The office of Dr Sophie Scamps MP, Independent Federal Member for Mackellar, is seeking applications for a full-time, non-ongoing Senior Adviser, based in the Narrabeen electorate office and during parliamentary sitting weeks, based in Australian Parliament House, Canberra.

The contract is for an initial period to 17 May 2025 (unless a federal election is held earlier), with potential to be extended. Applications for a part time position 4 days a week may also be considered.

About the position

This position will support the Member with parliamentary and policy work. The role will involve some travel within the electorate and regular travel to Canberra, with occasional irregular work hours, particularly during parliamentary sitting weeks.

The parliamentarian is seeking an enthusiastic person with strong analytical, communication and organisational skills to join the team as a Senior Adviser, with responsibility of providing support and advice on work relating to Dr Scamps’ policy and parliamentary business.

The key duties of the position are, but are not limited to:

• Working with the Member on the development of policy and strategic goals.
• Advising the Member on parliamentary business (legislation advice, preparation of amendments, policy briefs and proposals, committee work and inquiry preparation and reports, Private Members’ Bills, Motions, speechwriting, Parliamentary Groups, Committees and Associations and submissions etc.)
• Providing advice to the Member and the team on policy issues and their management.
• Providing advice and support in negotiations with other parties, including government and shadow ministerial offices, Members of Parliament, Advisers and other staff.
• Management of stakeholder relationships.
• Oversight and coordination of parliamentary meetings and events.
• Other duties as detailed in the position description.

Required qualifications, skills and experience:

The ideal applicant should possess the following skills, qualifications, and experience:

• Academic qualifications in a relevant discipline such as public policy, political science, law, economics or a climate/environmental related specialty.
• Experience in media and/or PR would be advantageous, but not essential.
• Keen interest in environmental protection, climate change and renewable energy.
• Thorough understanding of Australia’s system of government and parliamentary processes.
• Ability to develop and manage senior level relationships.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with outstanding attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple and competing work tasks in a fast-paced, high pressure working environment.
• Support for the Community Independent movement.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Employment conditions:

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-23 which include:

• A commencing salary between $133,403 - $175,081 per annum (FTE) will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills.
• An additional Personal Staff Allowance of $31, 702 per annum (FTE).
• An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable.

An initial probationary period of three months will apply and may be subject to extension.

For further information please contact Charlotte Bonnar on 02 9913 9566 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Adviser to Dr Sophie Scamps MP enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.