• Seeking a Policy and Advocacy Officer
• Part time, Permanent

WHO WE ARE

The Continence Foundation of Australia (the Foundation) is a not-for-profit organisation and the national peak body for incontinence prevention, management, education, awareness, information and advocacy. The Foundation’s vision is ‘an Australian community free of the stigma and restrictions of all aspects of incontinence across the lifespan’.

THIS OPPORTUNITY

The Foundation provides professional development options for health professionals and others who support those living with bladder and bowel health issues. We are looking for a Policy and Advocacy Officer to support and write the policy positions of the Foundation to critical stakeholders including the Australian Government, health agencies, decision makers and the community.

The role reports to the Policy and Government Relations Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The role is responsible for monitoring advances across the primary, acute and community health sector, including the Australian Government’s Health Reform framework and identifying opportunities to increase the profile of continence health and services in Australia. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and draft submissions, reports, briefing notes, presentations, policy statements and thought leadership documents in response to government and other stakeholder consultations, inquiries and initiatives.
• Develop and deploy an advocacy campaign strategy that aligns with the Foundation’s Strategic Plan and future policy direction.
• Develop strategic advocacy and policy material for a range of audiences, including members, supporters, policymakers and government.
• Produce formal responses to consultation documents and monitor the outcomes and impact.
• Undertake background analysis, research and summaries of public policy as it affects people affected by, or at risk of incontinence.
• Support and build the Foundations network of policy and advocacy stakeholders lists.
• Investigate and disseminate current developments in public policy, legislation, best practice, competitor activity and relevant new initiatives in the continence health portfolio.
• Develop and maintain a database of narratives, documents and media briefs on issues relevant to the Foundation.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER

• Immediate start
• A flexible approach to work
• Salary packaging

ABOUT YOU

Essential

• Tertiary qualification in public policy, social sciences or equivalent academic qualification.
• Knowledge of health and social policy.
• Significant experience in a policy submission writing related role.
• Attention to detail, good problem-solving skills and highly developed written and oral presentation skills, with ability to inform evidence-based decision making.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining relationships with a broad range of stakeholders particularly in the aged care sector.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders to inform policy development and gain commitment to implementation.

For a copy of the position description, visit https://www.continence.org.au/get-involved/join-our-team or for a confidential discussion about this opportunity call Ruby Dubash on 8692 8400.

Applications will be reviewed as they are presented, so don’t delay in submitting your completed application, including a cover letter addressing the above criteria, and your CV.