Consumer Engagement Officer

Alternate titles:

Research & Consumer Engagement Manager, Lived Experience Project Coordinator

General role description

Consumer Engagement Officers act as a vital link between researchers and the broader community.

The role focuses on embedding the voices of consumers, such as patients, carers, and community members, into the research process. This helps ensure that studies address real-world needs and have genuine impact

Key responsibilities

  • Facilitate consumer and community involvement in health and medical research projects
  • Support research teams to integrate lived experience into study design and delivery
  • Assist with communication and coordination between researchers and community stakeholders
  • Promote inclusive practices across all stages of the research lifecycle
  • Contribute to grant applications and reports related to community and consumer involvement.

Workplace settings

  • Universities and Medical Research Institutes
  • Government, not-for-profit, peak body and advocacy organisations involved in research

Required qualifications

  • Formal qualifications in social sciences, public health, or related fields may be valued
  • Relevant lived experience or understanding of consumer advocacy may be accepted in place of formal qualifications

Other notable requirements

Consumer engagement officers often need:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Experience or understanding of consumer and community engagement practices
  • Ability to work respectfully with people with lived experience
  • Awareness of inclusive and ethical approaches to research

Common next roles

Consumer engagement manager

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