• Full time, ongoing position
• Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 plus superannuation
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the role

As the Senior Policy and Projects Officer within Barring-ga Balert, you will support evidence-based strategic advocacy that places First Peoples client experiences and outcomes at the centre of our work. You will contribute to and draft policy submissions and briefs, conduct research and analysis, oversee internal projects, act as a representative in stakeholder meetings and build constructive relationships within VLA and externally, to achieve strategic advocacy objectives.

You will work collaboratively with senior management, internal directorates and practice areas, and First Peoples programs to contribute to positive change to First Peoples experiences within the justice system. 

NOTE: This is a special measures role and only First Peoples are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Non-First Peoples applicants will not be considered. 

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country. 

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Lived experience working with Victoria's First Peoples, including an understanding of First Peoples cultures, cultural protocols and self-determination, building respectful partnerships and improving outcomes for First Peoples. 
• Knowledge and experience undertaking strategic advocacy, contributing to policy submissions, project implementation, and an understanding of the role of advocacy in effecting best practice and culturally safe systemic change.
• Highly developed interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, and a demonstrated ability to influence and negotiate with people from all levels and develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to produce clear and well researched reports, briefs and advice, and, to lead projects.
• Excellent organisational skills, the ability to work independently and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• A knowledge of the general business of VLA and a commitment to our vision and values. 

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.

About VLA

We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems. 

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve. 

Employee benefits

• A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model 
• Generous leave benefits, including:
  • Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)
  • Paid gender affirmation leave
  • Five days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year
• Annual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentives
• Attractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated Leasing
• Discounted annual Myki public transport passes 
• Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Access to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.

How to apply

To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter explaining how your experience aligns with the expectations of the role. 

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team using the subject line: Senior Policy and Project Officer (Identified) enquiry via EthicalJobs.  

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Jenna Kramme, Manager, Strategic Advocacy and Policy on 03 9269 0493 or for general queries  [email protected].

No agency applications will be accepted. 

Other relevant information

It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community. 

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.