about nthe opportunity

An opportunity has become available for two Postgraduate Advocate and Policy Officer’s (PAPOs), to work with the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA). SUPRA provides casework advice, advocacy and representation to postgraduate students on a wide range of academic and welfare matters. The position of a PAPO is central to the services that SUPRA provides to postgraduate students at the University of Sydney. We have an opening for a full-time permanent role and a one-year full-time contract.

about you

Applicants for the positions of PAPO must demonstrate that they can provide an effective casework service to postgraduate students and be familiar with a wide range of issues impacting the welfare of postgraduate students. They must also be able to contribute to policy work and assist elected student representatives in their duties, including preparing for committees. Applicants need to demonstrate a commitment to equity and social justice principles.

The successful applicants for these positions will also demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, an ability to effectively work in a team and with culturally and linguistically diverse people. SUPRA is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity, Ethical Practice (including privacy and confidentiality), and Work Health and Safety principles.

You could be the perfect person for the job. Formal education, qualifications and extensive experience matter less to us than excellence, initiative and drive. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the criteria.

ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA / SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Demonstrated ability to provide a casework advice and advocacy service and strong understanding of a wide range of issues relevant to postgraduate students, especially international students.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in a variety of settings, including: in-person, zoom, phone, and email communications with students when providing casework; verbal briefings on casework and policy issues; drafting written material for publications and SUPRA submissions on policy issues; interactions with colleagues, student leaders and University stakeholders.
• Relevant tertiary qualification, field experience or lived experience (e.g. social work, welfare, or legal qualifications) or at least 2 years experience in providing relevant casework services. Hold significant cultural knowledge and experience or lived experience, and have faced barriers to educational pathways.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively provide a service for culturally and linguistically diverse people.
• Demonstrated ability to identify issues arising out of casework and contribute to policy, campaign work and projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and independently with minimum supervision.
• Capacity to interpret university rules and procedures governing postgraduate study.
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of equity and social justice.
• Demonstrated competency with use of computers and programs, including Microsoft Office, email, and use of the Internet.

DESIRABLE SELECTION CRITERIA / SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Experience working in a non-profit community organisations
• Experience working in a University environment

Rate of Pay: $107, 696 per annum (Level 6, Step 1) plus superannuation

Type of Employments:

• 5 day per week permanent role
• 5 day per week, 1 year contract

next steps

To submit your application, click Apply Now.

A position description is attached.

Please apply with a response to the Selection Criteria and a current CV.

Please include at least 2 references. 

Applications MUST be forwarded to the Postgraduate Advocacy Service Coordinator: Hank Whan by the deadline and submitted via the prompts, via the Apply Now link.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send an email to Hank at [email protected], using the subject line: Postgraduate Advocate and Policy Officers x2 - Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association enquiry via EthicalJobs.