The Organisation

The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) is the peak organisation for community and social services in Australia and a national voice for the needs of people affected by poverty and inequality. ACOSS develops public policy, analyses government policies, conducts research, and promotes its views through publications, the media and public advocacy. ACOSS has 1000+ members, including Australia’s major charities, and not-for-profit community organisations, as well as individuals, from major cities to regional and remote areas; and it works closely with both senior government officials and corporate partners.

Benefits & Culture

ACOSS is a rewarding working environment that provides staff with a strong sense of achievement and recognition for the important work it does. This role uniquely offers the opportunity to be mentored by ACOSS’ Principal Advisor.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Principal Advisor, you will work with a wide range of diverse stakeholders to develop policy, undertake strategic advocacy, strengthen networks and foster collaboration, and produce research and publications with the goal of reducing unemployment.

Collaborating with the ACOSS team your responsibilities will also include:

• Providing high level strategic policy advice and leadership.
• Helping to set outcomes for policy objectives and devising strategies to achieve them.
• Analysing and developing social and economic policy to achieve employment outcomes.
• Working closely and respectfully with diverse stakeholders.
• Creating, analysing and sharing research on the impact of unemployment.
• Managing and reporting on policy advocacy development, research, and advocacy projects.
• Identifying opportunities to grow ACOSS’ capacity via financial resources and partnerships.

Skills Required

To excel in this role you will have a high level of employment policy knowledge and analysis and strategic leadership skills. You will also have the proven ability to advocate for, collaborate, and network with, diverse stakeholders including member organisations and peak bodies, people directly affected, government/agencies, employers, business groups, unions, and education training providers.

Additionally you will offer:

• Qualifications in social and economic policy focused on employment and the labour market.
• A commitment to reducing poverty and inequality and to treating all people respectfully.
• Well-developed stakeholder management and influencing skills and government relations.
• Outstanding written, oral communication and digital skills plus project management experience.
• Experience of living on income support, or working with those receiving it, will be highly regarded.
• Applicants from diverse backgrounds including CALD, First Nations, and those with a disability, are encouraged to apply.

If you would like to leverage your employment policy expertise to work towards an Australia that is free of poverty in all its forms please apply by submitting your cover letter, responding to the skills and experience required, and your resume in Word format, quoting reference # 66762. Due to the high volume of applications currently, please raise any questions you may have in your cover letter and we will respond to relevant applicants.

Please note Sydney preferred, but other locations considered.