• Full time, ongoing contract
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work from home and office (2 days)
• Dynamic and friendly team
• Salary packaging available
• Additional 5 days leave at Christmas and Melbourne Cup Monday

ABOUT THE VICTORIAN HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION

The Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA) is the peak body supporting Victoria’s public health services to deliver high-quality care. Established in 1938, the VHA represents Victoria’s diverse public healthcare sector, including public hospitals, aged care and community health services. The VHA has over 115 member organisations, representing more than 95% of Victorian public healthcare services and a $22 billion industry in Victoria.

The VHA advocates on behalf of its members on sector-critical issues by engaging and influencing key decision-makers involved in policy development and system reform. The VHA regularly engages with Victorian Ministers, the Department of Health, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and other Victorian peak representative bodies on behalf of its members. As well as providing sector-wide advocacy and representation activities, the VHA delivers value for its members by sharing policy and advocacy insights, curating system and sector-level intel and offering networking opportunities, informative events and tailored professional development activities.

Working at the VHA offers great benefits such as additional paid leave at Christmas and Melbourne Cup weekend, salary packaging and ongoing staff development and training.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the General Manager – Policy and Advocacy, the Policy Advisor role is a key role within a priority of the VHA activities and member services. This role is responsible for identifying and reporting on health, community and social care policy trends and legislative changes to prepare solution-focused policy positions on issues of significance to the Victorian public health sector. This will involve research and reporting to support these policy positions.

This position will have five primary responsibilities:

1. Analyse the environment: identify key public policy issues of significance by working with our membership, stakeholders and with the VHA team. Maintain an awareness of the emerging issues, while researching and collating information to inform current policy positions.
2. Develop innovative solutions: lead/support the development of policy solutions to address complex system issues experienced by the VHA’s membership.
3. Communicate effectively: collate content from diverse information sources and communicate key policy insights for VHA members and stakeholders by translating complex technical issues into plain language advice that will inform policy development.
4. Consult and engage widely: consult with key groups, members, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities and gaps in the Victorian health system.
5. Contribute valuably to the VHA culture: foster and maintain a commitment to a collaborative and professional culture within the VHA team.

ABOUT YOU

You have extensive experience in policy development, preferably within healthcare or a related industry/professional association.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Deep understanding of Victorian and Australian government structures and policy-making processes, preferably as they relate to healthcare.
• Demonstrated ability to provide authoritative advice on policy analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesise information and develop evidence-based policy positions.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues in a clear and compelling manner, while forming strong relationships.
• Proficient in communicating complex healthcare policy issues to diverse audiences, both in writing and verbally, and tailoring messages for different stakeholders such as politicians, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
• A high degree of integrity when engaging with external stakeholders in a confidential environment.
• Work collaboratively and demonstrate a track record of building cooperation and overcoming barriers to information sharing and communication across teams and establishing effective relationships with diverse stakeholders to elicit the relevant responses.
• Value diversity and inclusion by demonstrating inclusive behaviour and showing respect for diverse backgrounds, experience, and perspectives.
• The ability to multi-task, problem solve, prioritise, and deliver results in challenging timeframes, including efficient use of resources.
• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, and/or a related field.

Desirable

• Experience working for or with a professional association/membership organisation, government or healthcare organisation.

A copy of the position description can be downloaded here:

Position Description

For further information on the position contact Kate Linton, General Manager - Finance on 0404 897 283.