• Reports to ICV: Islamophobia Support Service Coordinator and ICV Policy & Advocacy Officer
• Work location: In-Person at ICV Office: 66-68 Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne
• Salary: $78,000 – $82,000 (including superannuation) full-time equivalent.
• Pro-rata Salary: $46,800 – $49,200 (including superannuation) for 0.6 FTE.
• FTE: Part-Time 0.6 FTE (3 days per week)
• Type: Fixed-Term Role

Position contact: Zakaria Wahid, General Manager, [email protected], using the subject line: Islamophobia Advocacy Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

The Islamic Council of Victoria:

The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) is the peak body for Muslim organisations in Victoria. The ICV represents the wider Victorian Muslim community and has more than 75 member organisations located throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The ICV’s vision is to build a better community for all Australians through the empowerment of Muslims in Victoria. The ICV aims to fulfil this vision through the provision of advocacy and social welfare services, and in consultation and cooperation with governments, multifaith communities, service providers and wider society. The organisation is firmly committed to providing support for, and protecting the rights of, Victorian Muslims.

Role Purpose

The Islamophobia Advocacy Officer will provide critical support to the Islamophobia Support Service (ISS) Coordinator and Policy & Advocacy Officer by organising and assisting with community advocacy, policy research, and public awareness campaigns related to Islamophobia. This role bridges direct service provision and systemic advocacy, ensuring individuals impacted by Islamophobia receive appropriate support while contributing to broader societal change through advocacy and policy initiatives addressing Islamophobia.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning:
  • Identify and prioritise key policy areas related to Islamophobia and affecting the rights and interests of the Muslim community in Victoria and develop comprehensive strategies to effectively advocate in these areas.
  • Support the ISS Coordinator and the Policy & Advocacy Officer in building strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including government and private organisations.
  • Monitor policy updates and changes in key areas of concern and adapt strategies and projects accordingly to ensure the ICV’s advocacy efforts in relation to Islamophobia are relevant and effective.

• Policy Analysis & Research:
  • Conduct in-depth analysis of legislative proposals, policy documents, and government initiatives to assess their potential impact on the Muslim community.
  • Maintain awareness of emerging trends, issues, and developments in areas relevant to Islamophobia and protection of the rights of Australian Muslims.
  • Be aware of and respond rapidly to emerging concerns or crises affecting the Muslim community, supporting the Policy & Advocacy officer in issuing rapid responses.

• Campaigning & Capacity Building:
  • Raise awareness and mobilise support among ICV member societies, constituents and community for key advocacy efforts.
  • Empower member societies and community members to advocate for their rights and interests by providing resources, tools, and guidance on engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.

Key Selection Criteria:

Technical Expertise

• Demonstrated experience in advocacy, public relations or community outreach, particularly within Muslim organisations, non-profit organisations and/or in relation to anti-discrimination.
• Understanding of political processes, legislative frameworks, and policy development at state, federal, and international levels.
• Understanding of the causes and impacts of racism and Islamophobia.

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong networking skills with the ability to establish and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and advocacy organisations.
• Proven ability to navigate complex and potentially contentious issues diplomatically and constructively.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines, and maintain strong written records including project plans, meeting minutes, research notes and more, as well to issue rapid-response projects to new and emerging issues of concern.
• Monitoring and adaptability, including the ability to evaluate outputs and activities, ensuring effective outcomes and alignment with the ICV’s strategic goals and Muslim community’s needs and concerns.
• Empathy and cultural sensitivity, demonstrating an understanding of the rich diversity within the wider Victorian Muslim community and the importance of cultural responsiveness

Personal Qualities

• Strong personal commitment to social justice, human rights, and equality, with a passion for advocating on behalf of marginalised and vulnerable communities.
• Understanding of intersectional issues and their impact on the experiences and rights of individuals within the Muslim community.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to engage productively with advocacy targets and the general public, and capacity to act as a point of contact for sensitive and controversial issues.
• Adaptability and demonstrated perseverance to work efficiently, energetically and to cope with setbacks and challenges.

Qualifications:

A tertiary qualification/s in politics, law, social sciences, public policy or other relevant area, or relevant experience in the community or legal advocacy sector.

The ICV is an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity. We are equal opportunity employer.

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.