You will be working in a highly energetic, fast-paced and dynamic environment as part of a motivated small team. On sitting days you will sometimes be required to work into the evening. When parliament isn’t sitting you will occasionally accompany Cate as she continues her work in various parts of the state meeting with people from all walks of life about any one of her 12 portfolios.

You’ll be responsible for assisting Cate with policy and legislative matters including analysing legislation, keeping abreast of current political issues as they pertain to Cate’s portfolios, speech writing, constituent liaison and much more. You will play a key role in liaising with stakeholders and constituents to assist them with issues of concern to them, and working with Cate and her team to develop and implement strategies and campaigns to achieve outcomes for the community and the environment.

About Cate

Cate is one of 7 Greens MPs - all women - in the NSW Parliament. She has spearheaded national climate and environmental campaigns and has been a strong advocate for social justice, particularly around drug law reform, both on the streets and inside parliament. She was re-elected to the NSW Upper House at the March 2023 state election.

Cate is experienced, dynamic, and most importantly she’s fun, when the occasion calls for it. She was Chair of Sea Shepherd Australia, a founding Director of GetUp!, former Executive Director of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and a former Board Member of the Environmental Defenders Office.

Cate’s portfolio responsibilities include:

• Water
• Mining, Coal and Gas
• Transport, Infrastructure and Cities
• Drug Law Reform and Harm Reduction
• Gambling Harm Reduction
• Healthy Oceans
• Music and Night-time Economy
• Building and Fair Trading
• Science and Technology
• Multiculturalism
• Western Sydney
• South Coast and the Illawarra

Key Responsibilities

• Research, analyse, and advise on policy and legislative matters, including existing and proposed legislation, regulations, and government policies
• Keep abreast of political developments, policy debates, and relevant research, ensuring Cate is well-informed on emerging issues and trends
• Monitor relevant parliamentary debates, committee inquiries, and public consultations, providing advice and recommendations to Cate on strategic engagement and responses
• Prepare high-quality written materials, including speeches, briefing notes, submissions, and correspondence on policy and legislative matters
• Work with other MPs offices, Greens members and stakeholders on policy and campaigns
• Identify and engage with key stakeholders to build relationships, support their advocacy work and ensure their voices are heard on relevant policy and legislative issues
• Work alongside Cate and her team, and relevant stakeholders, to organise meetings, forums and regional trips and accompany her to these as required
• Other duties as required

Selection criteria

Essential

• Experience in policy analysis, development, and/or advocacy, preferably within a political, government, or not-for-profit context, ideally within at least one or more of Cate’s portfolios
• Sound understanding of the NSW political landscape and a hunger for driving change via the political process and community action
• Demonstrated experience in researching and analysing policy and/or legislation and providing advice on complex issues
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and build networks
• Commitment to the Greens' values and principles, with a passion for social justice, environmental sustainability, peace and non-violence and grassroots democracy
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities and meeting tight deadlines

Desirable

• Tertiary qualification in law, politics, public policy, or a related field, or demonstrated equivalent experience
• Understanding of the legislative process, parliamentary procedures, and the broader political landscape
• Experience dealing with the media, including developing and pitching stories to journalists
• Experience with Google Workspace, Microsoft Suite or other office software
• Familiarity with Creative Cloud, CRMs such as NationBuilder or other office or design software
• A current NSW drivers licence

How to apply

For all enquiries, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Policy & Legislation Advisor enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To apply, please click 'Apply now' and submit your CV and a short cover letter of no more than 2 pages outlining why you believe you are the best fit for the role.

Applicants would normally be required to outline their relevant skills and experience against the selection criteria, however given we are seeking applications over the busy end-of-year period and Christmas break, this won’t be required in this instance. Short-listed applicants who are invited back for a second-round interview however will be required to perform a written test and provide at least two professional referees.

Initial round of interviews expected to take place the week beginning 6 January 2025 in person or via zoom.

All applications will be read and considered. We won’t discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender or disability. First Nations people, people with disability, women and gender diverse people are strongly encouraged to apply. If there is anything we can do to make an interview more accessible to you please let us know in your application.

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single one of the above selection criteria. What’s most important is your passion, your adaptability and quick-thinking and your desire to make change.

A position description is attached.