THE POSITION

Senator Whish-Wilson is seeking a Policy Research Officer to join his small, highly collaborative team. Senator Whish-Wilson maintains portfolio responsibility for Healthy Oceans, Waste & Recycling and Agriculture for the Australian Greens.

The Policy Research Officer will monitor and research the senator’s portfolio areas and Tasmanian issues and produce briefs for the Senator and staff team. The role will develop processes and deliver research for Senate Estimates and parliamentary sitting weeks, working with Policy and Parliamentary Adviser. This role will also develop the Australian Greens policy platform for the office. The successful applicant will be passionate about working on the most pressing political issues of our time to further the work of the Greens movement.

Reporting to the Policy and Parliamentary Adviser, the position will be part of the Launceston Electorate Office team.

This position will involve irregular hours and occasion interstate travel.

PAY AND CONDITIONS

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020 - 2023. The salary is supplemented by an Electorate Staff Allowance (ESA) in recognition of the irregular hours and other special features of this position. In addition to the salary, employer-sponsored superannuation of 15.4% is offered.

The position is offered at an Electorate Officer A classification ($58,846.00 - $73,098.00 per annum) with an additional Electorate Staff Allowance of $12,907.00 per annum for a total per annum salary range of $70,753.00 - $86,005.00.

A probationary period of 3 months, with the option of extending by a maximum of two months, will apply.
All employees are expected to sign confidentiality and code of conduct agreements.

This is an ongoing position, but please note that all positions in the Senator’s office are open to restructure following an election.

The Greens are an equal opportunity employer. We know that strength comes with diversity, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as well as people of colour, people with a disability, and those of any religion or gender identity to apply. Even if you feel you do not possess all the required skills or experience for the role you’re interested in, we’d encourage you to apply and provide us with information on your other relevant or aligned skills.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research and monitor portfolio areas and Tasmanian issues
• Suggest new areas of research, generate ideas and provide advice for development within portfolio areas
• Deliver Australian Greens policy platform for the office
• Work with the team to deliver research and frequent information requests, both internally and for other Greens offices and media.
• Develop processes and deliver research for Senate Estimates and parliamentary sitting weeks, working with Parliamentary Adviser.
• Proactively pitch ideas for policy development in line with the office’s campaign goals.
• Assist the team with the organisation of meetings and events as required.
• Provide advice and input for policy development within the office.
• Assist with functions of the Senator’s Electorate Office, including constituent correspondence and liaison.
• Other duties as required.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Exceptional interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with a wide cross section of individuals and organisations.
• Excellent organisational skills, including demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated experience in research and issue brief development.
• Capacity to comprehend complex issues, think strategically and adapt to changing circumstances, and demonstrated sound political judgement.
• Ability to work as part of a team, under time constraints and strict deadlines, with a minimum of supervision.
• Excellent computer skills in word processing, database packages and internet and email programs.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of Australian Greens’ policies and major issues.
• An ability to work irregular hours and to travel within Tasmania and interstate as required.
• Driver license is desirable.

NEXT STEPS

Please click 'Apply Now' to submit your application by the closing date.

If you have questions regarding the role, please call our Electorate Office on 03 6331 0033.

A position description is attached.