The position

Passionate about supporting individuals? Want to see change on some of the biggest issues facing our community? We are looking for an Electorate Officer to respond to individual constituent enquiries and requests for assistance, and support our campaigns on some of the biggest issues impacting the people of Melbourne.

In this role you’ll be primarily responsible for responding to constituent issues and enquiries and coordinating our campaigns to improve public housing in Victoria.

This isn’t your average job: you’ll need to be self-motivated and flexible – but you’ll have the chance to work with the amazing Melbourne community and make a real difference in the lives of everyday constituents.

The role is based in Melbourne.

About the Office of Adam Bandt MP and Melbourne

In 2010, Adam Bandt won the seat of Melbourne, becoming the first Greens MP in the lower house elected at a general election. Since then, Adam has delivered for our values and fought for our community. Adam holds the portfolios of Climate Change & Energy, Science, Research & Innovation and Industrial Relations, as well as campaigning on key issues that matter to our local community.

Pay and conditions

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984, and employment conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Collective Agreement 2016–2019. In addition to your salary, generous employer-sponsored superannuation of 15% is offered.

The position is offered at an Electorate Officer B classification, $66,745 -$77,926 per annum, pro rata on a part-time contract until 30 June 2020, with the possibility of extension.

Roles and responsiblities

Constituent assistance:

• Responsibility for responding to the enquiries of individual constituents, often relating to concerns or problems regarding public housing, immigration, Centrelink, NDIS, or other matters.
• Talking and meeting with constituents often with the use of an interpreting service about their problem(s) or concerns.
• Advocacy on behalf of constituents or providing information or referrals to other services, including making enquiries with relevant departments and agencies and preparing correspondence to relevant Departments and Ministers.
• Advice to Adam on how to assist constituents and their concerns.
• Provide regular reports and updates on constituent assistance to Chief Of Staff and the team;
• As directed attend mobile offices, stalls and community meetings to provide constituent assistance.

Constituent campaigning: While your primary role will be assisting individual constituents you will also, where possible, support campaigns relating to the key issues for our local constituents, especially improved public housing. Working alongside the team, you’ll assist in implementing campaign plans to help build the capacity of Melbourne constituents to advocate for systemic change.

Team Participation: You’ll work alongside the rest of the team to ensure our office runs smoothly, responding to correspondence, participating in team planning and meetings, supporting Adam at community events and other activities as directed.

Selection criteria

Required:

1. Highly developed written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
2. Ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
3. Ability to work as part of a team, under time constraints and strict deadlines, with a minimum of supervision.
4. Strong organisational ability, attention to detail and research skills.
5. Computer skills in word processing, database packages and email.
6. Capacity to research and comprehend complex issues, think strategically and adapt to changing circumstances.
7. Understanding and commitment to the Australian Greens’ charter, principles and policies.
8. A proven interest and understanding of the Australian political landscape.
9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
10. Resilience and capacity for difficult work with vulnerable individuals.

Desirable:

1. Experience in social work or case work.
2. Experience working in a political, community or advocacy organisation.
3. Experience working with migrant communities or public housing communities.

All employees are expected to sign a confidentiality and code of conduct agreement prior to the commencement of their employment.

A probationary period of 3 months, with the option of extending by a maximum of two months, will apply.