The office of Dr Ryan, the Independent Federal Member for Kooyong, is seeking applications for a full timeongoing Senior Adviser based in the Kooyong Electorate in Hawthorn East, Victoria with travel to Australian Parliament House in Canberra, ACT. 

The Senior Adviser will be responsible for providing high-quality, expert and timely advice on parliamentary and policy issues. This is an opportunity to play a key role in a vital second term for Dr Ryan.

The 48th Parliament will present some unique challenges and the successful applicant will distinguish themselves by applying creative and agile thinking to issues as they arise.

The most important attributes will be experience in providing policy and political advice, understanding the Australian political system and its processes, and holding values and beliefs consistent with those held by the MP.

This role involves regular travel to Canberra, with occasional irregular work hours, particularly during parliamentary sitting weeks.

Key responsibilities: 

• Provide high quality, expert and timely advice on priority, complex and sensitive policy, public administration and political issues.
• Maintain effective relationships with stakeholders on all issues in a constructive, collaborative manner that upholds the values of the office.
• Ensure that the resources of the office are effectively utilised to provide high level and appropriate advice and support to the Parliamentarian.
• Assist in policy initiatives and research into the development of strategic policy responses.
• Liaise with stakeholders to identify key issues in relation to policy requirements and legislative documents.
• Provide advice and support on parliamentary matters including Question Time, legislative processes and parliamentary business.
• Provide advice and support on policy issues in a wide variety of negotiations, meetings and consultations.
• Analyse and prepare reports, papers, policy statements, briefing notes and statistical information on policy and related matters
• Provide input into communications and political advice as required.
• Other duties as required to support the Parliamentarian and the effective operation of the Electorate Office.

Desired skills and qualifications: 

• A Bachelor/Master degree in a related field

• Senior adviser to a Member or Senator
• Politics, including political communications, policy, or otherwise
• Knowledge of the Kooyong electorate and community

• Demonstrated experience in providing advice on a wide range of policy, administrative and political matters
• Developed knowledge of the political process and the Australian parliamentary and political system 
• Ability to rapidly acquire a good knowledge of the structure and functions of the office
• Outstanding organisational and time management skills
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple and competing work tasks to deliver to agreed deadlines
• Demonstrated experience in working in a dynamic environment as part of a team and leading by example
• Demonstrated professional integrity and the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated capacity for applying analytical and problem-solving skills in developing solutions for complex issues
• Proven reliability in meeting deadlines and commitments especially in high pressure situations
• A respectful demeanour when engaging with office staff and constituents

Employment conditions: 

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 which include: 

• A commencing salary between $105,769 and $149,114 will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills. 
• The role includes an allowance of $32,970 in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work and any travel requirements. 
• The above salary and allowance are subject to a pay increase on 5 August 2025.
• Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements).
• An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable. 

Applicants should note the following: 

• An initial probationary period of three months may apply and may be subject to extension.
• The successful applicant may be required to undergo a National Police History Check. 
• Staff may be subject to automatic cessation triggers in accordance with Section 14 of the MOP(S) Act.
• The successful applicant will be required to comply with their obligations under the Behaviour Codes and Standards. 

Applications may close early if sufficient interest. Please apply as soon as possible.

For further information please contact Fiona Curry on (03) 9326 2900 or [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Adviser - Dr Monique Ryan MP enquiry via EthicalJobs.