Research Midwife, Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste

Internal VacancyABOUT MENZIES:As one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses, Menzies School of Health Research continues to translate its research into effective partnerships and programs in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:The Research Midwife within the Maternal Health Research Program will work under the direction of the Research Fellow and will collaborate closely with the broader investigator teams. This full-time role will be instrumental in establishing and strengthening an emerging program of maternal health research in Timor-Leste. The Research Midwife will contribute across multiple research studies as required, ensuring that research activities are conducted in alignment with study protocols, ethical principles, cultural considerations, and legislative and regulatory compliance requirements.Key responsibilities will include supporting stakeholder engagement, facilitating participant recruitment, contributing to a range of qualitative and quantitative data collection activities, and maintaining accurate, timely documentation of research processes and findings. The Research Midwife will ensure respectful, culturally safe engagement with women, families, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders throughout all stages of data collection.In addition, the Research Midwife will provide logistical support for site visits, assist with translation where needed, and help ensure smooth coordination across project teams and partners. They will play an important role in increasing the visibility and integration of the maternal health program within Menzies and the Timor-Leste health landscape. Working collaboratively with other research team members involved in maternal and newborn health research, the Research Midwife will help drive high-quality implementation and contribute to the development of a sustainable, impactful research program. In addition, the Research Midwife will have opportunities, guided by their experience and supported by the Research Fellow, to develop and lead low-risk, cost-free maternal health research activities that align with their interests and the ethos of the Maternal Health Research Program.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:The following key responsibilities are not exhaustive and may include others as directed by the Research Fellow:Work under general supervision of the Research Fellow, managing personal work priorities while collaborating with the wider research team to identify, screen, and recruit eligible study participants, ensuring informed consent is obtained in accordance with ethical guidelines and cultural considerations.Support and, where appropriate, lead components of research implementation across multiple maternal and newborn health projects, including coordinating qualitative and quantitative data collection activities, documenting field activities, and contributing to study administration.Operate with sound judgement by following study protocols, GCP principles, and national research regulations, adapting established methods to address moderately complex field or clinical issues and seeking guidance when required.Contribute to data management through accurate data collection, entry, organisation, and secure storage, and assist with data cleaning, preliminary analysis, and reporting activities in line with confidentiality and culturally safe research practices.Coordinate logistical aspects of fieldwork, including planning and undertaking site visits, liaising with health facilities and community partners, managing specimen or sample handling where relevant, and ensuring smooth daily implementation of project activities.Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with study participants, healthcare workers, Ministry of Health staff, community representatives, and other partners, including contributing to written reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement activities.Provide translation and interpretation support as required to enable accurate communication, culturally safe interactions, and high-quality data collection.Contribute to team-based processes by supporting investigators and junior staff, helping to oversee field or research operations, and providing technical or procedural guidance to less experienced team members.Assist with broader research deliverables as needed, which may include supporting adverse event monitoring, preparation of study materials, contributing to dissemination activities, or leading discrete, low-risk project components under the direction of the Research Fellow.Uphold workplace health and safety, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement practices, contributing to a positive, respectful, and inclusive research environment for all staff and study participants.Performs work within their scope of practice and ensures clinical assessments, data collection and other research activities are carried out according to evidence-based practice, legislative and regulatory requirements and Menzies’ policies, procedures and guidelines.Build strong productive relationships with people from diverse cultures and a wide range of stakeholders.Foster a positive workplace culture through exemplary leadership practices and role modelling behaviour.Provide support to other research studies as required.Perform the primary responsibilities of the role in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guidelines.Understanding and awareness of relevant Workplace Health and Safety as well as Equal Opportunity principles and legislation along with a commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace for all Menzies staff, students, volunteers and visitors.Carry out any other tasks as reasonably required by the Supervisor, Country Manager and/or Menzies Director. SELECTION CRITERIA:1. Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in midwifery.2. Essential Criteria: Tertiary qualification in midwifery, with postgraduate coursework or a minimum of two years of equivalent professional experience which may include paid or volunteer clinical and/or research roles in maternal, neonatal, paediatric, vaccine-related, or sample collection activities.Strong verbal and written communication skills in Tetun, and strong verbal communication skills in English.Ability to work flexibly and effectively within a team environment, while motivating and supporting colleagues. Excellent time management skills, with a keen attention to detail to work efficiently while ensuring accuracy and maintaining high standards of quality in all tasks. Strong understanding of the importance of maintaining confidentiality and protection of sensitive, personal and health information. Demonstrated initiative, sound judgement and problem-solving skills, with a strong work ethic.A willingness to engage in ongoing learning and professional development, with an ability to accept constructive feedback and supervision to enhance performance.3. Desirable Criteria: Experience in stakeholder engagement, and conducting qualitative research, including focus group discussions and data collection in community settings.STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Research Midwife The Research Midwife will work under the supervision of the Research Fellow and in collaboration with the maternal health research team to support the design and implementation of maternal health research projects. The role has responsibility for research, administrative, and logistical activities across project sites in Dili and the municipalities.Specific responsibilities for the project(s) will include:Support implementation of maternal and newborn health research projects in collaboration with the Research Fellow and research team in Dili and the municipalitiesCoordinate participant recruitment and informed consent processes in line with approved ethical protocols and culturally appropriate practicesSupport qualitative and quantitative data collection activities, including interviews, surveys, and documentation of field activitiesCoordinate logistics for fieldwork, including site visits, travel arrangements, and liaison with health facilities and community partnersManage study documentation and data, including data entry and quality checks in approved systems (e.g. REDCap)Provide translation and interpretation support to enable accurate communication and high-quality data collectionSupport preparation of reports and other research deliverables, and contribute to day-to-day coordination of research activitiesHow To Apply:To apply for this position, please refer to http://careers.menzies.edu.au/ and select / click on the Research Midwife, Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste role.Applicants are required to provide the following support documents:Updated Resume/CV with three referencesCover LetterA statement addressing the selection criteriaCopy of Electoral/BI cardCopy of Good behavior certificate (kelakuan baik)Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Closing date: 26th January 2026 (6 PM Dili Time)Antonio FernandesHR OfficerEmail: TL.HumanResources@menzies.edu.au Menzies Timor-Leste is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workplace and gender equality. Government employees recommended to seek support from immediate supervisor.Position Description AUD Dili

Research Midwife, Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste

  • Fixed Term Full-time Role, Based in Dili, Timor-Leste
  • Excellent Career Progression
  • Excellent Work Environment and Teamwork

Internal Vacancy

ABOUT MENZIES:

As one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses, Menzies School of Health Research continues to translate its research into effective partnerships and programs in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:

The Research Midwife within the Maternal Health Research Program will work under the direction of the Research Fellow and will collaborate closely with the broader investigator teams. This full-time role will be instrumental in establishing and strengthening an emerging program of maternal health research in Timor-Leste. The Research Midwife will contribute across multiple research studies as required, ensuring that research activities are conducted in alignment with study protocols, ethical principles, cultural considerations, and legislative and regulatory compliance requirements.

Key responsibilities will include supporting stakeholder engagement, facilitating participant recruitment, contributing to a range of qualitative and quantitative data collection activities, and maintaining accurate, timely documentation of research processes and findings. The Research Midwife will ensure respectful, culturally safe engagement with women, families, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders throughout all stages of data collection.

In addition, the Research Midwife will provide logistical support for site visits, assist with translation where needed, and help ensure smooth coordination across project teams and partners. They will play an important role in increasing the visibility and integration of the maternal health program within Menzies and the Timor-Leste health landscape. Working collaboratively with other research team members involved in maternal and newborn health research, the Research Midwife will help drive high-quality implementation and contribute to the development of a sustainable, impactful research program. In addition, the Research Midwife will have opportunities, guided by their experience and supported by the Research Fellow, to develop and lead low-risk, cost-free maternal health research activities that align with their interests and the ethos of the Maternal Health Research Program.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following key responsibilities are not exhaustive and may include others as directed by the Research Fellow:

  1. Work under general supervision of the Research Fellow, managing personal work priorities while collaborating with the wider research team to identify, screen, and recruit eligible study participants, ensuring informed consent is obtained in accordance with ethical guidelines and cultural considerations.
  2. Support and, where appropriate, lead components of research implementation across multiple maternal and newborn health projects, including coordinating qualitative and quantitative data collection activities, documenting field activities, and contributing to study administration.
  3. Operate with sound judgement by following study protocols, GCP principles, and national research regulations, adapting established methods to address moderately complex field or clinical issues and seeking guidance when required.
  4. Contribute to data management through accurate data collection, entry, organisation, and secure storage, and assist with data cleaning, preliminary analysis, and reporting activities in line with confidentiality and culturally safe research practices.
  5. Coordinate logistical aspects of fieldwork, including planning and undertaking site visits, liaising with health facilities and community partners, managing specimen or sample handling where relevant, and ensuring smooth daily implementation of project activities.
  6. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with study participants, healthcare workers, Ministry of Health staff, community representatives, and other partners, including contributing to written reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement activities.
  7. Provide translation and interpretation support as required to enable accurate communication, culturally safe interactions, and high-quality data collection.
  8. Contribute to team-based processes by supporting investigators and junior staff, helping to oversee field or research operations, and providing technical or procedural guidance to less experienced team members.
  9. Assist with broader research deliverables as needed, which may include supporting adverse event monitoring, preparation of study materials, contributing to dissemination activities, or leading discrete, low-risk project components under the direction of the Research Fellow.
  10. Uphold workplace health and safety, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement practices, contributing to a positive, respectful, and inclusive research environment for all staff and study participants.
  11. Performs work within their scope of practice and ensures clinical assessments, data collection and other research activities are carried out according to evidence-based practice, legislative and regulatory requirements and Menzies’ policies, procedures and guidelines.
  12. Build strong productive relationships with people from diverse cultures and a wide range of stakeholders.
  13. Foster a positive workplace culture through exemplary leadership practices and role modelling behaviour.
  14. Provide support to other research studies as required.
  15. Perform the primary responsibilities of the role in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guidelines.
  16. Understanding and awareness of relevant Workplace Health and Safety as well as Equal Opportunity principles and legislation along with a commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace for all Menzies staff, students, volunteers and visitors.
  17. Carry out any other tasks as reasonably required by the Supervisor, Country Manager and/or Menzies Director. 

SELECTION CRITERIA:

1. Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in midwifery.

2. Essential Criteria:

  •  Tertiary qualification in midwifery, with postgraduate coursework or a minimum of two years of equivalent professional experience which may include paid or volunteer clinical and/or research roles in maternal, neonatal, paediatric, vaccine-related, or sample collection activities.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in Tetun, and strong verbal communication skills in English.
  • Ability to work flexibly and effectively within a team environment, while motivating and supporting colleagues.
  • Excellent time management skills, with a keen attention to detail to work efficiently while ensuring accuracy and maintaining high standards of quality in all tasks.
  • Strong understanding of the importance of maintaining confidentiality and protection of sensitive, personal and health information.
  • Demonstrated initiative, sound judgement and problem-solving skills, with a strong work ethic.
  • A willingness to engage in ongoing learning and professional development, with an ability to accept constructive feedback and supervision to enhance performance.

3. Desirable Criteria: Experience in stakeholder engagement, and conducting qualitative research, including focus group discussions and data collection in community settings.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Research Midwife

The Research Midwife will work under the supervision of the Research Fellow and in collaboration with the maternal health research team to support the design and implementation of maternal health research projects. The role has responsibility for research, administrative, and logistical activities across project sites in Dili and the municipalities.

Specific responsibilities for the project(s) will include:

  • Support implementation of maternal and newborn health research projects in collaboration with the Research Fellow and research team in Dili and the municipalities
  • Coordinate participant recruitment and informed consent processes in line with approved ethical protocols and culturally appropriate practices
  • Support qualitative and quantitative data collection activities, including interviews, surveys, and documentation of field activities
  • Coordinate logistics for fieldwork, including site visits, travel arrangements, and liaison with health facilities and community partners
  • Manage study documentation and data, including data entry and quality checks in approved systems (e.g. REDCap)
  • Provide translation and interpretation support to enable accurate communication and high-quality data collection
  • Support preparation of reports and other research deliverables, and contribute to day-to-day coordination of research activities

How To Apply:

To apply for this position, please refer to http://careers.menzies.edu.au/ and select / click on the Research Midwife, Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste role.

Applicants are required to provide the following support documents:

  • Updated Resume/CV with three references
  • Cover Letter
  • A statement addressing the selection criteria
  • Copy of Electoral/BI card
  • Copy of Good behavior certificate (kelakuan baik)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing date: 26th January 2026 (6 PM Dili Time)

Antonio Fernandes

HR Officer

Email: TL.HumanResources@menzies.edu.au

Menzies Timor-Leste is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workplace and gender equality. Government employees recommended to seek support from immediate supervisor.

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