National Policy Advisor

• Join a national community organisation with helping make a real difference to the lives of people in need and to combat social injustice!
• Excellent remuneration circa $90,000 – $100,000 plus SUPER + salary packaging options!
• Use your policy, advocacy and communication skills for the benefit of others.

About the Organisation

The St Vincent de Paul Society is a leading provider of community support services in the areas of homelessness, mental health, disability, financial counselling, supported accommodation, food provision, refugees and migrants and addiction counselling.   The Society was founded over 170 years ago to assist people in need and to combat social injustice.  The Society has more than 40,000 members and volunteers in Australia.  Internationally, it operates in 149 countries and has over 950,000 members.  The Society is committed to actively and passionately speaking out against the causes of poverty and inequality on behalf of the people it services.

About the Opportunity

The St Vincent de Paul Society, National Council currently has a highly rewarding opportunity for a passionate and dedicated National Policy Advisor to join their small team in Deakin, Canberra, ACT.

Reporting to the National CEO, you will be responsible for developing and implementing policy, advocacy and communication strategies which support the St Vincent de Paul Society’s vision to build a more just and compassionate society.

To successfully deliver these outcomes the National Policy Advisor will:

• Develop, implement and effectively advocate evidence based policy documents and reports;
• Monitor social, legislative, political and economic developments impacting on the people with whom the members of the St Vincent de Paul Society stand in solidarity;
• Assist with the development, implementation and maintenance of internal and external communication strategies;
• Consult and liaise with relevant stakeholders to inform policy development, such as advisory committees, government officials, researchers, community organisations and people experiencing inequality and poverty;
• Assist the CEO in implementing strategies to advance the cause of social justice and progressive social change;
• Respond to Government inquiries, reviews, submissions and reports as appropriate to promote the reduction of poverty and inequality and the building of inclusive and equitable structures.
• Establish and maintain working groups and committees with high level expertise in particular policy areas, including the organisation and facilitation of public policy fora;
• Develop and manage research partnerships and actively engage in social research;
• Prepare applications, assist with internal and external compliance processes and organisational policy development; responsibility for complaints management;
• Actively monitor Australian and international social policy research outputs;
• Promote and contribute to relevant project work consistent with the St Vincent de Paul Society’s strategic plan.

Selection Criteria

To be considered for this role you will possess tertiary qualifications in humanities, social sciences or a related field with broad grounding in social research skills, policy and advocacy and driving change agendas in a social policy environment.

You will also be able to demonstrate your knowledge, awareness and strong commitment to social justice/human rights issues.

With well-developed research and analytical skills, including working familiarity with key theoretical approaches to structural inequality and exclusion, you’ll be able to solve problems and have the ability to network, consult with and respond to the needs of a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders.

You will demonstrate highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work within high-level political agendas across a complex matrix of stakeholder groups (including political parties, government and parliament), exercising astute political judgement and influence in situations that have major impacts.

As a highly motivated self-starter with excellent organisational and time-management skills, you will be able to take the initiative in driving new policy projects and work well under pressure.

Importantly, you’ll possess excellent negotiation and relationship management skills, and will be able to work independently or collaboratively as part of a small team within a federated structure.

Some interstate travel is required.

About the Benefits

This is a unique opportunity to make a difference to shape a more just and compassionate society while enjoying the immense job satisfaction that arises benefiting the wider community.

Your hard work, enthusiasm and unwavering commitment will be rewarded with a competitive remuneration comprising of $90,000 – $100,000 + Super! Salary packaging options are available as well to increase your take home pay!

This is an extremely satisfying and rewarding role, and you will finish each working day knowing you have improved the lives of many people.

Apply now for this role by forwarding your application that addresses the selection criteria and your current resume to:   admin@svdp.org.au   (Email subject heading – Application for National Policy Advisor)