• Join a true values based organisation empowering the lives of women, children & families
• Flexibility – Hybrid work from home & our modern offices in LaTrobe St Melbourne opposite the beautiful Flagstaff Gardens. Ongoing position – ideally this is a full time role, however part time will be considered for the right candidate
• Professional development opportunity – deputise for Head of Social Policy as required
• $102,267 + super, generous salary packaging benefits (up to $18,000/year tax – free) & gifted leave

The Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor drives policy development and advocacy activity to build influence and create social and government policy change. This includes the provision of high level policy advice, stakeholder engagement and advocacy across the organisation’s priority areas.

This position acts as a key contact for collaborations with government, non-government organisations, peak bodies and other stakeholders and contributes to the strategic direction of the social policy agenda for the organisation. This includes a focus on addressing economic abuse and financial insecurity, safety and gender based violence, gender equality including applying a gender lens over social policy, climate justice, homelessness and housing for older women and mental health.

About you

To be successful in this position, you will have:

• Formal qualifications in social policy, social science, law, economics or other relevant discipline
• Extensive experience working in policy and advocacy within the community sector, a peak body, government department or statutory authority, with a track record of providing authoritative policy advice and advocacy strategy
• Qualitative data analysis and synthesis experience
• Knowledge of the social and political climate in one or more Good Shepherd priority areas
• Demonstrated thought leadership, with high level strategic thinking, conceptual agility and analytical skills, including the proven ability to map current trends and issues and lead new initiatives
• High level communication and knowledge translation skills with the proven ability to develop content across a variety of channels for different audiences, as well as facilitation and presentation skills
• Evidence of Covid-19 vaccination, or medical exemption

Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand is a Child Safe employer. Employment is subject to satisfactory referee checks, a current employment Working with Children Check, National Police Check (and international police check if resided overseas for 12 months or longer in the past 10 years) and proof of the right to work in Australia.

We recognise the rich diversity of people across Australia. We are committed to ensuring that our team is reflective of the diverse community we serve and to supporting a culture of equity, inclusion and diversity.

About us

Our strategy outlines the world we want to see and our role advancing in it. It also speaks to the positive impact we will deliver to support women, girls and families to be safe, secure, strong and connected. We are committed to tackling the issues of our time which adversely affect them. We work to advance equity and social justice and support our communities to thrive.

We seek to increase economic participation and wellbeing, to build resilience, improve safety and bring about system change.

We offer microfinance programs and products, financial counselling and coaching, family violence support, parenting programs and playgroups, education programs and community houses. These services are complemented by research and advocacy to address the underlying structural causes of injustice, exclusion, and inequality.

Benefits include:

• Salary packaging (which can add up to $18,000 in tax-free pay per year)
• Paid study leave
• Paid parental leave
• Gifted leave at Christmas and Easter
• Additional purchased annual leave
• Flexible work hours/working from home where possible
• Long service leave due after 10 years, with access after seven
• Employee Assistance Program, a free and confidential counselling service

In line with various State Government's COVID-19 health and safety requirements, Good Shepherd’s assessment and induction processes may be facilitated remotely using various online tools. The People and Culture Team in collaboration with hiring managers will work with you to find the most appropriate method to ensure your safety and wellbeing and that of our employees.

A position description is attached.