Project Overview:

Project Structure and Leadership

This role works as part of a cross organisational partnership for a project called RISE which is funded under the Australian Government's Building Women's Careers Program (BWC)

The project team spans multiple key partner organisations, with the National Apprenticeships and Employment Network (NAEN) serving as the lead organisation. Core partners include Bendigo Kangan TAFE and the Australian Workers' Union (AWU). Women's Health in the South East (WHISE) acts as the auspicing entity for WAVE and will serve as the employer for this position.

Building Women's Careers Project Overview

Under NAEN's leadership, the Building Women's Careers project focuses on strengthening the capacity of Group Training Organisations (GTOs) to better support women entering male-dominated industries. Key project deliverables include developing comprehensive gender impact assessments for apprenticeship programs, designing specialized training curricula for GTO staff, and establishing a nationwide Community of Practice dedicated to advancing gender equity within the vocational education and training (VET) sector.

Project Context 

This role will contribute to the RISE project as part of this broader initiative focusing on delivering and driving the "Foundations and Frameworks" part of the project .

Role Purpose:

The Project Coordinator -- Gender Equity (WAVE) -- will represent WAVE's contribution to the partnership and project, leading the implementation of gender transformative practices across the project. The Coordinator will ensure that activities align with best practices in gender equity and intersectional inclusion. The Coordinator will work closely with, NAEN, AWU, Bendigo Kangan TAFE , and other partners to facilitate capacity building for GTOs, contributing to sustainable gender-inclusive changes in policy, practice, and workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities:

Gender Equity Coordination & Capability Building

• Lead the Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) process and support the development of a Gender Equity Action Plan for the project.
• Co-design and deliver gender capability-building programs with Bendigo Kangan Institute (BKI) and project partners.
• Provide expert guidance on intersectional gender equity approaches to project partners.
• Support best-practice advice on responding to gender-based violence, trauma-informed approaches, and workplace equity.

Project Coordination & Leadership

• Lead the gendered analysis of policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with best practices.
• Work collaboratively with industry stakeholders, including GTOs, employers, unions, and government agencies, to integrate gender equity into workforce development.
• Assist and drive the implementation of evaluation and impact frameworks to measure the success of gender inclusion strategies.
• Coordinate meetings, working groups, and Community of Practice sessions to support shared learning and implementation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

• Engage with GTOs, training providers, industry leaders, and policymakers to promote gender-equitable practices.
• Support the national engagement of GTOs, providing assistance on inclusive apprenticeships and training models.
• Work with NAEN, AWU, and MEGT to contribute to gender-equitable policy implementation across the apprenticeship sector.
• Develop resources and tools to support GTOs in applying gender-transformative frameworks to recruitment, retention, and training.

WAVE Organisational Support & Representation

• Serve as WAVE's primary representative within the project partnership, ensuring WAVE's expertise and perspective informs all project activities
• Prepare regular reports and updates for WAVE's executive team and membership on project progress, outcomes, and learning.
• Develop communications materials highlighting WAVE's role and contributions to the project for use in newsletters, social media, and advocacy activities.
• Identify opportunities to leverage project activities to strengthen WAVE's strategic priorities and sector leadership in gender equity.
• Contribute to WAVE's knowledge management by documenting project insights, resources, and best practices for future initiatives.
• Represent WAVE at relevant industry forums, conferences, and government consultations related to the project focus areas.

Key Selection Criteria:

Essential

• Demonstrated experience (3-5 years) in gender equity, diversity, and inclusion work, particularly in workforce development, skills training, or vocational education.
• Strong knowledge of gender transformative practice, intersectionality, and gender equity frameworks in workplace settings.
• Experience in adult education, training, and stakeholder engagement, with a solid understanding of group training and apprenticeships.
• Proven ability to coordinate and lead multi-stakeholder projects, ensuring strategic alignment and effective implementation.
• Analytical skills, with experience in gender impact assessments, policy analysis, and evidence-based practice.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to facilitate training, workshops, and partnerships.
• Understanding of workplace policies, industrial relations, and regulatory frameworks related to gender equity and workplace safety.
• Experience in evaluation, monitoring, and impact measurement for gender and workforce development programs.

Desirable

• Experience working with Group Training Organisations (GTOs), apprenticeships, or trade industries.
• Background in policy advocacy or working with unions, government bodies, or educational institutions.
• Familiarity with OHS legislation and positive duty obligations related to gender equity.
• Relevant qualifications in gender studies, social sciences, vocational education, industrial relations, or public policy.

Employment Conditions: About WHISE: The Employer

Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) has formed an auspice arrangement with WAVE to support delivery of the project and the activities that WAVE will lead. WHISE is one of 12 Women’s Health Services across Victoria, has been working in South East Melbourne for over 30 years and our core funding is from the Department of Health in Victoria. Find out more about WHISE via our website www.whise.org.au.

Our work is evidence based, and mission focused – we work to improve the lives of women. We want our staff to feel that they are engaged with their role and that through their work they are part of a broader network of organisations and people, working to create gender equity for all women.  

As part of working for WHISE for this role, we offer:

• A values based, flexible, hybrid work environment.  
• Competitive remuneration – Level 6, Paypoint 1 under SCHADS award
• Three gifted leave days
• Access to Employer Assistance Program
• Salary Packaging Arrangements

How to apply:

Please apply through the recruitment platform link provided providing your most recent CV with relevant information about your experience and skills that are related to the role.
Please also send us a cover letter that describes how your experience can make a difference for this role and project - it really makes a difference to how we can get to know you.

Please note: We’re keen to find the right person for this role and will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Don’t wait—apply early, as we may close applications before the advertised deadline.