• Do you want to do work that really matters? Help us end avoidable blindness
• Full time, Permanent Role with flexible work arrangements based in Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra

ABOUT THE FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION

The Foundation is an international development organisation working to prevent blindness and restore sight. We continue to carry on the legacy of Professor Fred Hollows, who believed every person had the right to quality eye care, no matter where they live.

The Foundation has grown to work in more than 25 countries throughout Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific, as well as Australia.

The Foundation has restored sight to more than 3 million people worldwide. We have an ambitious five-year strategic plan that aims to take us even closer to realising our vision of a world in which no person is needlessly blind or vision impaired and Indigenous Australians exercise their right to sight and good health.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Government Relations Manager is accountable for leading and managing The Foundation’s approach to government in Australia, coordinating a cohesive government engagement approach in our international markets of interest and diplomacy in our program countries, aligned to priorities of the Influence and Scaling Impact Division and The Foundation’s broader Strategy.

ABOUT YOU

You are a seasoned professional with exceptional leadership and management skills, capable of independently overseeing a portfolio of work with minimal direction.

Your strength lies in your ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of internal stakeholders, fostering strong relationships through a consultative approach.

Your communication skills are outstanding, both in writing and verbally. You excel in producing clear, articulate written content, and can quickly and effectively communicate complex information to various audiences. Additionally, you are skilled in proactively engaging and influencing senior political leaders and other external stakeholders.

You are highly organised, flexible, and adept at multitasking, with excellent organisational and time management abilities.

Your attention to detail is impeccable, ensuring the accuracy of your verbal advice and written work, as well as in your interactions with stakeholders.

If you are looking for a role where you can make a significant impact and contribute to meaningful change, we welcome you to join our team and help us realise our vision of ending avoidable blindness worldwide.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Political engagement: Build and foster relationships with key political figures and government officials to secure enabling policy and program funding for eye health, with a focus on Australia’s international development program.
• Direct lobbying and advocacy: Lead and coordinate lobbying efforts in collaboration with the CEO, executive, senior management and other key staff to achieve policy and funding objectives related to Australian aid and development, including through submissions, proposals, meetings, campaigns and working with sector partners and coalitions.
• Strategy and coordination: Lead and coordinate political engagement across key internal stakeholders to ensure a strategic and coherent approach to Australian government relations, with a focus on Australia’s development program, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples health and rights and multilateral affairs, and provide strategic government relations advice to market leads, country programs and FHF entities.
• Political advice: Provide high-level strategic political advice to the executive, senior management and other stakeholders to inform decision-making, risk mitigation and effective advocacy.
• Profile building: Promote and elevate The Foundation’s brand, reputation and profile with government, parliamentary and diplomatic stakeholders through consistent and targeted communication, high-quality events and other initiatives in collaboration with the Public Affairs Division and country program teams.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor relevant government policy and the political landscape for opportunities and risks, manage the political client management system and report on government relations activities to the executive and senior management.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED

• Substantial experience as a Government Relations professional at the Australian Federal Government level.
• Demonstrated ability to build a network of influence within Government including Ministers, advisors, departmental staff and other decision makers
• Demonstrated broad stakeholder management experience both internal and external
• Deep knowledge of institutional funding, policy making and the budgetary process.
• Strong experience maintaining systems and processes, such as procedures, policies, files & client management systems.
• Demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness to identify and solve issues proactively.

How we recognise your contribution

Through our internal programs and employee benefits we aim to create an environment where you will feel supported and empowered. Whether your focus is on continuous learning, professional development or finding an environment which enables you to thrive while balancing family or personal commitments, we have a range of programs in place to support you including:

• Generous salary packaging - we provide access to not-for-profit salary packaging options, which will increase your take home pay.
• Flexible work environment – we focus on output, not hours and enable you to prioritise your health and wellbeing
• Generous leave allowances
• Ongoing commitment to your continuous learning and career development – through tailored leadership and professional development programs.

To find out more about our benefits click here.

APPLICATIONS

Please apply directly using the "Apply Now" button.

A position description is attached.

Your application should include a CV and, preferably, a cover letter that outlines your interest in the role and addresses the key criteria listed in the “About You”, “Key Responsibilities”, and “What you need to succeed” sections of the advertisement.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to protecting the rights of children and community partners in all areas where we work. Applicants are advised that The Foundation reserves the right to conduct police checks and other screening procedures to ensure we maintain and promote a child safe environment.