Senior Policy Advisor Member Services

Job Description

Total $148,105.48 p/a (incl of superannuation)

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Total Package $148,105.48 per annum (inclusive of superannuation)

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• Research and develop solutions to policy challenges for Local Government
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• Contribute to WALGA's role as the authoritative voice and trusted partner for the sector
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• Sector leading 6 weeks' annual leave
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Located

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WALGA HQ West Leederville / on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people.

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Find your Sweet Spot with diverse policy work that has sector-wide impact

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At WALGA, we believe success happens at The Sweet Spot. It's where big picture purpose meets local community impact, with opportunities that come without the usual trade-offs. Meaningful work. Genuine flexibility. Diverse challenges. Real impact.

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As our Senior Policy Advisor Member Services, you'll help coordinate responses to emerging policy issues that influence Local Governments across Western Australia while enjoying the variety, autonomy and balance that make WALGA a unique place to work.

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This is an opportunity to work on issues that matter, researching emerging challenges, analysing their implications for Local Government and helping shape advocacy priorities that influence sector outcomes.

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You'll also contribute to projects and initiatives within the Member Services portfolio, including services and commercial arrangements that deliver value to Local Governments. These services are often closely connected to the policy issues you're working on, creating a unique opportunity to combine policy development, commercial thinking, practical problem solving and service delivery in a way that's rarely available in traditional policy roles.

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What does that look like in practice?

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Unlike many policy roles, you'll have the opportunity to see your work progress from research and analysis through to advocacy, project delivery and direct engagement with Local Governments across Western Australia.

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As the Senior Policy Advisor Member Services, you will:

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• Research and analyse complex policy issues affecting Local Governments.
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• Review legislation, regulatory reforms and Government policy proposals.
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• Assess opportunities, risks and impacts for the sector.
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• Develop policy positions, submissions, briefing papers and reports.
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• Consult with Member Local Governments and key stakeholders.
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• Lead and contribute to projects, member service initiatives and service improvements.
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• Assist with the management and continual improvement of member services and commercial partnerships.
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• Support WALGA's advocacy activities and represent member interests.
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• Build productive relationships with Government agencies, industry groups and sector stakeholders.
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This is a hands‐on policy role, well suited to someone who enjoys the research, analysis and critical thinking that sits behind informed decision-making and effective advocacy.

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As issues emerge, priorities can shift quickly. You'll need to be comfortable working in a dynamic environment, assessing new information, identifying what matters most and determining where attention should be focused.

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Throughout the year, you'll also have opportunities to engage directly with metropolitan and regional Local Governments, providing valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

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You'll thrive in this role if you...

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• Enjoy unpacking complex issues and finding practical solutions.
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• Can quickly understand unfamiliar topics and identify what matters most.
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• Are naturally curious and enjoy learning about a broad range of issues.
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• Have strong analytical, research and strategic thinking skills.
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• Can communicate complex information clearly and persuasively.
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• Enjoy working with stakeholders and building collaborative relationships.
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• Are comfortable balancing detail‐oriented work with big‐picture thinking.
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• Like variety and can adapt as priorities change.
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What you'll bring

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You won't need to be a subject matter expert in every policy area. What's important is your ability to quickly understand complex topics, identify the key issues, critically analyse information and translate it into clear, practical and evidence‐based advice.

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This role is involved in the full lifecycle of policy and service development, from identifying and researching issues through to designing solutions, managing projects and supporting the delivery of member services. While the role is research and analysis intensive, success also relies on your ability to build strong relationships, engage stakeholders, navigate differing perspectives and keep initiatives progressing.

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Your work will contribute to WALGA's role as the representative voice for Local Government in Western Australia and help influence policy, service delivery and advocacy outcomes across the State.

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Some intrastate and overnight travel, as well as occasional work outside normal business hours, will be required.

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Why you'll love working here

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At WALGA, we believe success happens at The Sweet Spot, the place where big picture purpose meets local community impact, with perks that come without the trade‐offs. The Sweet Spot is our employee promise. It reflects what you can expect when you work with us: meaningful work, genuine flexibility, and an environment built on curiosity, collaboration and shared purpose.

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Employees have the opportunity to work on unique and meaningful projects that deliver real benefits to Local Government and the communities they serve. We foster a culture of positive risk‐taking, guided by one of our strategic pillars Explore, and underpinned by our value of Curiosity.

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You'll enjoy six weeks of annual leave plus an extra day off on the anniversary of when you started, because your journey with us is worth celebrating. Our Thrive wellbeing program runs all year and is designed to support every aspect of wellbeing. Mental, physical, and social through education, resources, and practical initiatives.

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We're committed to helping you grow, both personally and professionally, and we're driving a tech roadmap that's shaping a data‐led future. There are plenty of ways to get involved too, with cross‐organisational working groups such as Reconciliation, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainability.

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And that's just the start. You'll also find an active social club run by employees, end‐of‐trip facilities, and a centrally located modern office designed for collaboration. We're also proud to be recently accredited as a Menopause Friendly Australia employer, because creating an inclusive workplace matters to us!

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To find out more about us, please visit www.walga.asn.au

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As this role is being sourced directly by WALGA, we respectfully request no agencies approach.

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WALGA encourages people from different backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and people with disabilities.

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We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. If you have any specific needs or require accommodations to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know. This could include, but is not limited to, accessibility requirements, assistive technologies, or any other considerations

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The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) is an independent, member‐based, not‐for‐profit organisation representing and supporting the WA Local Government sector.

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Our membership includes all 139 Local Governments in the State.

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WALGA uses its influence, support and expertise to deliver better outcomes for WA Local Government and their communities. We do this through effective advocacy to all levels of Government on behalf of our Members, and by the provision of expert advice, services and support to Local Governments.

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WALGA's vision is for agile and inclusive Local Governments enhancing community wellbeing and enabling economic prosperity.