• Lived experience position, disability

This is a targeted position; applicants must identify as having a disability. As a person with disability, you will bring your unique insights of lived experience to a leading Disabled Peoples Organisation (DPO), as allowed under the ‘Special measures. ’ in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

Level: MEA/SACS Award Starting Level 5.1 (dependent on skills and experience).

Contract position until June 30, 2022, with the view to extending subject to funding.

Hours: 22.8 that can be worked flexibly.

Some out-of-hours work may be required occasionally, according to need.

Accountability: The Policy Officer is accountable to the AFI Team Leader, Policy.

Position Overview

Working in a small policy team, you will support and promote the human rights of people with disabilities in the ACT. You will support the ongoing development of AFI’s systemic advocacy work by contributing to, and producing, a variety of written content including submissions, articles and comments. You will represent AFI and advance our policy objectives in a range of face-to-face settings, including consultations with community and government representatives. You will also contribute to the development of policy objectives and priorities, including by identifying systemic advocacy opportunities. You will have the opportunity to build relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of community and government representatives.

Support and Development

AFI takes pride in being a family-friendly, flexible, and safe workplace. AFI will provide regular supervision and mentoring to the person in this role. All AFI roles include training and professional development opportunities.

Specific responsibilities

• Write and contribute to the development of a range of content, including submissions, articles and comments;
• Consult with a wide range of stakeholders, including people with disability, community and government representatives;
• Provide accurate and informed advice and recommendations to various stakeholders;
• Accurately convey the experiences and perspectives of people with disability, and promote policy objectives in a variety of forums;
• Interpret and evaluate various sources of information on a wide range of topics impacting people with disabilities;
• Research and contribute to the development of policy objectives and priorities.

Projects

• Contribute to systemic advocacy research and projects with stakeholders which respond to and promote the human rights of people with disabilities.

Teamwork

• Work collaboratively within a small team to achieve shared outcomes;
• Attend and contribute to regular staff meetings, team meetings and other forums as appropriate providing information, feedback and recording of systemic advocacy issues;
• Work under the direction of AFI’s Code of Conduct to create a supportive, safe, and happy workplace;
• Actively contribute to Workplace Health and Safety by taking reasonable care for personal health and safety and that of others in the workplace, raising suggestions and concerns as they arise to ensure a safe work environment for employees, clients and visitors;
• Complete tasks as assigned and requested by the Team Leader, Policy and Chief Executive Officer.

Selection Criteria

Essential Skills, Competencies and Behaviours

• Identifies as having a disability;
• Demonstrated excellent written communication skills;
• Demonstrated excellent oral communication with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of audiences;
• An ability to work both independently with limited supervision and constructively as part of a small team;
• Strong time management skills, including a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines under pressure;
• Ability to be adaptable, to multitask and to manage competing priorities;
• Ability to comprehend and critically evaluate information on a diverse range of topics;
• Ability to present professionally and to think strategically in a range of settings;
• Strong analytical skills and research experience.

Desirable

• Relevant certificate or degree qualifications in public policy, law, community development or relevant field;
• Sound understanding of current and emerging issues impacting people with disabilities, including a demonstrated understanding of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and current disability policy at a local and federal level;

Special Conditions

• Interstate travel and overnight stay outside locality may be required on occasions.
• A current ACT Working with Vulnerable People check is required for this position or proof of obtainment of one.