Overview

Working collaboratively across the organisation, the Policy, Research and Advocacy Officer plays a key role in supporting the Senior Policy, Research & Advocacy Officer to initiate high quality research and to assist with preparing policy submissions & initiatives, focusing on police accountability, and prevention of and accountability for deaths in custody. This is done in the context of developing and promoting VALS as a strong voice for the Aboriginal communities we serve. The successful candidate will demonstrate policy, analytical and communication skills, coupled with an ability to influence stakeholders (government and non-government).

Key Performance Indicators, Duties & Responsibility

Strategy and Planning

• Develop VALS policy, research and advocacy agenda in line with the strategic and operational plan and work with relevant colleagues across the organisation to achieve our strategic objectives
• Measure impact and review progress with advocacy strategies and plans and ensure ongoing development of these in response to changes in the external environment
• Identify and respond to emerging opportunities to influence law and policy

Policy and Research

• Research, write and prepare position papers, reports and submissions as relevant, which will contribute to implementation of VALS Policy, Research and Advocacy strategy
• Provide support and advice to the CEO and other members of the Executive Team to fulfil their role in representing VALS at conferences, working groups and forums
• Support the Senior Policy, Research and Advocacy Officer to represent VALS on relevant working groups and forums as required
• Work closely with the Senior Policy, Research and Advocacy Officer and the Communications Officer to achieve VALS policy, research and advocacy priorities through public advocacy
• Work with the Senior Policy, Research & Advocacy Officer to translate the concerns of clients and the Aboriginal communities into specific campaigns, policy and advocacy materials
• Provide support to develop and implement research projects being run by VALS.
• Lead some policy initiatives and submissions in relation to relevant experience.

• Work in partnership with the Senior Policy Officer and heads of service provision to endorse implementation of the policy and advocacy initiatives.

Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including ACCOs, NATSILS and ATSILS, research institutions, government and community legal organisations
• Collaborate with relevant internal stakeholders to deliver policy and advocacy initiatives in partnerships with external organisations and the broader community
• Work with the Senior Policy, Research and Advocacy Officer to build the organisation’s profile through the establishment and maintenance of research partnerships with external organisations and the broader community.

Internal Obligations

• Commitment to VALS’s strategic plan
• Attend and actively contribute at team and working group meetings
• Foster collaborative working relationships with colleagues across VALS
• Undertake other duties & responsibilities within the scope of the role as directed
• Perform other relevant duties as requested by the Senior Policy, Research & Advocacy Officer

More information can be found via www.vals.org.au/careers/.

A position description is attached.