Adviser (Advn) - Senator James Paterson

Applications are invited for the full-time ongoing position of Adviser in the Office of Senator James Paterson, based in the Senator’s electorate office in South Melbourne, VIC or Australian Parliament House in Canberra, ACT.

The key responsibility of the role is to act as the Principal Adviser to the Senator on all policy, parliamentary and political matters, particularly in relation to his Shadow Ministerial responsibilities. Your work in this role will help to develop the Coalition's key national security policies to make Australia more safe and secure.

**The duties of the position are, but are not limited to**:

- Providing timely and considered advice on complex policy and political issues
- Preparing briefing materials or reports on policy or legislative issues
- Proactively working to identify and develop potential policy initiatives as well as identifying emerging challenges or risks across the shadow portfolio areas
- Providing advice on and coordinating parliamentary matters, including Question Time, Senate Estimates preparation and drafting of legislative or Senate procedural materials
- Develop and maintain effective stakeholder relationships to help identify issues or trends within the shadow portfolio areas
- Liaise closely with the Opposition Leader’s Office and other relevant Shadow Ministerial Offices on sensitive policy or political issues
- Advise the Senator in his role as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Foreign Interference Through Social Media
- Assist the Senator as a member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security
- Contribute to strategic communications and media advice when necessary
- Interstate travel may be required as directed by the Senator
- Use your professional networks, contacts and wide-ranging reading to keep the Senator abreast of global and national security events and policy developments
- Other duties as directed
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to shape and influence outcomes
- A demonstrated ability to build productive and trusted professional relationships with a range of stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience in providing advice or drafting analysis of national security related policy, legislative or political matters in government, academic or private sector settings
- The ability to think strategically and manage competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment
- Strong alignment with the Senator’s worldview, especially on strategic issues
- Professional national security experience and academic qualifications would be highly regarded
- Prior professional political experience is welcome but not essential, however familiarity with and interest in political and government administrative processes is an advantage
- A firm understanding of Australia’s geopolitical environment, global and national security trends

**Employment conditions**:
The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-23which include:

- A commencing salary between $98,739 and $139,203 will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills
- An additional Personal Staff Allowance of $30,779 is payable in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work
- An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable

Applications should include a CV with the names of two referees and a covering letter of no more than one page that addresses your suitability for the role.

Applications close on **Friday 27 January 2023.**

For further information please contact Susan Benness on (03) 9690 220

**Salary**: $98,739.00 - $139,203.00 per year

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

- South Melbourne, VIC: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (required)

Work Location: One location

Application Deadline: 27/01/2023