Policy and Parliamentary Adviser

Applications are invited for the full-time ongoing position of Policy and Parliamentary Adviser in the Office of Dr Helen Haines MP, based in the either the Member’s Parliament House office in Canberra or one of the Electorate Offices in Wangaratta, VIC or Wodonga, VIC. If the successful applicant is based in Canberra, the role will require regular travel to the Indi electorate during non-sitting weeks, and if the role is based in the electorate, it will require travel to Canberra during sitting weeks.

**Position Overview**

In her third term as the Independent Federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines is recognised as a leading voice for integrity in politics, for meaningful action on climate change and for regional Australia, including access to housing, healthcare and other services.

As a senior member of a passionate and ambitious team, the Policy and Parliamentary Adviser will help shape and lead the Member’s parliamentary agenda in the 48th Parliament, working as part of a collaborative close-knit team to achieve outcomes for the people of Indi. The successful applicant will manage all aspects of Helen Haines MP's parliamentary business, including advice on upcoming legislation, key policy issues and parliamentary procedure.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated mid-career policy specialist or lawyer with a passion for public policy and Australia’s parliament. This role will deliver the MP’s policy platform in a parliamentary context, including developing private member’s bills, amendments to legislation and using parliamentary tools as part of wider advocacy efforts.

The successful applicant will have a passion for the future of Indi and regional Australia, and an appreciation of the role of independent politicians and community-driven grassroots democracy. This role requires a high degree of initiative, loyalty and flexibility, with occasional irregular work hours, particularly during parliamentary sitting weeks.

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

- Manage the MP’s Parliamentary business, including analysis and advice on upcoming legislation and parliamentary procedure.
- Deliver the MP’s policy platform in the national parliamentary context, including carrying out strategic advocacy and parliamentary opportunities on priority issues such as integrity and climate change.
- Monitor political developments, policy debates, and relevant research to develop policy positions on existing and upcoming legislation and advise the MP on emerging issues.
- Coordinate the MP’s involvement and contributions to Parliamentary committees, inquiries and estimates and other events. Prepare policy statements, speeches, motions, private members bills and amendments, policy and meeting briefings, submissions and correspondence.
- Contribute to media statements, responses and social media on policy-intensive and complex issues.
- Provide coordination and leadership to the Policy and Grants Officer and Policy Projects Officer in achieving the MP’s overall policy goals.
- Provide advice to constituent officers on policy issues.
- Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, attend meetings and conduct negotiations with government, shadow ministerial offices and staff, crossbench staff and other stakeholders.
- Regular interstate and Canberra travel may be required for this role, with occasional irregular work hours, particularly during parliamentary sitting weeks.
- As a key member of the team, role model respectful behaviour and promote a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
- Other duties as lawfully directed by the chief of Staff to support the Parliamentarian and the effective operation of the Electorate Office.

**The ideal applicant should possess the following skills, qualifications and experience**:

- A tertiary qualification in law is essential.
- A proven track record in advising a Member of Parliament on legislation will be looked on favourably.
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field, such as economics, social sciences, public policy or politics will be looked on favourably.
- Experience in working with legislation, law reform, consultancy, policy or advising a Member of Parliament on legislation.
- Comprehensive understanding of the Australian political system, parliamentary processes and current political issues.
- High level leadership skills with demonstrated ability to take initiative, managing competing demands within limited timeframes, thinking both strategically and tactically to achieve the ideal outcome.
- Attention to detail with highly developed research, analysis, verbal and written communication skills.
- Positive, proactive approach with the ability to be flexible and solution-focused in changing and stressful circumstances.
- Outstanding time management, administration, prioritisation and organisational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain diverse relationships with stakeholders to produce ‘win-win’ outcom