About the role

Are you a policy whiz with a sharp mind and a desire to be a part of a growing movement for change? Someone who’s excited about using the legislative process to affect meaningful outcomes for people and the planet? Upper House Greens MP Dr Amanda Cohn is looking for someone to join her small team in the NSW parliament.

You’ll be responsible for assisting Dr Cohn with policy and legislative matters including in-depth research on key issues within her portfolio responsibilities, reading legislation, writing submissions to government consultation processes, keeping abreast of current political issues, and much more. You will play a key role in liaising with stakeholders and working with Dr Cohn and her team to develop and implement strategies and campaigns to achieve outcomes for the community and the environment.

• Based at NSW Parliament in Sydney CBD, with flexible or remote working arrangements considered by negotiation. Occasional travel within NSW.
• 0.6 - 1.0 FTE negotiable, including some evenings and/or weekends and overtime during busy periods.
• Permanent role with 6 month probationary period
• Start date by negotiation; ideally in July.

OUR TEAM

Dr Cohn is one of seven Greens MPs in the NSW Parliament. She was elected to the upper house in March 2023 and lives in Albury-Wodonga. The successful applicant would join her current team consisting of a Communications and Media Advisor and Office Administrator / Executive Assistant. Before her election to Parliament in March 2023, Dr Cohn was a country GP and frontline emergency services volunteer. You can read more about Amanda here.

Our team works across a variety of portfolio areas:

• Health including Mental Health
• Local Government
• Youth
• LGBTQIA+
• Emergency Services
• Sport & Recreation
• Waste
• Air Quality
• Regions of Riverina Murray, Central West and Far West NSW

Key Responsibilities

• Research, analyse, and advise on policy and legislative matters, including existing and proposed legislation, regulations, and government policies
• Monitor political developments, policy debates, and relevant research, ensuring Dr Cohn is well-informed on emerging issues and trends
• Prepare high-quality written materials, including briefing notes, submissions, and correspondence on policy and legislative matters
• Work with other MPs offices, Greens members and stakeholders on policy and campaigns
• Identify and engage with key stakeholders to build relationships, support their advocacy work and ensure their voices are heard on relevant policy and legislative issues
• Other duties as required to support the team

Selection criteria

Essential

• Experience in policy analysis or development, research, and/or advocacy, preferably within a political, government, or not-for-profit context
• Sound understanding of the Australian political landscape and a hunger for driving change via the political process
• Commitment to the Greens' values and principles of social justice, environmental sustainability, peace and non-violence, and grassroots democracy
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, quickly adapt to changing circumstances, and meet tight deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate complex information with attention to detail
• Highly organised and able to work independently
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality on all issues associated with the office and their duties

Desirable

• Tertiary qualification in law, public health, health policy or governance, politics, public policy, or a related field, or demonstrated equivalent experience
• Experience in, or demonstrated understanding of one or more of the following policy areas: Health including mental health, local government, youth, LGBTQIA+, emergency services, sport and recreation, waste, air quality.

Next steps

For all enquiries, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Policy Advisor enquiry or call the office on 9230 2566 and ask for Alice.

To apply, please submit your application via the Ethical Jobs portal at the "Apply now" Link.

Please note applications may be assessed, and first round interviews conducted, on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to get your application in early.

All applications will be read and considered. We won’t discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender or disability. First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disability, women and gender diverse people are strongly encouraged to apply. If there is anything we can do to make an interview more accessible to you please let us know in your application.

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single one of the above selection criteria. What’s most important is your passion, your adaptability and quick-thinking and your desire to make change. There is significant flexibility in this role for someone who is the right fit for our team.

We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Shortlisted applicants will ideally be available for interview between 17-20 June.