Position Overview

Passionate about driving systemic change to improve the lives of people with physical disabilities in NSW, the Systemic Advocacy Officer influences laws, policy, and systems through evidence-based advocacy and collaboration.

The role brings together influencing skills, policy development, stakeholder engagement, project management, and data analysis to identify emerging issues, elevate lived experience, and shape strategic advocacy responses.

Working with people with physical disabilities, government, and sector partners, this role will develop and deliver targeted advocacy initiatives that promote inclusion, accessibility, equality, and full participation of people with physical disabilities.

Full Time, Hybrid Role (5 days/week, 38 hours a week), 2 year contract, subject to 6-month probationary period. Position will be paid at SCHADS Award Level 3 including superannuation ($76,376- $80,255 per annum depending on experience).

About the organisation

The Physical Disability Council of NSW (PDCN) is the peak systemic advocacy body for people living with physical disability in New South Wales. PDCN's purpose is to promote and protect the rights, interests and inclusion of people with physical disability across the state.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver advocacy projects and build partnerships that advance PDCN’s advocacy priorities and organisational goals.
• Represent PDCN in external forums, consultations, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Monitor and respond to policy, legislative, and systemic issues affecting people with physical disabilities.
• Develop evidence-based submissions, reports, and policy positions to influence systemic change and identify opportunities for reform.
• Coordinate research and consultation activities, analyse evidence and lived experience.
• Translate complex information into accessible resources, recommendations, and communications.
• Ensure lived experience of people with physical disabilities informs advocacy, research, and organisational priorities.
• Support advisory groups, organisational accountability, and the achievement of strategic objectives.
• Maintain professional, timely and accurate records

Essential Criteria

Values, commitment and sector knowledge

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, human rights, inclusion, and disability rights principles, with an understanding of or willingness to learn about disability policy, legislation, and systemic issues affecting people with disability.
• Commitment to ensuring lived experience informs policy, advocacy, and organisational priorities.

Advocacy, stakeholder engagement and influencing

• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to influence decision-makers, build relationships and contribute to advocacy outcomes
• Experience designing and facilitating consultation processes and communicating complex information persuasively to diverse audiences.

Policy, research and analytical skills

• Research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to collect, analyse, and interpret evidence, identify emerging issues, risks and opportunities, and develop practical policy recommendations.
• Experience producing high-quality written outputs, including reports, submissions, briefings, and position papers.

Communication skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and accessible reports, submissions, briefings, correspondence, and other publications tailored to different audiences.

Project management and organisational capability

• Good organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, respond to emerging issues, and support continuous improvement through feedback and evaluation.

Leadership and teamwork skills

• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and adaptability with the ability to work collaboratively and contribute positively to team outcomes.

Technical skills and experience

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital collaboration tools (ideally including Canva and Survey Monkey).
• Experience in a policy, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, research, or related role or relevant qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

• Lived experience of physical disability (highly desirable).
• Experience designing and delivering advocacy, social change, or public awareness campaigns.
• Experience identifying and developing strategic partnerships and advocacy opportunities.
• Understanding of accessible communication principles.
• Experience supporting governance or secretariat functions
• Experience responding to emerging issues in a fast-paced environment.

Other requirements

• NSW Police Check, Working with Children Check
• References
• To be considered for this role, you must have the legal right to live and work in Australia.

Benefits

You will have the opportunity to also access a range of benefits including:

• Working for a small for-purpose organisation and playing a part making positive change
• Flexible work environment and practices.
• Assistance with JobAccess application for appropriate assistive technology as required.
• Supportive, friendly and inclusive team.
• Attractive salary packaging options and leave loading.