Advocacy & Public Policy Officer

Job Description

\n
• Develop policy responses and advocacy positions on key social issues
\n
• Build government relations experience in a purposeful, supportive team
\n
• Hybrid role $90,000 plus super + salary packaging
\n

\n

Your new role

\n

Working as part of our Advocacy & Strategy team, you'll support the development of policy positions, advocacy responses and government engagement activities that help influence positive change for the communities we serve.

\n

This is a fast-paced and varied role where you'll need to work independently, manage competing priorities and respond quickly to emerging political and policy issues. Joining during a significant period of activity following the election, you'll play an important role in helping Uniting respond to a rapidly changing environment.

\n

Your impact will include:

\n

\n
• Researching complex policy issues and translating findings into clear and actionable recommendations.
\n
• Drafting persuasive submissions, briefing papers, correspondence and advocacy materials for government and other stakeholders.
\n
• Analysing reports, legislation and policy reforms, identifying implications for Uniting and the communities we serve.
\n
• Developing evidence-based arguments that support advocacy positions and influence decision-makers.
\n
• Preparing timely responses to government consultations, inquiries and emerging political issues.
\n
• Monitoring policy developments and identifying opportunities to advance social justice outcomes.
\n

\n

Based at our Lonsdale Street office in Melbourne's CBD, this role offers a flexible hybrid arrangement with three days per week in the office (Tuesday to Thursday) and two days working from home. This is a maximum-term maternity leave contract commencing immediately following the election period.

\n

About the Program

\n

At Uniting, advocacy is a core part of our commitment to social justice. Beyond delivering services, we work to influence the policies and systems that drive poverty, disadvantage and inequality. Our advocacy is informed by evidence, research and the voices of people with lived experience.

\n

As part of the Advocacy & Strategy team, you'll work across a broad portfolio of social policy issues, collaborating with service delivery leaders, government stakeholders and sector partners to help create meaningful change.

\n

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to important public policy discussions while developing your expertise in advocacy, government relations and strategic influence.

\n

Benefits of working at Uniting

\n

At Uniting, you'll enjoy:

\n

\n
• Working in a values-led organisation with real community impact.
\n
• Flexibility to work from home 2 days per week, working 3 days in our CBD office.
\n
• A 10% discount for eligible employees on out-of-pocket childcare fees at Uniting learning services.
\n
• A 30% discount on Office 365 subscriptions, and a 25% discount at our Uniting Op Shops.
\n
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging benefits that can be used for living expenses such as groceries, bills, clothing and streaming services.
\n
• Saving on dining out and drinks with a meal entertainment benefit of $2,650 annually.
\n

\n

Your skills and experience

\n

You are a strong communicator who can quickly understand complex issues, develop compelling arguments and produce high-quality written work in a fast-moving environment.

\n

You will bring:

\n

\n
• Experience in public policy, advocacy, government relations or a related field.
\n
• Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to prepare clear, concise and persuasive documents.
\n
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesise complex information into practical recommendations.
\n
• Proven ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and respond to tight deadlines.
\n
• Strong judgement, initiative and the ability to develop convincing, evidence-based arguments will be critical to your success.
\n
• Experience engaging with government, sector stakeholders or decision-makers.
\n

\n

About Uniting

\n

We create real change in people's lives by working in partnership with people, communities, governments and other agencies to reduce the impact of poverty, trauma and disadvantage.

\n

We provide compassionate care for people facing tough times and personal challenges. We support children and young people to break the cycle of disadvantage. We help families keep safe, together and thriving.

\n

For over 100 years we've been fighting inequality, opposing discrimination, and responding to the needs in our communities across Victoria and Tasmania.

\n

Visit us:

\n

www.vt.uniting.org

\n

We are an inclusive, values-led organisation and proudly welcome people of all identities, backgrounds and experiences. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with lived and living experience relevant to our work.

\n

We are committed to inclusive hiring practices. You are welcome to share your pronouns and let us know if you require any adjustments during the recruitment process. We are here to support you.

\n

Uniting is a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of all children and young people. We embed child safety in everything we do. Employment with Uniting is subject to relevant pre-employment checks, including a National Police Check and Working with Children Check.