Senior Policy Officer

Are you an experienced policy professional with a commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health? Join Lowitja Institute as a Senior Policy Officer and contribute to shaping and advancing policies that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health and wellbeing.

About the Role

The Senior Policy Officer is responsible for the design, implementation and evaluation of Lowitja Institute’s public policy and advocacy activity. You will lead policy development and work closely with other teams to ensure research is effectively connected to policy and practice. Key responsibilities include:

• develop and implement a policy program: this includes strategic policy analysis, policy position statements and policy and advocacy products
• work with partners: shape the policy context affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing
• collaborate on knowledge translation: ensure research is connected to policy and practice to support health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• oversee evaluation: evaluate policy, advocacy and knowledge translation work, contributing to organisational monitoring and evaluation
• support a collaborative team environment: foster a collegial and supportive workplace culture
• represent Lowitja Institute: represent the Institute at national committees, working groups and other forums.

Why join us?

• Drive meaningful change: lead policy and advocacy initiatives that shape national discussions and create real impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.
• Collaborative and inclusive team: be part of a community-controlled organisation that fosters a culture of safety, accountability and collaboration, driving organisational success.
• Outstanding benefits: enjoy employer superannuation contributions exceeding the standard requirements, annual leave loading, salary sacrifice options and flexible work arrangements.
• Invest in your growth and wellbeing: access a professional development allowance and a health and wellbeing allowance, supporting your success both professionally and personally.

Essential Skills and Attributes

1. Strong knowledge and communication: understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing and the ability to engage effectively with communities.
2. Policy and research expertise: significant experience in policy development, research/evaluation or project management, with a solid grasp of national and jurisdictional policy cycles, impact and evaluation.
3. Leadership and collaboration: proven ability to lead, supervise and collaborate with diverse personnel while working both independently and as part of a team.
4. High level analytical and communication skills: strong conceptual, analytical and negotiation skills, alongside a track record of high quality written and oral communication.
5. Representation and organisational abilities: experience representing an organisation in key forums, with strong administration, organisational and time management skills to meet deadlines under pressure.
6. Commitment to cultural safety: deep understanding of cultural safety in an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context and the ability to contribute to a culturally safe workplace.
7. The ability to undertake interstate travel and work out of hours.
8. Working with Children / Vulnerable Peoples Check (or state/territory equivalent).

Highly Desirable

1. Relevant post graduate qualifications.
2. Experience working in a research or policy organisation.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your application addressing the essential skills and attributes outlined above. Applications should be addressed to Ms Kim Waldron, People and Quality Officer, Lowitja Institute.