This role leads the Women with Disabilities ACT (WWDACT)'s policy, research and systemic advocacy work in line with the WWDACT Strategic Plan and to ensure the experiences of women, non-binary and gender diverse people with disabilities inform policy reform, systems change and government decision-making within the ACT. 

• Ongoing Part Time: 30 hours per week, Level 6.1 - Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Award 2010 ($58.37 per hour)
• Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
• Direct Reports: Policy and Project Officer
• Based at Women with Disabilities ACT (Pearce Community Centre, Pearce ACT 2617) with flexible work from home available

THE ORGANISATION

Women With Disabilities ACT (WWDACT) is a systemic advocacy and peer support organisation for women, girls, non-binary and gender diverse people with disabilities in the ACT and region. WWDACT follows a human rights philosophy, based on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). WWDACT is a Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO), governed by women, non-binary and gender diverse people with disabilities, and its proposals and recommendations to government are consistent with Article 4(3), and Article 29 of CRPD.

The Position

The Senior Policy Officer is a senior leadership position responsible for advancing WWDACT's policy, research and systemic advocacy agenda. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the role provides strategic leadership to influence ACT and national policy, legislation and service systems that affect women, non-binary and gender diverse people with disabilities.

Working closely with WWDACT members, the CEO, government representatives and community stakeholders, the Senior Policy Officer ensures the voices and priorities of women, non-binary and gender diverse people with disabilities are central to policy development, service design and systems reform within the ACT. 

The role leads the identification of emerging policy issues, the development of evidence-based policy positions, and the coordination of submissions, consultation processes and advocacy campaigns. You will be required to represent WWDACT at roundtables, community forums and stakeholder engagements. Additionally, you will work to reflect community experiences (through co-design and information gathering from WWDACT members) and to build the capacity of the WWDACT community to advocate for their rights and be included in policy processes through the WWDACT’s lived experience Policy Advisory Committee (PAC). 

 A strong understanding of, and the ability to advocate on policy issues concerning women, non-binary and gender diverse people with disabilities through human rights, disability justice and intersectional framework is mandatory to the success of this role. 

WWDACT's policy and advocacy work has a particular focus on:

• Violence prevention, response and recovery 
• Access to healthcare 
• Sexual and reproductive health 
• Parenting, family life and support
• Disability reform and service systems 

WWDACT’s Policy Advisory Committee 

WWDACT's Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) consists of six women, non-binary and gender diverse people with disabilities who provide lived experience expertise directly to the WWDACT policy team, to help shape WWDACT's policy and advocacy initiatives. 

The PAC meets monthly via Zoom and contributes to:

• Policy reports, submissions and consultation responses
• Engagement with government and key stakeholders
• WWDACT's advocacy priorities and campaigns

The Senior Policy Officer will be responsible for the coordination and support of the PAC, ensuring that it’s work is aligned with WWDACT’s policy priorities under the WWDACT Strategic Plan. 

A full list of Duties are listed in the position description attached.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Demonstrated knowledge of disability frameworks and principles, including the social, human rights and disability justice models of disability and co-design approaches. Understanding of gendered violence, intersectional discrimination, and the social, economic, cultural and structural factors that impact the rights, safety and wellbeing of women, non-binary and gender diverse people with disabilities.
• Demonstrated understanding of public policy and legislative processes, with knowledge of the ACT legislative and policy landscape, including the role of government, statutory bodies and community stakeholders in policy development, implementation and advocacy. Experience analysing legislation, policy reforms and government initiatives and assessing their impact will be highly regarded.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills and research skills, including the ability to gather, analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources, identify emerging issues and trends, and produce evidence-based reports, briefings, submissions and recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication styles to diverse audiences and contexts. Capacity to produce accessible, plain-language information for community members, as well as high-quality formal writing for policy, advocacy and submission processes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, work flexibly, meet deadlines and perform effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Experience leading teams and fostering collaboration within a dynamic, values-driven team environment.

Desirable

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in social policy and/or prior experience in a policy/advocacy role is desirable but not essential. 
• Experience with project management would be desirable, but not essential 
• Knowledge of the current ACT or Federal disability reform landscape including government initiatives such as the ACT Disability Strategy, National Disability Insurance Scheme, Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability etc. desirable but not essential.
• Confidence facilitating community activities, consultations and discussions.
• Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis, survey development, and data collection and management. 

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

• Hold a current ACT Working with Vulnerable People Clearance or be willing to obtain one.
• Have all relevant and up to date COVID-19 vaccinations, or be willing to obtain. 
• Be willing to occasionally work outside standard business hours, including evenings or weekends, to attend key community or stakeholder events.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Opportunity to work in a disability accessible, feminist organisation with a small team of people who are committed to improving the lives of women, non-binary and gender diverse people with disabilities.
• Flexible work hours and flexible work from home arrangements.
• Salary packaging and fringe benefits in line with charity sector provisions.
• Professional development and training opportunities to support your growth and career progression.

NEXT STEPS

To apply, please submit a CV and Cover Letter outlining why you think you’d be the best fit for the role. We welcome applications from people with diverse lived and work experience and encourage you to apply even if you don’t fit all the requirements of the role.

Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For any questions, please email the CEO, Kat Reed, at [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Policy Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

We welcome applications from people with diverse lived and work experience and encourage you to apply even if you don’t fit all the requirements of the role.

Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

A position description is attached.