Policy and Advocacy Manager

Who are we

MND Australia is the national peak body of state organisations that support those living with and impacted by Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Since 1983, we have been the voice for the MND community. Our national and international networks help increase understanding of the disease and advocate for the needs of those affected. Through our research grants – we  support high-quality MND research to discover the causes, improve care and find treatments and ultimately a cure for MND. Learn more at our website.

Our Mission

To improve the lives of everyone impacted by MND through advancing research, advocacy and high quality care.

About the Role

The Policy and Advocacy Manager will drive key parts of the MND Australia strategic plan including advocacy, government relations, policy and issues management particularly in the health, aged care, disability and research areas by:

• developing progressive and relevant advocacy issues and managing initiatives as identified by MND Australia and the State MND Associations
• developing, implementing and evaluating advocacy strategies, to raise awareness of MND Australia policy propositions and maximise adoption
• maintaining up to date content knowledge of key issues, developments, trends and expertise in relevant policy areas to inform MND Australia's policy and advocacy work
• providing high quality advice in advocacy and government relations including, development of key messages and policy, engagement of key decision makers, management of the Parliamentary Friends of Motor Neurone Disease Group, education and awareness raising, networking and capacity development
• undertaking policy research and analysis, including preparation of written reports, briefing papers and submissions for and on behalf of MND Australia and the State MND Associations
• working with State MND Associations and external parties to ensure that the messaging and information around MND care and research is consistent and easily understood by key stakeholders
• supporting the CEO in the delivery of MND Australia's Strategy and related priorities.

About You

We will be interested in learning more about you if you have:

·      proven experience in advocacy, policy and issues management, particularly in the health, aged care, disability and research areas

·      knowledge of Federal Government processes including process of policy development

·      extensive knowledge of contemporary federal issues, such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme, aged care system reform, disability services and drug approval processes

·      the ability to locate, collate and analyse complex content, data and information as it applies to MND and people living with MND, to inform policy papers, submissions, communications, reports, training and accessible publications

·      exceptional interpersonal and relationship management skills with demonstrated experience fostering relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

·      exceptional written and verbal communication skills and project management skills

·      the ability to work collaboratively across MND Australia and the State MND Associations to build strong relationships and achieve results

·      a high degree of integrity, professional ethics, and initiative

·      the ability to demonstrate how your values align with our organisational values.

Position Type

This position will be based in Canberra, is available fulltime or parttime, subject to a six-month probation period. The position will work closely with MND Australia's Chief Executive Officer and Communications Manager, the State MND Associations as well as a range of stakeholders and partners.

Benefits

We provide various benefits including:

·      a purpose-driven and supportive culture

·      flexibility in work arrangements to best balance work priorities and your family, study and other personal commitments

·      MND Australia is a Health Promotion Charity and is able to offer FBT exemption in salary packaging.