• Salary: $80,000 to $85,000 on a pro rata basis with salary sacrifice available

If you have a passion for social justice and advocating for positive change this may be the job for you! 

An exciting opportunity to join the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement's Policy and Advocacy team addressing issues disproportionately impacting Aboriginal people in South Australia.

Key Responsibilities 

Under the broad direction of the Policy and Advocacy Manager, undertake a range of duties including:

• Assist in the identification, development and analysis of timely, strategic advice on major policy issues effecting Aboriginal people in South Australia.
• Prepare or contribute to the preparation of timely and well researched submissions, briefs and notes on complex policy issues.
• Conduct research, law reform analysis and contribute to advocacy submissions on the impact of government policies and practice on Aboriginal people in South Australia.
• Work collegiately with internal and external stakeholders to consult on and develop clear and effective advocacy submissions and policy positions.
• Work to ensure the provision of a culturally appropriate and responsive service to ALRM clients.
• Perform such other duties commensurate with the functions of ALRM and this classification, as may be required.
• Encourage and sustain a cooperative, “can do” work environment.
• Contribute positively to organisational management and support operations towards the achievement of organisational goals.
• Support and work with people with diverse backgrounds, value systems, cultural differences and special needs.
• Maintain a high level of knowledge and understanding of human rights and justice issues impacting upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Other duties as required and/or requested by the Manager.

Maintain Safe Work Environment

• To engage in safe work practices and follow all ALRM WHS Policies, Procedures and requirements set out in supporting documents.
• To cease a work activity immediately if the work activity is identified by the CEO or their delegate as unsafe or in breach of safety legislation.
• To take reasonable care to protect personal health and safety, and the health and safety of others who may be affected by the actions or omissions of the holder of the position, at work.
• To maintain effective and timely reporting and the holder of the position must not be affected by alcohol or other drugs in a manner which is likely to endanger themself or others, either in the workplace or at times before commencing work.

Essential Criteria

• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities and staff. 
• Knowledge of the intersecting legal and non-legal needs of Aboriginal people who are in contact with the legal system.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications, preferably at honours level in a social science subject or criminology or law or demonstrated equivalent experience.
• Experience in policy analysis and ability to develop innovative policy proposals and provide sound, well-formulated, evidence-based advice and solutions on complex issues.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills including a demonstrated ability to communicate confidently, persuasively, sensitively and articulately, both in person and in writing.
• Sound knowledge in one or more significant policy areas impacting Aboriginal people in South Australia and a general understanding of the challenges facing Aboriginal people in the areas of criminal justice, child protection, prisoner rights, family and domestic violence and the provision of healthcare. 
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to different policy areas and to switch easily from working at a level of detail to working on larger strategic issues. 
• Demonstrated ability to respond flexibly to changing priorities, show initiative and manage highly sensitive issues with tact, discretion and strict confidentiality. 
• A general understanding of the systems and structures of government, including the development of law, policy and processes. 
• Basic knowledge and experience of the work of the criminal, civil, family law and child protection practices of ALRM. 
• An ability to communicate internally with legal practitioners and caseworkers regarding systemic disadvantage encountered by clients of ALRM and identify priority areas to advocate for change. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and constructively as part of a team.
• Basic familiarity with the National Report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and the recommendations and the degree to which they have and have not been implemented in South Australia, or an ability to gain knowledge of such.
• Basic knowledge of human rights law principles as they are relevant to the work of ALRM, including but not limited to UNDRIP, OPCAT, CERD, ICCPR, ICESCR, CRC, CEDAW and CRPD.
• Understanding and commitment to the effective implementation of Workplace Health & Safety and Ethical and Diversity practices in the workplace.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience working in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community or not for profit organisation.
• Previous experience providing advice on draft legislation or law reform proposals. 
• Understanding of the Closing the Gap framework

Any queries please contact Erin Maher [email protected] using the subject line: Policy and Advocacy Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs or via  (08) 8113 3777.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. 

A position description is attached.