About the business:

The Western Australian Council of State School Organisations (WACSSO) represents 650 affiliated P&C’s across Western Australia. We believe every student in Western Australia should have access to the best education possible.

For over a century, we have worked passionately with school organisations across this state to improve the public education system - all the while never losing sight of a simple principle: that we are stronger together. Which is why we work every day to build the individual capacity of all of our affiliates – empowering them through a number of support services, knowledge-sharing and learning opportunities.

Together with the P&C community and all our stakeholders, we will work tirelessly to advance public education in Western Australia, so that every student has the best chance to realise their potential.

In order to support our mission we are currently seeking a Part-time (0.4 FTE) Research & Policy Officer to join our team.

About the role:

We are looking for a positive, self-motivated individual who will thrive in a culture that encourages innovative thinking to continuously improve our approach, someone who shares our values of being collaborative, passionate, fearless, skilled and agile to deliver results. We are committed to building a diverse, cohesive team where employees are valued for their ideas, background, skills and life experiences.

Reporting to the Executive Officer, the Research & Policy Officer will provide advice related to government policies and functions and produce research to assist WACSSO with formulating policy positions. The Research and Policy Officer will maintain strong awareness of emerging issues and trends and will ensure that WACSSO is informed of any relevant information.

This role is 0.4 FTE, East Perth-based, with flexible working arrangements available. For the right candidate, we would also consider combining the role of the currently advertised Marketing and Communications Coordinator (0.6 FTE) to create one full-time position.

What you will do

• Advise WACSSO State Council on the interpretation, application and implications of government policies and functions related to public education.
• Produce research and formulate policy positions as directed by State Council.
• Prepare background papers, briefings, and reports for the WACSSO State Council, Executive Committee and President as required.
• Write submissions in response to education related issues in line with WACSSO Policy and reflecting the position of affiliates and parents.
• Attend meetings, events, forums and presentations on behalf of the President or the organisation as requested by the President.
• Foster and maintain a network with the Department of Education, other government departments, education sector groups and the wider community.
• Identify, secure and manage grants and partnerships for the research function, research budget management and reporting.

What you will need

ESSENTIAL

• Tertiary qualifications and/or demonstrated experience in, research, economics, public policy, politics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in an equivalent role.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and relay complex information.
• An interest and understanding of government policy as it relates to the education sector.
• Strong report writing skills.
• Strong communicator who works well independently and with a team.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Proven ability to establish networks within relevant sectors.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft office.
• Ability to collect, analyse and present data.
• Proven knowledge of current government policies.

DESIRABLE

• Demonstrated experience in a similar advisory capacity, within a complex issue-rich work environment will be highly regarded.
• Master's Degree in a relevant field.

QUALIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• Tertiary qualification
• Eligibility to work in Australia
• Police Clearance.

We reserve the right to close applications earlier than the advertised closing date if a candidate has been selected prior to that date.

For more information on WACSSO please visit wacsso.wa.edu.au

To apply, please click the Apply Now button.