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Policy & Advocacy Advisor

Australian Council for International Development

Policy and Advocacy Advisor for the Australian Council for International Development – the peak-body for Australian international development NGOs

  • A unique opportunity to join the peak-body for Australian international development NGOs
  • A salary between $75,706.77 to $88,098.63 pro – rata per annum, which can include a fringe benefits concession of up to $15,900, plus 9.5% superannuation. 
  • Canberra-based
  • 0.6 – 0.8 FTE with flexible working
  • This is a non-ongoing role available until 28 February 2022 and may be extended pending available budget.

The Role 

The international development sector is entering a period where the Government’s development assistance program is being reviewed and refreshed, the nature of aid and development is shifting and ACFID is creating a new strategic plan. This is an exciting time to join the organisation with opportunities to cultivate positive and productive stakeholder engagements within and external to government and help shape the future of the sector!

The primary focus for the Policy and Advocacy Advisor is to help achieve ACFID’s strategic policy goals by ensuring ACFID is positioned in the policy landscape to effect positive change. The role requires effective engagement with ACFID’s external stakeholders particularly the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The role-holder will:

  • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across the sector to achieve ACFID’s strategic outcomes.
  • Ensure ACFID is well positioned to act on relevant political and bureaucratic opportunities to represent the sector and influence Australian Government policy
  • Contribute to the organisation’s management of the contractual relationship between ACFID and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), identifying opportunities to shape a productive and effective partnership.
  • Develop and maintain ACFID’s policy positions, ensuring the expertise of ACFID members and the broader sector informs the development of ACFID Policy Positions
  • Support ACFID engagement in current policy debates and anticipate new areas of policy that meet ACFID’s strategic aims and those of our members.

About ACFID  

The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) is the peak body for Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) involved in international development and humanitarian action. Our vision is of a world where all people are free from extreme poverty, injustice, and inequality and where the earth’s finite resources are managed sustainably. Our purpose is to lead and unite our members in action for a just, equitable and sustainable world.  

Founded in 1965, ACFID currently has 130 members and 22 affiliates operating in more than 86 developing countries. The total revenue raised by ACFID’s membership from all sources amounts to $1.615 billion (2018), $846 million of which is raised from over 1.5 million Australians (2018). ACFID’s members range between large Australian multi-sectoral organisations that are linked to international federations of NGOs, to agencies with specialised thematic expertise, and smaller community-based groups, with a mix of secular and faith-based organisations. 

ACFID members must comply with the ACFID Code of Conduct, a voluntary, self-regulatory sector code of good practice that aims to improve international development and humanitarian action outcomes and increase stakeholder trust by enhancing the transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of signatory organisations. Covering 9 Quality Principles, 33 Commitments and 90 compliance indicators, the Code sets good standards for program effectiveness, fundraising, governance, and financial reporting. Compliance includes annual reporting and checks. The Code has an independent complaint handling process. 

We value diversity in the workplace and model our commitment to the values outlined in our strategic plan.  ACFID is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability status or national origin. Applicants will be considered based on qualifications, merit, and business need. 

The Policy and Advocacy Team 

ACFID’s Policy and Advocacy Team seeks to achieve a strong policy and enabling environment for international development assistance and humanitarian action in Australia. This includes engaging key stakeholders such as ACFID’s members, the media, the Australian Government, issue-specific Coalitions, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Parliament; to communicate ACFID’s positions to the Australian Government and the Australian public; to increase support for international development and humanitarian assistance; and to contribute to Australia’s global leadership in sustainable development and humanitarian action through its policies, actions and partnerships.

The ACFID Policy and Advocacy Team has two sub-teams (1) Policy, Government Relations and Media; and (2) Policy and Partnerships. The Policy and Advocacy Advisor sits within the Policy and Partnerships sub-team, reporting to the Head of Policy and Partnerships.

What we can offer you 

  • A salary between $75,706.77 to $88,098.63 (depending on the skills and experience of the candidate) plus 9.5% superannuation. Under current taxation laws, up to $15,900 of the base salary may be taken as a tax-free fringe benefit. 
  • Flexible professional development opportunities tailored by you. 
  • The opportunity to grow within the organisation and expand your knowledge, experience, and skills of development from within the peak-body for international development NGOs in Australia.  

Download the detailed position description here: Policy and Advocacy Advisor.

Applicants will then be shortlisted and invited to interview. 

If you wish to discuss the role further, please contact [email protected], using the subject line: Policy & Advocacy Advisor enquiry via EthicalJobs, in office hours. 

Any offer of employment will require a National Police Check. To be eligible for this position you must have a legal right to work in Australia.

ACFID is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a respectful and diverse workforce and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply.

How to apply

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