ABOUT US

The Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC) is a non-government, not-for-profit, charitable organisation that supports women, gender diverse people, and children who are impacted by homelessness and/or domestic violence. We advocate for social change and work collaboratively to build a community free from gender-based violence.

THE ROLE

This is a targeted role for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

This short-term contract role provides specialist policy writing, analysis and review to strengthen the quality, clarity and safety of WAGEC’s policies and procedures, with a particular focus on medium to high-risk documents ensuring alignment with culturally responsive practice, including appropriate First Nations voice.

This work is identified as a core focus for our organisation in the lead up to ASES accreditation (by February 2027) and our on-going First Nations Cultural Responsiveness strategy.

The Policy Officer reports to Quality Manager and contributes to safe, compliant practice and positive client outcomes through clear, accessible and evidence‑based policy content. This role involves partnership with subject matter expertise across the organisation to develop suitable content, and the Quality Coordinator, who retains responsibility for document system administration and compliance.

The core responsibilities of the role are:

1. Policy Review, Development and Specialist Advice
2. Cultural Responsiveness in Documentation
3. Implementation Support and Change Enablement
4. WAGEC Culture and Professional Practice

Please download the attached full position description for more details.

IS THIS YOU?

Are you someone who believes that clear, thoughtful policy can strengthen services and improve outcomes for women, children and communities?

• Do you enjoy turning complex legislation, standards and evidence into practical, accessible guidance that supports frontline work?
• Have you worked in, or alongside, sectors like domestic and family violence, homelessness, health or community services, and understand the realities of practice?
• Do you bring a strong commitment to cultural safety and culturally responsive practice, and approach your work with care, respect and curiosity?
• Are you someone who takes pride in writing and editing high-quality documents, with a strong eye for clarity and detail?
• Can you manage competing priorities and deliver thoughtful, high-quality work within timeframes, especially in a time-limited role?
• Do you collaborate well with others while also feeling confident working independently, holding sensitive information with integrity and care?

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

TO APPLY

Please read the position description at the bottom of this page and check out our range of services at wagec.org.au.

Upload your resume by clicking "Apply For Job". A cover letter or video that briefly tells us why you'd be great for this role and what you can offer us is greatly appreciated. We will be reviewing applications as they come.

If you have any questions or if you would like assistance in applying, please contact the People and Culture team via [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Policy Officer (First Nations Targeted) enquiry via EthicalJobs, or call Steph on 0411 213 188.

WAGEC is a child-safe organisation, committed to the safety, well-being, and empowerment of all children who we engage with in our services and community. We have a whole organisation approach to upholding children's rights and striving to prevent all forms of harm, abuse and neglect for children and young people.

WHY WORK WITH US?

At WAGEC we are committed to caring for our people so that they excel in the work they do. Our additional staff benefits include:

• Diversity Council of Australia - Inclusive Employer Award
• Wellbeing Policy including 2 days of paid well-being leave each year
• Cultural Supervision, Wellbeing and Ceremonial Leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers
• Cultural Acknowledgement Payment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers
• 12 weeks Paid Parental/Adoption Leave Policy
• $500 self-care allowance each year
• Salary Packaging options
• EAP: Free access to Sonder - a revolutionary employee care platform for health, medical, safety and wellbeing support
• Flexible Workplace Arrangements
• External monthly clinical supervision (frontline workers)
• Professional development and training opportunities
• 5 days additional Professional Development leave per year
• Discounts to various local shops, gyms and businesses, including 30% off all WAGEC merchandise.