Senior Policy Officer, Closing the Gap

About The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC)

The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) is dedicated to assisting Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) across the four regions (Metropolitan, Northern, Southern and Western) of NSW to ensure they have access to an adequately resourced and skilled workforce enabling the ACCHSs to provide their local Aboriginal communities with holistic and culturally appropriate primary health care and Aboriginal health-related services.

Join our team of dynamic and innovative people who value and proudly play a meaningful role in Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health by delivering quality support and training to Aboriginal people and communities of NSW.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and strategic Senior Policy Officer, Closing the Gap to develop preliminary policy advice on complex and high-profile issues within the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector in NSW.

In this role, you will support the development of evidence-based policy positions by overseeing research, information gathering, and reporting across the Closing the Gap portfolio. You will also contribute to the governance of key initiatives and ensure alignment with sector priorities.

As an active member of the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (CAPO), you will represent the AH&MRC on relevant platforms and play a key role in driving policy reform that improves outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Responsibilities:

• Analyse policy issues impacting Aboriginal health and develop evidence-based submissions, briefings, and discussion papers.
• Review government and partner policies, providing advice on advocacy and collaboration opportunities.
• Stay informed on Aboriginal health trends and policy environments across jurisdictions.
• Translate research, data, and community engagement findings into actionable policy advice.
• Prepare internal briefings to inform executive decisions and priority setting.
• Identify advocacy areas based on current evidence and consultation with the ACCHO sector.
• Providing briefings, advice and support for AH&MRC engagement in NSW Closing the Gap, including Sector Committees, CTG Meetings, and Joint Council.
• Represent the organisation in government consultations, sector meetings, and strategic forums.
• Build and maintain partnerships with NSW Health, Aboriginal Affairs, ACCHOs, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• Support the design of health and advocacy campaigns, particularly in response to emerging issues (e.g., smoking & vaping, workforce shortages, cultural safety in care).
• Engage with Aboriginal communities and organisations to ensure policy reflects lived experience and local priorities.
• Consult with AH&MRC Member Services to gather input for policy development.
• Manage policy projects, including research and stakeholder consultations.
• Align projects with National Agreement on Closing the Gap and community-led health research.
• Support Closing the Gap delivery plans and maintain reporting requirements.
• Mentor junior policy staff and contribute to organisational reporting and quality improvement activities.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications:

• 5+ years' experience in policy, advocacy, or research, including working with Aboriginal organisations or communities
• Strong understanding of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector and social determinants of Aboriginal health
• Ability to analyse complex policy issues and deliver high-quality submissions and advice
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with Aboriginal organisations or communities
• Strong project management and organisational skills
• Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a busy work environment
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team
• Ability to travel state-wide to NSW ACCHO's

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Lived experience as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
• Knowledge of key Aboriginal health policies, including Closing the Gap, NSW Aboriginal Health Plan, and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan
• Understanding of state and federal government policy cycles and decision-making processes
• Experience working within, or with, the ACCHO sector

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to by 21 November 2025. Please include "Senior Policy Officer, Closing the Gap" in the subject line.

Join Us

Be part of a transformative initiative that prioritises the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through innovative research and collaboration. We look forward to your application