This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

VACCHO is the peak representative for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people in Victoria and champions community control and health equality for Aboriginal communities. We are a centre of expertise, policy advice, training, innovation and leadership in Aboriginal health and wellbeing. VACCHO advocates for the health equality and optimum health of all Aboriginal people in Victoria.

Our Policy and Research Unit at VACCHO is looking for a Senior Policy Officer to join our team. The Senior Policy Officer will be working in a cooperative environment, promoting collaboration across teams, while producing effective evidence- based advocacy positions to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people in Victoria.

Some key responsibilities of this role include:

• Interpreting policy frameworks and provide strategic advice to VACCHO and key stakeholders and members
• Contribution to the development of briefings, position papers, media releases, and reports to support the work of VACCHO
• Providing secretariat support to stakeholders where appropriate and multi-skill across the team to share the workload
• Participate in and support interactive and consultive processes with appropriate government and non-government agencies
• Undertake advocacy on behalf of VACCHO’s goals, strategies and priorities with government, civil society organisations and partner organisations

To be successful, you will need:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a health and/or social policy role
• Excellent writing skills including experience in preparing policy position papers and submissions in response to government strategies and proposed policy changes
• Proven experience in advocacy and influencing systematic change
• High level of research and critical analysis skills of policy and legislative frameworks
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent organisational skills

Compliance with VACCHO Standards

• VACCHO is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait to apply for all positions advertised (Equal Opportunity Act 2010)
• Everyone is welcome at VACCHO and candidates regardless of age, cultural background, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religious affiliation are encouraged to apply.
• VACCHO requires all employees to comply with all work health and safety rules, regulations and relevant Codes of Practice (Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004)
• VACCHO requires employees to participate in and promote our quality control, risk management, safety and compliance systems. This includes participating in the development and application of VACCHO’s policies and procedures, as well as the identification, reporting and management of risks.
• VACCHO requires employees to adhere to a Code of Conduct, including commitment to confidentiality and conflict of interest declarations

Other Employment Related Information

• A National Police Records Check is required as a condition of employment.
• A current Working with Children Check is required
• A Victorian Drivers Licence is required. The position will require travel throughout the state of Victoria and occasional interstate travel.
• VACCHO is a Smoke-Free workplace

A position description is attached.