Our three-year 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, well, 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.

About the role

• Be part of an expanding NGO at an exciting time of transformation.
• Unique opportunity for an experienced policy adviser to work on social policy aimed at improving the lives of women, children and families.
• Full Time ongoing position (Part-time negotiable).
• Melbourne CBD Location (Sydney negotiable).

The Senior Policy and Advocacy Adviser contributes to policy development and advocacy activity, including the provision of high-level policy advice, stakeholder engagement and advocacy across Good Shepherd’s priority areas. This position acts as a key contact for government, non-government organisations, peak bodies and other stakeholders. The role may also involve the coordination of projects and events which contribute to the overall strategic direction of the social policy agenda for the organisation; which includes a focus on addressing economic abuse and financial inclusion, safety and gender-based violence, homelessness and housing for older women, mental health and gender equality and an overall application of gendered analysis over social policy.

The social policy team is part of the wider Service and Strategy Impact Division—and undertakes work externally under the banner of the Women’s Research, Advocacy and Policy (WRAP) Centre.

About you:

• 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.
• Knowledge of the social and political climate in one or more of Good Shepherd’s priority areas; highly desired would be experience in financial capability, economic abuse and its intersection with violence against women.
• High level strategic thinking, conceptual agility and analytical skills, including the proven ability to map current trends and issues and contribute to new initiatives.
• High level writing and editing skills that can be applied to a range of documentation, with attention to detail.
• Highly developed interpersonal and diplomacy skills, including relationship management skills and the proven ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders with competing agendas, handle sensitive issues, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• 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.
• Independent and autonomous including being able to meet performance indicators in a remote working environment. Excellent organisational skills with flexibility to manage competing demands to meet deadlines, and demonstrate resilience in the face of change.
• Tertiary qualification in social policy, social science, law, economics or other relevant discipline.
• A satisfactory Police Check.
• A current Working with Children’s Check (WWCC).

Why Good Shepherd?

At Good Shepherd, each member of our team is valued, we strive to support people to grow both personally and professionally. We offer generous conditions and flexible working hours to support employees to balance their personal and work life.

Benefits include:

• Salary packaging (which can add up to $15,900 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

To find out more about the role and to review the position description please explore our website: https://goodshep.org.au/.

In line with the Government's COVID-19 health and safety requirements, all of Good Shepherd’s assessment processes will 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 convenient method to ensure your safety and wellbeing and that of our employees. We are not currently conducting face to face interviews/inductions. These processes will be completed online for those who are successful in securing a position with Good Shepherd.

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.

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 Criminal History check and proof of the right to work in Australia.