Senior Policy & Advocacy Officer – Flexible Location

• Full time, Permanent Role based in NSW, QLD, NT, or VIC
• Flexible work from home arrangements available, no mandated days in the office!
• Do you want to do work that really matters? Help us end avoidable blindness.

ABOUT THE FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION

The Foundation is an international development organisation working to prevent blindness and restore sight.  We continue to carry on the legacy of Professor Fred Hollows, who believed every person had the right to quality eye care, no matter where they live. Over 30 years The Foundation has grown to work in more than 25 countries throughout Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific, as well as in Australia. We have an ambitious five-year strategic plan that aims to take us even closer to realising our vision of a world in which no person is needlessly blind, or vision impaired and Indigenous Australians exercise their right to sight and good health.

The Foundation is also proud to announce that we were awarded the Employer of Choice Award (Public Sector and NFP) at the 2022 Australian HR Awards.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor is accountable for delivering high level advocacy and policy initiatives in alignment with the IAP Principles, IAP Country Strategy, Team Charter, The Foundation’s Social Justice approach, and Foundations Strategic Framework.

ABOUT YOU

You will have strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to translate creative ideas into practical solutions and options. Furthermore, you will have excellent relationship management skills, with the capacity to contribute to a strong policy evidence base through critical analysis. Finally, you will have project management skills and ability to be flexible with changing priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the implementation of the IAP Advocacy Strategy and take ownership of the deliverables.
• Undertake research and policy analysis on current and emerging policy areas related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
• Prepare high quality written materials including briefings, discussion papers and policy positions to inform the IAP and the Foundation’s approaches to advocacy and influencing.
• Support the IAP to implement jurisdiction and national eye health sector advocacy initiatives.
• Work with the IAP and our partners to translate program evidence, learning and research into policy positions.
• Contribute to development of organisation and sector submissions to government in consultation with Government Relations and other inquiries as applicable.
• Undertake advocacy at National and State/Territory forums to influence policy and practice change, including direct advocacy to Government, in line with the National Workforce Plan and National Eye Health Plan.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of quality project plans to ensure effective translation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy goals into actionable strategies and plans.
• Work closely with The Foundation’s Social Justice and Regional Engagement team to support The Foundation’s commitment to social justice.
• Actively engage with key stakeholders in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector and seek input and advice to enable advocacy activities and/or explore new partnerships that reflect community aspirations.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED

• Open to interstate travel, as often as once a month.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and a working knowledge of the diverse circumstances and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Demonstrated understanding of health issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• High level experience in areas of research, policy analysis and policy development
• High level experience of writing in various formats for internal and external audiences
• Knowledge or ability to acquire knowledge of national public policy across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and eye health.
• Understanding of advocacy and communication approaches
• Experience actively participating in multidisciplinary committees and working groups to achieve shared goals.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating abstract goals and targets.
• Existing networks across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities or the confident ability to network and establish relationships.

How we recognise your contribution

Through our internal programs and employee benefits we aim to create an environment where you will feel supported and empowered.  Whether your focus is on continuous learning, professional development or finding an environment which enables you to thrive while balancing family or personal commitments, we have a range of programs in place to support you. Including:

• Generous salary packaging – we provide access to not-for-profit salary packaging options, which will increase your take home pay, we also offer 17.5% annual leave loading.
• Flexible work environment – we focus on output, not hours and enable you to prioritise your health and wellbeing.
• Generous leave allowances – we offer Paid parental leave; 5 days bonus leave every year; an annual Foundation-wide “Me Day”, birthday leave; and time off for culturally significant/ceremonial leave.
• Ongoing commitment to your continuous learning and career development – through tailored leadership and professional development programs, access to LinkedIn Learning and focused development conversations.

To find out more about our benefits click here.

APPLICATIONS

Please apply directly via the “Apply Now” Button, please include a CV and Cover Letter.

Should you have any questions regarding the opportunity please reach out to our Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Policy & Advocacy Officer – Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs, for a confidential conversation. Kindly note that CVs will not be considered through this email address.

A position description is attached.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to protecting the rights of children and community partners in all areas where we work. Applicants are advised that The Foundation reserves the right to conduct police checks and other screening procedures to ensure we maintain and promote a child safe environment.

Please note: We will not be accepting CV’s via agencies for this role.