ABOUT US

First Peoples Disability Network Australia is a national organisation of and for Australia’s First Peoples with disability, their families and communities. Our purpose is to promote respect for human rights, secure social justice, and empower First Peoples with disability to participate in Australian society on an equal basis with others. We are the custodians of the narratives of First Peoples with disability, their families and communities and we recognise this important responsibility. We work for the recognition, respect, protection and fulfilment of the human rights of First Peoples with disability and their families.

ABOUT THE ROLE

FPDN is working to improve partnerships and collaboration with governments and the disability sector to co-design solutions to improve outcomes for First Peoples with disability across all policy areas under our National Disability Footprint programme. The National Disability Footprint will enhance FPDN’s capacity to represent the rights, priorities and interests of First Peoples with disability through increasing engagement with First Peoples with disability and their communities, strengthen FPDN’s presence in program and policy design nationally and jurisdictionally to address disability as a cross-cutting policy issue under Closing the Gap. The structure of the National Disability Footprint will ensure visibility, representation and meaningful engagement, training and systemic advocacy, nationally and in each state and territory.

The role of Policy Officer works within our systemic advocacy team, driving change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability at the national peak organisation. The role will provide policy advice and support research and strategies in consultation with stakeholders to develop policy and drive reform to support the achievement of FPDN’s priorities.

There are a number of roles available, we are seeking expressions of interest from applicants who have previous Policy Officer experience from the disability, justice or housing sectors.

Essential Criteria

• A commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples being self-determining and a demonstrated capacity to work positively with them and their organisations
• Knowledge, respect and support for the cultural values and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disability sector and the related challenges in accessing supports and a that have an demonstrated of the intersectionality of disability and indigeneity from a social disability model and cultural perspective,
• Understanding of and ability to work within a human rights framework established by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• A knowledge and understanding of Australia’s disability systems including current policies and reforms and being implemented by Australian Governments.
• Proven and high-level project management, research, and analytical skills; • Highly developed interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.Proven ability to write complex policy material for a range of audiences, preferably in nongovernment organisations.
• Proven ability to successfully engage internal and external stakeholders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, in relation to complex and potentially controversial matters.
• A capacity to undertake policy work with a high level of complexity and sensitivity and operate under broad direction with a high level of day-to-day autonomy.
• Qualifications in social sciences, social policy or related areas Desirable
• Lived experience of disability

The Policy Officer is a maximum 24 month fixed term position – salary range of $90-115K per annum, commensurate with experience, not-for-profit salary packaging available, plus superannuation.

For further information please contact Lorraine Cornell at [email protected] using the subject line: Policy Officer - Work from Home enquiry via EthicalJobs or 0473 220 508.

To apply please include a covering letter and your resume.

A position description is attached.