Inside Policy is a privately-owned social and economic policy advisory firm. Established in 2014 by founder, Natalie Walker, Inside Policy is a trusted partner to governments in delivering social research, consultation, policy reform and evaluation projects in the policy areas of family/domestic violence, child and family services, justice, social impact investment and Indigenous economic development.

Insiders (i.e. Inside Policy team members) are committed to making our nation a better place for Australia’s most vulnerable populations by providing evidence-informed and credible policy advice.

The Senior Consultant will play a key role in delivering projects, working closely with the Project Director, the internal team, and clients, to achieve high-quality outcomes required within tight deadlines.

The Role - Senior Consultant Evaluation and Research

The Senior Consultant, Evaluation and Research is responsible for delivering high-quality evaluation and research across a range of social policy projects. Our work spans areas including First Nations policy, justice, health and wellbeing, employment and economic participation, and children, families and communities.

The role includes developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, theories of change, evaluation questions and indicators, research methodologies, data collection tools and analytical frameworks.

Day-to-day work includes designing qualitative and quantitative research approaches, undertaking literature and evidence reviews, developing and supporting data collection, analysing and synthesising evidence, and providing evaluation and research advice across project teams. The Senior Consultant will also mentor junior team members, contribute to effective project delivery and support proposal development.

This is a Parental Leave cover, 12 month contract from September 2026 – August 2027

Qualifications





- Strong expertise in evaluation and research design, including mixed-methods approaches, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, theories of change, evaluation questions and indicators.
- Strong qualitative and/or quantitative research and analytical skills, including undertaking literature and evidence reviews, developing research and data collection tools, analysing data and synthesising evidence.
- Demonstrated experience in social policy, public sector or community-focused research and evaluation.
- Experience applying culturally responsive and participatory approaches to research and evaluation, including working with diverse communities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate research findings and technical concepts to different audiences.
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in social sciences, public policy, evaluation, research or a related discipline; postgraduate study is highly regarded.
- Experience using research and evaluation tools, such as statistical software, survey platforms or qualitative analysis tools, is an advantage.
- Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary project teams and manage competing priorities in a consulting environment.

Skills and Experience

- Consulting experience across multiple projects in a quick-paced environment with competing priorities and deadlines is highly desirable.
- Strong qualitative research skills, ideally with mixed methods capability (qualitative and quantitative), are required.




- Evaluation experience is necessary.
- Strong writing skills, particularly the ability to synthesise evidence for client-ready reports and presentations, are essential.
- Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in a culturally safe and respectful way is highly desirable.
- A collaborative approach to research and achieving client outcomes, with the ability to mentor junior staff and contribute positively to the wider team, is required.
- Being organised and able to meet deadlines is essential.
- Being self-starting, independent thinker is desirable.
- The ability to work autonomously and in a team is required.
- The ability to apply a variety of analytical frameworks, models and techniques to projects when required is desirable.
- Understanding of and ability to apply decolonised research methodologies is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated capability to maintain professionalism and integrity is essential.
- The ability to quickly acquire new knowledge across a range of policy areas is desirable.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) are required.

Other information

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Why work with Inside Policy?

We know that it’s an attractive jobs market right now, but for a small company, we believe we are competitive with the best when it comes to the benefits and the employee experience. We offer:

- Flexible work arrangements are available, including the option to work from home.
- Some travel to the Inside Policy’s Sydney office may be required.
- The team currently has members based in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, and regional NSW.

For further information regarding our Privacy Policy please visit insidepolicy.com.au.

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📌 Senior Consultant, Evaluation And Research (New South Wales)
🏢 Inside Policy
📍 New South Wales