ROLE PURPOSE  

Too many Victorians lack the essentials for a safe and healthy life. At the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS), we exist to change that. For over 70 years, we’ve driven systemic reform, amplified voices for change, and worked to achieve our vision of a Victoria free from poverty and disadvantage. As the peak body for Victoria’s social and community sector, VCOSS activates collective power and influences change to achieve social and economic justice for current and future generations.

Working closely with the Director of Policy and Advocacy, the Principal Policy Advisor is a pivotal senior role in VCOSS’s policy development and advocacy team. With a strong focus on staff and project management as well as stakeholder relations, the Policy and Advocacy Manager will lead a small team of policy advisory staff to generate high-quality policy and advocacy outputs – including policy analysis, submissions, research reports, advocacy plans/strategies and campaign content – to strengthen VCOSS’ influence and capacity to achieve positive social change.  

As a member of the VCOSS management team, the Principal Policy Advisor will have responsibility for delivering a range of strategic initiatives to support VCOSS’ policy and advocacy objectives, as well as embedding a culture of continuous improvement and professional development of their team. The position will act as a key VCOSS contact for government, VCOSS members and other stakeholders. 

While the Principal Policy Advisor has responsibility for a broad range of policy areas relevant to

VCOSS work, the focus of the role’s portfolio is currently Economic Justice and Sustainability.  

DETAILS

• Team: Policy and Advocacy
• Classification: 0.8 FTE (negotiable)
• Status: Ongoing 
• Salary Level 6.1 – 6.6 (FTE $112 864 – $134 036)
• Reports to; Director of Policy and Advocacy
• Located Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne.
• (VCOSS staff are currently working to a hybrid home-office model.) 

KEY TASKS

1. Lead and manage the delivery of projects across a range of policy issues with a focus on issues of Economic Justice and Sustainability, working collaboratively with the Director of Policy and Advocacy to: 
   • Conduct compelling and respectful policy research using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods including surveys, interviews, desktop reviews and data analysis. 
   • Deliver timely, high-quality policy research, submissions, reports, briefings and advice.
   • Produce engaging policy and advocacy events such as ‘deep dive’ collaborative forums, conferences and launches, as well as other knowledge-generation activities.
   • Manage the participation of project collaborators and contributors, including community organisations, academics, and people with lived and living experience of poverty, disadvantage or systemic marginalisation.
   • Manage project budgets, funding requirements and compliance obligations.
   • Align policy and advocacy outputs to VCOSS’s strategic goals and priorities, engagement strategies and campaign focus as required.
2. Lead, manage and champion internal and external collaboration to maximise the impact of VCOSS’ policy and advocacy work, including by:
   • Working with VCOSS staff, members and other stakeholders to identify emerging policy issues and leverage insights and expertise of community leaders, project collaborators and people with lived and living experience of poverty or disadvantage.
   • Working collaboratively with other VCOSS teams to ensure policy and advocacy planning and outputs are supported by evidence and research, and that practices are reflective of VCOSS’ strategic priorities and values.
   • Contributing to a VCOSS management team that embeds a growth mindset across the organisation, ensures equity and respect, champions continuous improvement and is committed to staff professional development and wellbeing.
   • Pursuing external opportunities for new and/or strengthened partnerships to advance VCOSS’ policy and advocacy objectives.  
3. Work with the Director Policy and Advocacy to scope new initiatives for VCOSS in relation to policy and advocacy work, including development of concept or project plans, funding proposals, budgets and liaison with partners. 
4. Manage a staff team of Policy Advisors, with a focus on learning and development, team management, strategic planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL).
5. Manage effective consultation and engagement processes with government, VCOSS members and other stakeholders, including through networks and forums, working collaboratively to develop and implement strategic social change campaigns.
6. Other duties as required.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA 

1. At least five years’ experience working in policy roles in the social and community services sector, government, a union, professional or peak body, think tank, TAFE or university, or similar setting, with a focus on Economic Justice and Sustainability policy areas such as poverty, energy/water equity, disaster resilience, climate justice and wellbeing economics.
2. Extensive experience in policy advocacy work, including the provision of strategic advice, complex policy development, community engagement skills, working with diverse populations and stakeholders.
3. Ability to lead and inspire others, with demonstrated experience in staff management, program design, strategic planning, and managing high-performing collaborative teams. 
4. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, utilising advanced prioritisation, budget and time management skills with a focus on project delivery. 
5. Exceptional interpersonal and diplomacy skills, with demonstrated ability to develop meaningful relationships and rapport with a range of stakeholders including government, peak bodies, unions and business advocates. 
6. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including ability to manage a team to deliver timely and high quality written briefings, reports, policy submissions and other policy outputs including events.
7. Highly developed conceptual, analytical, research and evaluation skills, and demonstrated capacity to provide timely, authoritative and strategic advice and manage competing demands. 
8. Understanding and a commitment to the objectives and values of VCOSS, and a capacity to represent VCOSS views as required.
9. Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent.

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Director, Policy and Advocacy 

Supervises: Internal team as delegated by the Director, Policy and Advocacy 

Currently includes

• Policy Advisor (Energy and Cost of Living)
• Policy Advisor (Disaster Resilience)
• Policy Advisor (Climate Change)  
• Project Coordinator (Energy/Health Hardship Nexus)

Nb: The stream will also encompass Tax/Revenue, Wellbeing Economics and Wealth Transfer.

Please contact Erin Treloar for more information on 0439 440 985 or [email protected] using the subject line: Principal Policy Advisor - Economic Justice and Sustainability enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.