategy-and-leadership

The University is at the forefront of Australia's changing higher education system and
offers a distinctive model of education known collectively as the Melbourne Curriculum.
The new educational model, designed for an outstanding experience for all students, is
based on six broad undergraduate programs followed by a graduate professional degree,
research higher degree or entry directly into employment. The emphasis on academic
breadth as well as disciplinary depth in the new degrees ensures that graduates will have
the capacity to succeed in a world where knowledge boundaries are shifting and
reforming to create new frontiers and challenges. In moving to the new model, the
University is also aligning itself with the best of emerging European and Asian practice
and well-established North American traditions.

The University’s global aspirations seek to make significant contributions to major social,
economic and environmental challenges. Accordingly, the University’s research strategy
Research at Melbourne: Ensuring Excellence and Impact to 2025 aspires to a significant
advancement in the excellence and impact of its research outputs.
http://research.unimelb.edu.au/our-research/research-at-melbourne

The strategy recognises that as a public-spirited, research-intensive institution of the

future, the University must strive to make a tangible impact in Australia and the world,
working across disciplinary and sectoral boundaries and building deeper and more
substantive engagement with industry, collaborators and partners. While cultivating the
fundamental enabling disciplines through investigator-driven research, the University has
adopted three grand challenges aspiring to solve some of the most difficult problems
facing our world in the next century. These Grand Challenges include:
Understanding our place and purpose – The place and purpose grand challenge
centres on understanding all aspects of our national identity, with a focus on
Australia’s ‘place’ in the Asia-Pacific region and the world, and on our ‘purpose’ or
mission to improve all dimensions of the human condition through our research.
Fostering health and wellbeing – The health and wellbeing grand challenge focuses
on building the scale and breadth of our capabilities in population and global health;
on harnessing our contribution to the ‘convergence revolution’ of biomedical and
health research, bringing together the life sciences, engineering and the physical
sciences; and on addressing the physical, mental and social aspects of wellbeing by
looking beyond the traditional boundaries of biomedicine.
Supporting sustainability and resilience – The sustainability and resilience grand
challenge addresses the critical issues of climate change, water and food security,
sustainable energy and designing resilient cities and regions. In addition to the
technical aspects, this grand challenge considers the physical and social functioning
of cities, connecting physical phenomena with lessons from our past, and the
implications of the technical solutions for economies, living patterns and behaviours.

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Essential to tackling these challenges, an outstanding faculty, high performing students,

wide collaboration including internationally and deep partnerships with external parties
form central components of Research at Melbourne: Ensuring Excellence and Impact to
2025.

7.5 G O V E R N AN C E

The Vice Chancellor is the Chief Executive Officer of the University and responsible to
Council for the good management of the University.

Comprehensive information about the University of Melbourne and its governance

structure is available at http://www.unimelb.edu.au/governance

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