About the organisation

JFA Purple Orange is an Adelaide-based social-profit organisation with a mission to create a more inclusive world where people with disability have access to the same opportunities as everyone else.

We host peer networks and other events for people with disability and their families to connect with information and each other. We conduct research, run consultations and contribute to policy development. We also deliver projects that influence practice. We work closely with people with disability, in line with the principles of co-design.

About the role

Do you want to make a real contribution to supporting the independence, power, choice and control of people with disability?

Have you had success leading policy and research work and undertaking projects that have influenced positive change?

The Policy and Research Leader is responsible for:

• Taking the portfolio lead on various issues affecting the life chances of people with disability and their families, based on the successful applicant’s skills and interests and in line with the organisation’s priorities;
• Undertaking effective research and analysis and developing reports and submissions on a wide range of issues relating to people with disability, such as funding, personal support, employment, education, housing, transport and the NDIS;
• Advancing the organisation’s policy agenda through advocacy, information sharing and stakeholder engagement, in a manner which gives appropriate regard to political sensitivities, ethical standards and the values of the organisation;
• Engaging with people with disability and their families and supporters, as well as other external stakeholders such as service providers, non-governmental organisations, peak bodies and governments;
• Initiating and delivering (or supervising the delivery of) projects and/or events that create opportunities for people with disability and/or increase the capacity of stakeholders to be inclusive; and
• Responding to requests for JFA Purple Orange to undertake short-term, externally-funded work (e.g. community consultations, co-design processes, specific projects) and delivering (or supervising the delivery of) this work.

Benefits and perks

This role is offered at 1.0 FTE fixed term for 12 months (maternity cover). Part-time hours possible.

The salary will align with Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award Level 5. Salary packaging options are available.

Flexible working arrangements are negotiable, including working from home.

We are an inclusive workplace and value diversity. Lived experience of disability will be highly regarded.

Please contact us if you have any questions about whether this role would be suitable for you.

Essential general criteria include:

• Deeply-felt value base in support of improving the life chances for people with disability and their families
• An inquisitive and analytical mindset, with the ability to self-start and achieve the work, deliverables, and benefits, at a level that is reasonable for the role
• Demonstrated capacity to prioritise and schedule a programme of work within the role, and to produce deliverables within specified budget and timelines
• Demonstrated capacity to build effective relationships with a wide range of people
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively, at a level that is reasonable to accomplish the role
• Demonstrated capacity to contribute to the maintenance of a harmonious, safe and healthy workplace, free of harassment, and lawful discrimination and bullying, and where diversity is valued

Essential specific criteria include:

• A relevant degree (or similar).
• At least 5 years’ relevant work experience.
• Proven ability to undertake research and analyse, develop and communicate complex policy issues at a high level.
• Experience working with representative bodies, delivering community consultations and facilitating workshops in a social justice or comparable setting.
• Experience in project management and/or delivery.
• Experience in advocacy and/or policy development.
• Strong skills in the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

Desirable criteria include:

• Knowledge of ongoing disability sector reforms and current issues for people with disability.
• Lived experience of disability or personal insight into what it means to live with disability.
• Well-developed networks within the disability sector.
• Knowledge of state/territory and Commonwealth legislation and policies and how they impact people with disability.

Application process

Click "Apply Now" and submit your cover letter and CV (and address any enquiries) to Rebecca Dowd.

Please contact us if you are unable to meet this timeframe.

A position description is attached.