Policy Officer

About NATSIAACC:

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council ('NATSIAACC') is the National Peak body representing both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Providers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People and their respective Communities. NATSIAACC works with our Member's across Australia to ensure Elders and Older People are able to access support and care that is culturally safe, trauma aware and healing informed, and recognises the importance of their personal connections to community and Country and/or Island Home.

Our Members are ageing and aged care providers, and organisations with an interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led care that support NATSIAACC's objectives. NATSIAACC provides our Members with support and guidance about the issues that our Community face and to learn from the wisdom and experience of Elders and Older People.

About the role:

As the Policy Officer, you will be directly reporting to the Director of Operations and will be responsible for playing a role in the influence of government policy regarding aged care by performing research, undertaking stakeholder engagement, and providing advice in developing and implementing reforms that will benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People and Providers of ageing and aged care services.

Key Accountabilities:

• Support the provision of policy, strategy and advocacy via the development and preparation of:

• Policy submissions and documentation.

• Guidance materials.
• Briefing documents on policy issues.
• Written interpretations of legislation, policies and procedures.
• Responses to enquiries into operation policy.
• Conduct research to develop and inform policy issues and direction.
• Perform analysis of publicly available sector data.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government and non-government who have an interest in ageing and aged care policy, gaining their support for the organisation's advocacy.
• Design and implement consultation and engagement activities to ensure that NATSIAACC policy and advocacy initiatives are informed by the experience and expertise of NATSIAACC Members, the social service sector more broadly, and people with lived experience.
• Work collaboratively with employees and the organisation's Members to identify priorities for the organisations advocacy and grow the organisation's influence.
• Monitor key sector reforms and emerging sector issues.
• Production of high-quality written outputs for various audiences including well targeted research reports, submissions, policy briefings, position papers, blogs and other outputs, all of which should be informed by evidence and the experience of Members and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People.
• Representing the organisation and its Members with credibility and professionalism.
• Representing the organisation and its Members at conferences, events and on other platforms as required.
• Maintaining an in depth understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the health, ageing and aged care sector.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Qualification/s in one or more of the following: Public Health, Research, Policy, Data Analytics, Business, Law, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Economics or other relevant discipline.
• Research and data analytic skills.
• Project Management experience, including experience leading multiple projects with competing priorities and deadlines and collaborating with consultants.
• Strong consultation and engagement skills, and the ability to develop subject matter expertise.
• Strong communications skills, the ability to write clearly, concisely and in plain English, and to communicate with diverse audiences.
• Experience working in, or closely with, government to implement policies and/or programs that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ageing and aged care.
• As a member of a small team, flexibility and the willingness to lend a hand where needed to help get things done.
• Experience in working collaboratively with external partners to progress key initiatives.
• 1-2 years' experience working within a similar Policy role (preferred, but not essential).
• Knowledge and understanding of the ageing and aged care sector and policy in Australia.
• Experience in translating research findings into practical solutions that strategically inform policy and service/program development.
• Familiarity with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and/or health and aged care policies and strategies relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Essential Requirements:

• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to holistic Aboriginal Health, Aboriginal Culture, and the philosophy and practice of Aboriginal Community Control.
• High standard of written and public speaking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to demonstrate empathy when required.
• Ability to build relationships with all levels of stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Sound level of numeracy and literacy and demonstrated attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly within tight time schedules and in accordance with variable workload demands.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as a team member to accomplish organisational goals.
• Ability to take responsibility and manage projects to schedule.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat, or similar.
• Ability to hold a National Police Check.
• Current Valid Driver's Licence and ability to travel domestically for the role.

Desirable Requirements:

• Confirmation of Aboriginality (preferred, but not essential).
• Previous experience in qualitative and quantitative research, with a high level of analytical ability (preferred for the right person to at least be comfortable with conducting research and identifying quality research to inform policy, but not essential).

Benefits of joining NATSIAACC:

NATSIAACC would like to offer a wide range of benefits including:

• Remuneration Package of $90,000 gross per annum, plus Superannuation (will be dependent on skills, experience and qualifications).
• Hybrid Working Model with the flexibility to 3 days in the office and 2 days Work from Home with the requirement to travel and work from other locations as part of the employment when required.
• Allowances of a Company Debit Card, Laptop and Mobile Phone.
• Salary Packaging options are available as a Not-For-Profit Organisation, as well as Meals & Entertainment and Leisure & Lifestyle Cards.

If this position interests you,

Apply Now

Please apply via Seek with a current resume and cover letter addressing the qualifications, Experience and Requirements. Please note that only Seek applications will be considered.

If you would like more information, please contact NATSIAACC at

Note: This advertisement will remain available on Seek until the position is filled and we reserve the right to commence the recruitment process during the advertisement period.

This position is a 'preferred' Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander role under section 42(2)(d) of the ACT Discrimination Act 1991. Proof or Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage will be required from the successful candidate.

---