• Job category: Electorate Officer
• Salary: $65,436.00 - $76,398.00 per-annum
• Allowances: $23,708.00 (Electorate Staff Allowance)
• Job type: Full-Time Six (6) Month Maternity Leave Contract
• Location: Melbourne, Victoria
• Travel: Occasional Domestic Travel
• Reports to: Director of Strategy & Policy

Job Description

The Policy Adviser will provide legislative analysis as well as analysis of policies of other parties and organisations, advise on the development of positions and initiatives within the framework of Greens policy, assist in the development of campaigns and maintain key relationships, write speeches, liaise with Party Room member’s Offices, and undertake research as required by Senator Di Natale and the party more broadly.

The Advisor will be the primary advisor and expert on some of the Senator’s portfolio areas - such as multiculturalism and sport - and will have the opportunity to shape our priorities, campaigns and relationships. In addition to specific portfolios, the Policy Advisor will contribute more broadly across several additional key policy areas. These will be identified based on the expertise of the successful applicant.

A key part of the role is the development of strategies to best communicate our messages - policies and priorities - to a wide audience, and work with Senator Di Natale to maintain key relationships.

The Policy Adviser is a member of the Leader’s Office policy team and and reports to the Director, Policy and Strategy.  The position will be based in Melbourne, Victoria, and require some inter-state travel.

This is a six month maternity leave position. This position commences on the 7th January 2018 and concludes on the 15th of July 2019.

Pay and Conditions

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984, and employment conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Collective Agreement 2016–2019.  In addition to your salary, a generous employer-sponsored superannuation rate of 15.4% is offered.

The position is offered at an Electorate Officer B classification (per annum) with an additional Electorate Staff Allowance of $23,708.00 per annum for a total per annum salary range of $89,144.00 - $100,106.00.

All employees are expected to sign a confidentiality and code of conduct agreement prior to the commencement of their employment. A probationary period of 3 months, with the option of extending by a maximum of two months, will apply.

This is a six month maternity leave position, but please note that all Leader’s Office positions are open to restructure following an election or change of leadership.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Carry out research in policy areas relating to the key portfolio assigned.
2. Prepare and update briefs on and summaries of issues of interest.
3. Identify campaign opportunities and work with the campaigns team to develop campaign plans.
4. Draft messages, articles and other copy messages for dissemination via traditional and social media.
5. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current policy issues and initiatives.
6. Manage stakeholder relationships, including organisation of and attendance at key meetings, including relationships with ministerial and other parliamentary stakeholders.
7. Provide advice and support in negotiations with other parties, including government and shadow ministerial offices and staff.
8. Assist in the preparation of correspondence to constituents and stakeholders.
9. Preparation of speaking notes, speeches and parliamentary work including private members’ bills, amendments to legislation and Senate questions.
10. Occasional support for the Senator when travelling for Senate Committee business and community visits, as required.
11. Assist the Director of Strategy & Policy as required.

Selection Criteria

1. Strong experience in and knowledge of policy formulation.
2. Strong organisational and time management skills, including flexibility and ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
3. Highly developed strategic, analytical and conceptual skills including an ability to understand the political, social and organisational environment in which the organisation operates.
4. High level written and research skills and experience in the preparation of materials appropriate to a range of audiences, or the potential to learn to prepare such correspondence within an acceptable time frame.  
5. High level skills in the development of high-level reports and official documents, with demonstrated consultation and negotiation skills.
6. Demonstrated high level interpersonal, communication and liaison skills.
7. An understanding of parliamentary processes or ability to acquire an understanding.
8. Proven capacity to work as member of a small team in order to provide an optimum contribution to the achievement of goals.
9. A commitment to the Greens’ principles and Charter.
10. An ability to work irregular hours and to travel interstate as required.