ABOUT US

The National Rural Health Alliance Ltd (The Alliance) is Australia's peak representative and advocacy body for rural, regional and remote health. The Alliance works closely with 50 member organisations to advocate for better health outcomes for people living in rural Australia.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The position relies on your experience in policy development, research and stakeholder engagement to contribute to the development of the Alliance’s strategic policies, initiatives and advocacy positions. An understanding of health policy and funding in Australia, and an appreciation of the impact of policy and funding on rural, regional and remote Australians would be desirable. The successful applicant will take a lead role in interpreting and monitoring developments in health policy and funding and researching key priorities for the Alliance in its policy development and advocacy.

This will include the production of key policy documents including research reports, position papers, policy statements, fact sheets, submissions to government inquiries and consultations and leading other projects relevant to the work of the Alliance. The role will involve liaising with colleagues, Alliance members, research bodies and other relevant organisations.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to the development of evidence-based policy, strategic vision and advocacy positions for the organisation.
• Identify the core policy issues affecting the funding, development and delivery of health, aged and disability care to people living in rural, regional and remote Australia.
• Lead the preparation of formal written positions, submissions, fact sheets, policy briefs and recommendations on key policy issues.
• Conduct research to ensure Alliance policy and advocacy is current, accurate, credible and evidence-based.
• Monitor, analyse and provide advice on legislation and other government or stakeholder policies or initiatives which influence the health and wellbeing of rural, regional and remote Australians.

Stakeholder engagement

• Work with Council member organisations to advocate for improvement in rural, regional and remote health in alignment with national policy directions.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders, such as community organisations, government and other organisations relevant to the Alliance’s purpose.

Other

Contribute to a workplace culture that is consistent with the Alliance vision, objectives, guiding principles and values.

• Work in a manner consistent with the governance and management policies and procedures of the organisation.

• Undertake administrative tasks as required in a small team.
• Utilise expertise to mentor and develop capacity in other members of the Alliance team.

Selection criteria

Essential:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant health, policy development or research-related discipline.
• Proven expertise in policy development, research and analyses, preferably in the health sector or a health-related government agency.
• Demonstrated capacity and experience in writing a range of high-quality policy documents for a variety of audiences including government, stakeholders and the wider community, ensuring that information is accurate, current and presented in an informative and accessible way.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and constructively with a wide range of stakeholders including government departments and other peak body organisations.
• Possess the ability to work in a team, have good organisational ability and demonstrated capacity to take initiative, be self-directed and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

Desirable:

1. Expert-level knowledge and understanding of policies and issues relevant to rural, regional and remote health in Australia.
2. An appreciation of the issues affecting Australians living in rural, regional and/or remote locations.
3. Experience working in the not-for-profit service sector with a strong advocacy focus.

DOES IT SOUND LIKE YOU?

If you have a passion for rural Australia or a rural background and are experienced in health/social policy and research then this could be the role for you! Please apply by submitting a copy of your CV, cover letter and address the selection criteria.

The role will ideally be full time with the flexibility to work 4 days, working out of our Canberra office. Consideration will be given to applicants with the right skills and experience for remote working options.

SALARY RANGE

Salary range depending on skills and experience: $105,000 to $120,000 plus superannuation (11%). Not-for-Profit salary packaging also available.

A position description is attached.