Organisation overview

The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) is recognised as the principal non-government organisation for public health in Australia, working to promote the health and well-being of all Australians. It is the pre-eminent voice for the public’s health in Australia. The PHAA works to ensure that the public’s health is improved through sustained and determined efforts of the Board, the National Office, the State and Territory Branches, the Special Interest Groups, and members.

The work of the PHAA are driven by our vision for a healthy Australia. The organisation engages with like-minded stakeholders to influence public opinion, the media, political parties and governments.

Position Overview

PHAA is seeking a suitably qualified person to work full-time (37.5-hour week) at our National Office in Canberra. Remote work will be considered for an exceptional candidate. Proposals for a work pattern of less than 5 days a week will be considered for an exceptional candidate.

This position is part of a three-person team consisting of a manager and two policy advisers. This position reports to the Manager Policy and Advocacy.

The Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor will be responsible for working to advance a broad range of public health policy and advocacy activities to meet the organisation’s goals, and to influence the direction of policy and communication activities. This will include drafting submissions and other advocacy material, engaging and building relationships with government, key allies and stakeholders, and our members, representing the organisation in various situations. Policy and Advocacy team members also work closely with our Communications Team.

PHAA is looking to expand our capacity in any of the areas of public health expertise, health economics, food and nutrition policy expertise, preventive health expertise, science communication, government advocacy, and stakeholder relations. Experience in any of these areas will be relevant to this position.

The position will attract a remuneration package totalling up to $135,000 per annum, inclusive of 11.5% superannuation and other benefits. Details will be negotiated with the appointee in line with their experience. As a Health Promotion Charity, PHAA can provide significant salary sacrificing benefits as part of an employment package.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Coordinate and develop submissions, policy position statements, and other advocacy materials to promote PHAA and share policy objectives amongst members and stakeholders.
• Support the ongoing research, policy and advocacy work the PHAA is undertaking at national and international level.
• Work with other team members to build relationships with MPs, political parties, non-government stakeholders, and government officials, to advance our policy development and advocacy.
• Provide material, ideas and support to the communications team for use in media and communications materials.
• Contribute to key policy themes and topics with organising committees of PHAA run conferences, and attend PHAA conferences to advance our policy work, as required.
• Engage with other PHAA staff to ensure synergies between the policy agenda and wider organisation activities relevant the organisations’ Strategic Plan.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Relevant tertiary qualification(s) and minimum 5 years’ experience in public health and/or public policy roles.
• High-level policy development skills including strategic, conceptual, analytical and creative skills, with the ability to understand and make sound judgments about the political, social,and organisational environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and accurately, prioritising workflow to ensure deadlines are met.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work closely with others, to provide leadership, to support other members of the National Office team and to foster skill development in other staff. 
• Highly developed interpersonal skills including the demonstrated ability to work effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders including volunteer committees, Policy Advisors, government, non-government, community and private sectors and consultants, as well as managing a small team.
• An understanding of prevention and public health policy, particularly in relation to the Australian political context.
• Demonstrated high-level written communication skills, particularly in relation to the development of policy papers and submissions.
• Demonstrated high level oral communication, negotiation and liaison skills and the capacity to work effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• Demonstrated capacity to work within a small team environment to ensure the achievement of key organisational outcomes.
• An understanding of and commitment to the organisation’s principles and goals.

Measurement

The performance of the Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor will be measured against an agreed range of Key Performance Indicators as discussed with the Manager Policy and Advocacy.

Type of Employment

This is a full-time role. Details of contract duration will be determined with the successful applicant.