Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager

• Seeking a Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager
• Full time, Permanent

Who we are

The Continence Foundation of Australia (the Foundation) is a not-for-profit organisation and the national peak body for incontinence prevention, management, education, awareness, information and advocacy. The Foundation’s vision is ‘an Australian community free of the stigma and restrictions of all aspects of incontinence across the lifespan’.

This opportunity

We are looking for a Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager to oversee the team responsible for policy analysis, research facilitation, and advocacy.

The role reports to the CEO.

Key responsibilities

The role is responsible for implementing the Foundation’s strategic priorities by leading policy development, influencing agendas, and facilitating research. The manager will also represent the Foundation’s policy positions to key stakeholders, including Australian government health agencies. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and draft submissions, reports, briefing notes, presentations and policy statements in response to government and other stakeholder consultations, inquiries and initiatives.
• Provide policy advice to the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer to develop innovative strategies, submissions and plans to influence government and advocacy stakeholders.
• Identify emerging and potential policy issues and priorities, and undertake stakeholder consultations, support stakeholder engagement, scope and develop policy issues papers and provide high level advice to the Chief Executive Officer, staff and the Foundations Board on policy development and direction.
• Lead and coordinate research initiatives (in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer), ensuring alignment with the organisation’s strategic goals. Oversee the design, implementation, and dissemination of research projects, and foster collaborations with external partners to advance the organisation’s research agenda. Ensure that all research activities adhere to ethical standards and contribute to evidence-based policy development and advocacy efforts.
• Lead the development and execution of advocacy strategies to advance the Foundations mission, engaging with key stakeholders, policymakers, and government agencies to influence public policy and promote systemic change(s).
• Monitor advances across the primary, acute and community health sectors, including the Australian Government’s Health Reform framework and identify opportunities to increase the profile of continence health and services in Australia. This will also include other human services sectors including disability and aged care.
• Undertake background analysis, research and summaries of public policy for people affected by, or at risk of incontinence.

What we can offer

• Immediate start
• A flexible approach to work
• Salary packaging
• Discounts and offers through Employment Hero

About you

Essential

• A bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, law, social sciences, or a related field would be preferred. A master’s degree or higher would be advantageous. Relevant clinical/health science experience would be considered.
• A demonstratable background in a healthcare organisation undertaking policy development, medical research and advocacy work. A track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• At least three years of experience, including directly working with government policy development and public administration.
• Experience with current political, health and socio-economic trends.
• Experience preparing and presenting policy and project proposals to and/or negotiating with federal and state government representatives.
• Advanced communication and presentation skills.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communications and influencing skills. Ability to operate in politically sensitive environments.
• Experience managing state, territory or federal government projects highly desirable.

For a copy of the position description or to discuss further about this opportunity, please email Kalyani Parkale – [email protected] using the subject line: Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.