• Permanent role working with the peak body for the Australian union movement, defending and advancing workers’ rights.
• Exciting role that will support the union movement implement policy and actions on Climate, Energy & Just Transition.
• The ACTU is an organisation that respects cultural and social diversity within the workforce and the community. Women, ATSI and people of colour are especially encouraged to apply.

Our Organisation

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is the peak union body representing over 1.5 million workers and their families.

Since its creation in 1927, the ACTU has spearheaded some of the most fundamental workplace struggles in Australia’s history.

The ACTU is the national voice for our movement, defending and advancing workers’ rights by co-ordinating union campaigns, representing workers at a range of government and non-government forums and providing industrial, policy and other support to our affiliates.

The Role

This position is responsible for implementing the ACTU policy, A Safe Climate with Good Union Jobs.

This position supports and advises the ACTU on achieving policy outcomes on climate, energy and just transition with governments, stakeholders, and affiliates. Policy officers undertake and participate in a broad range of activities including project-based work with across all ACTU teams, development of ACTU policy, submissions to parliamentary inquiries, collaborating with allied organisations, representing ACTU at external bodies, and working closely with affiliated unions.

This role will also be required, as needed, to contribute to other areas of social and economic policy development and implementation.

Key responsibilities

• Provide policy advice.
• Provide support to and facilitation of the ACTU Climate Action Group (CAG).
• Work with affiliates to develop campaigns and projects that implement ACTU Congress policy: A Safe Climate with Good Union Jobs.
• Identify and share relevant research and policy ideas with affiliates.
• Coordinate across affiliates and trades and labour councils to ensure alignment with ACTU Congress policy.
• Source and provide policy research as required, including preparation of submissions and briefs to advocate ACTU positions to government, agencies, and other relevant bodies.
• Provide advice regarding strategic approaches to policy implementation & take responsibility for implementation when required.
• Represent the ACTU when required at external bodies.
• Liaise and collaborate with allied organisations.
• Represent the ACTU in negotiations and liaise with governments, employers and employer organisations as directed.
• Work collaboratively with ACTU-affiliated unions on issues that impact their membership and potential membership.

Key Selection Criteria

• Commitment to and passion for the social justice values of the ACTU and the union movement.
• Substantial knowledge of at least one of the following policy issues: climate change, energy and just transition.
• Good knowledge of the ACTU, trade unions and industrial relations more generally.
• Very good knowledge of key of state and federal legislation and policies relevant to these policy areas.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent skills and experience.
• Knowledge of economic, employment and labour market concepts & current policy debate in these areas.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent skills identifying and solving problems and exercising discretion in a complex policy and political environment.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Benefits

The ACTU will offer the successful candidate a salary between $120k - $130k based on skills and experience, along with 15% superannuation and generous leave arrangements.