Make Real Impact. Drive Systemic Change.

ADACAS is seeking a dynamic and strategic Senior Systemic Advocacy, Policy & Impact Officer to lead our systemic advocacy efforts and shape the future of disability, aged care, and mental health advocacy. In this pivotal role, you’ll work directly with the CEO to develop and implement ADACAS’s systemic advocacy strategy—crafting compelling submissions, reports, and public messaging that influence real change at a policy level.

This is a rare opportunity to combine exceptional policy and analytical expertise with creativity and purpose—perfect for a professional passionate about driving impact through strategy, advocacy, and influence. Your ability to engage stakeholders, think critically, and write with clarity will shape how decision-makers view and value advocacy.

If you bring experience in outcomes frameworks and impact reporting, and a desire to create meaningful change, we want to hear from you!

About ADACAS

ADACAS (ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy Service) is a leading individual advocacy service in Canberra and regional NSW. ADACAS provides individual and systemic advocacy to people with disability, older people and their family carers and delivers other project activities consistent with our vision and mission.

We are passionate about asserting, promoting and protecting human rights and speaking up on behalf of people who cannot speak up for themselves. Our vision is a world in which everyone can exercise their rights and responsibilities, lead lives of value and dignity and pursue their dreams. ADACAS has a strong reputation as a human rights organisation and participates in a range of opportunities and initiatives to influence change on behalf of our client groups. 

About the Role

The Senior Systemic Advocacy, Policy and Impact Officer holds a senior management position and reports directly to the CEO.

This position also leads the development and action on ADACAS’ systemic advocacy strategy and positions, together with the CEO. This can involve - the preparation of reports, submissions and other publications and communications of ADACAS’ systemic advocacy messages. The position works broadly across the staff and management of ADACAS to identify systemic issues arising from their individual advocacy. This position may also represent ADACAS on a range of external committees, networks and reference groups.

This role has a significant opportunity to demonstrate impact. Leading the development of ADACAS’s organisational outcomes framework and working with the CEO, expert consultants and management in designing an outcomes framework that demonstrates the value of individual advocacy.

You’ll work across the organisation to identify emerging systemic issues from our frontline advocacy, demonstrating the powerful impact of our work.

Key responsibilities include:

• Systemic Advocacy and Leadership
• Strategic policy analysis, writing, research and advocacy
• Outcomes, Impact, Collaboration, co-design and engagement

About you

You will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Demonstrated experience in research, policy writing, and development that achieves meaningful outcomes
• Knowledge of outcomes frameworks and theory of change principles
• experience working at a senior management position with high-level leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Well-developed strategic thinking and planning skills.
• Highly developed written and oral communication skills with an ability to influence
• High-level organisation skills including well-developed priority-setting skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Experienced with contract management and government reporting
• High degree of integrity, strong work ethic and sound judgement
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic and fast paced environment
• The ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
• High-level strategic thinking and organisational skills including well-developed priority-setting skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Values that align with those of a Human Rights organisation, including a commitment to valuing and respecting diversity and inclusion
• Intermediate to advanced MS Office skills (Excel, Word and PowerPoint)

Experience and knowledge

Experience in working and/or advocating together with people with a disability, people with mental ill health, older people and/or other communities who experience discrimination and/or disadvantage, and in operating within a social justice framework

Knowledge of and willingness to stay current with:

• Legislative and social policy context and issues, at an ACT, NSW and national level
• Human rights, and contemporary disability, mental health and social justice policy issues and debates.

Demonstrated ability to understand and apply legislation, policies and procedures, including the ability to identify issues and problem solve.

Experience in effective collaboration and consultation with diverse populations.

Qualifications

A tertiary qualification in social work / psychology / human or community services/ law / public policy OR an equivalent combination of relevant experience / education / training.

The successful applicant will hold, or be able to obtain, a, current National Criminal Record Check and have a current driver’s licence. All ADACAS employees are encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive an annual influenza immunisation. 

What’s on Offer 

Our office coffee is strong, but our dedication to human rights is even stronger.

• A rewarding opportunity that can make a difference within your local community
• Classification of the SCHADS Award will be negotiated with the successful applicant depending on qualifications and experience.
• Ongoing training and learning opportunities
• Have the backing of a supportive and friendly team
• Free parking
• Generous Salary Packaging Benefits including everyday living expenses of $15,900 tax free and Meal/Entertainment card - $2,650 tax free

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from First Nations peoples and people with a disability.

Visit  www.adacas.org.au to learn more about ADACAS.

For a copy of the position description please email [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Systemic Advocacy - Policy & Impact Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To apply 

Does this sound like what you are looking for?

If yes, please click Apply Now below to apply. 

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support with your application and / or the interview process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at ADACAS on 0262425060 or adacas.adacas.org.au

Please monitor your email regarding communication on progress of your application.