• Canberra or Melbourne based
• Hybrid Working Model
• Competitive salary with attractive salary packaging benefits
• The role is responsible for high level contributions to CHF policy activities. 

ABOUT CHF

The Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) is the national peak body representing the interests of Australian healthcare consumers. They are dedicated to achieving safe, quality, and timely healthcare for all Australians. As they continue to expand their impact and draw upon consumer insights and experiences, their vision is a world class healthcare system enhancing the well-being of consumers and communities by relentlessly driving innovations and improvements to the Australian healthcare system.

As an employer, CHF has a person-centred approach that listens and supports. We are committed to building an inclusive culture that values diversity, collaboration and trust. We will give you the flexibility to bring your best self to work but need team members who can work both independently and across functions.

Most of all we need people who can be relied upon to get the job done.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Policy Officer is responsible for undertaking specific CHF projects and consultancies and provide high level contributions to all CHF policy activities. They will assist with project management and work to either the Policy and Research Manager or the Director, Policy and Research Director as required.

The role requires a highly organised individual with strong written and verbal communication skills as well as an excellent working knowledge of the MS Office suite and demonstrated knowledge of project management and stakeholder engagement. The Policy Officer will develop and maintain effective working relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, partner organisations and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Policy

• Work on specific CHF projects and consultancies.
• Provide quality advice and contribute to the development of health policy positions (including submissions, discussion papers, reports, etc) in CHF health priority areas.
• Conduct written, phone, email and face-to face consultations with key stakeholders and health consumer networks on health policy issues in CHF health priority areas.
• Share responsibility with the policy team for compliance, strategic advice and stakeholder relationships in policy areas.
• Liaise with stakeholders, members and consumer representatives through public presentations, participating in meetings, workshops and conferences.
• Participate in office programs to improve efficiency, accountability, responsiveness and good staff practice.
• Support the production, management and improvement of CHF online communications to establish and develop an active and engaged online consumer community. Manage this community as a strategic resource to support CHF work.
• Work collaboratively with the CHF team to optimise work and achievements across consumer and stakeholder engagement and policy development. This includes providing support in areas of marketing, public relations and communications.
• Support CHF communication activities as required (newsletters, media and public relations).

Stakeholder Engagement

The Policy Officer will:

• work with both internal and external stakeholders, as well as the executive team and staff and possess a collaborative working style

• provide high-level stakeholder engagement and liaise with key stakeholders such as Government Departments, senior health stakeholders as directed.
  • Internal – CEO, Director, Policy and Research, Director, Advocacy and Engagement and other staff
  • External – Government, CHF members, partner organisations, key stakeholders, consumers

ABOUT YOU

You will be committed to achieving and upholding the CHF vision, mission and values. In addition, you possess:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in a relevant field, or extensive relevant work experience.
• Experience in developing high quality policy submissions and positions.
• High quality written and oral communication skills.
• Confidence in conducting consultations with a range of stakeholders.
• Initiative, self-motivation and demonstrated experience in working in teams and to contribute positively to team operations, culture and working relationships.
• Experience in planning and facilitating workshops or events.
• Ability to promptly provide resolutions to challenging issues and work in a continuous improvement environment.
• Ability to respond flexibly and work in a busy and complex environment where there are competing demands, changing priorities, tight deadlines and limited resources.
• Well-developed computer skills in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams, Acrobat (PDF) and some experience and confidence with using on-line engagement tools and capacity to support their use by consumers.

Note: You must have the right to work in Australia and demonstrate the absence of a relevant criminal history to be appointed. A current Working with Children’s check and/or Working with Vulnerable people check is also required. This role is full-time, with some occasional interstate travel required. Evidence that you have up-to-date vaccination status of COVID-19 vaccine is required.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH CHF

• A base salary in the range of $90,000 p.a. to $95,000 p.a. In addition, there are generous salary packaging arrangements and leave entitlements
• Share your working time between our office and home
• Melbourne or Canberra based
• A strong commitment to your professional growth and development

For more information please contact Jo Root, Director, Policy and Research on [email protected] using the subject line: Policy Officer - Canberra / Melbourne enquiry via EthicalJobs. Applications must be submitted via the "Apply Now" button.

A position description is attached.