About NACCHO

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) is the national peak body representing 146 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), that provide primary healthcare across Australia. 

ACCHOs are currently the third largest employer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They range from large multi-functional services employing several medical practitioners and providing a wide range of services, to small services which rely on Aboriginal Health Practitioners and/or nurses to provide the bulk of primary health care services. The sector is rapidly increasing its service delivery footprint in disability, aged care, mental health, SEWB and AOD. 

It's an exciting and transformative time to be working in the health sector. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. NACCHO has been instrumental in driving systems reform in the context of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and recent budget announcements.

About the Team

NACCHO undertakes policy work in a range of different environments, from aged care, disability, chronic disease management, preventative health strategies, mental health and social and emotional well-being, to the social, commercial and cultural determinants of health. Our policy approach is underpinned by the Priority Reforms of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and prioritises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control and the ACCHO Model of Care.

About the Role

The Senior Policy Advisor will contribute to policy work across the spectrum of current and emerging issues relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and care, specifically supporting sector work on food security as a determinant of health.

The role is high profile, fast paced and collaborative and will suit individuals with a desire to further their policy, analytical and advocacy skills. The work requires a capacity for both critical thinking and creativity. There is opportunity to support practical responses to health and social inequity though contributing to the design and development of new community-controlled programs that achieve positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

This role will suit applicants with excellent written skills and the ability to think strategically to influence Government’s approach to improving health, care and social outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review policy papers, submissions, published evidence and stakeholder input to formulate policy positions and recommendations.
• Develop responses to Parliamentary inquiries and a wide range of departmental and agency consultations.
• Prepare policy advice and complex correspondence for NACCHO Executive, including briefings, talking points and evidence to enquiries.
• Draft policy frameworks and translating policy directions into program frameworks and/or implementation strategies.
• Liaise with organisations and governments within both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous community on a range of health and wellbeing policy and strategy issues.
• Represent the organisation at external meetings, working groups and other forums, presenting evidence-based information and advocating agreed NACCHO policy positions in a range of policy areas.
• Drive the communication and advocacy of NACCHO’s policies and strategic direction.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Demonstrated policy experience at a high level.
• Professional experience in the sector, or a tertiary qualification is desirable.
• Experience in a similar organisation or relevant government department will be well regarded.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be highly desirable.
• Strong verbal communication skills and high attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience in program management.
• Ability to contribute to project deliverables to the required standards and timeframes.
• Exceptional writing skills; including the ability to present complex and technical information in a simple and concise manner, and tailor written material to different audiences.
• Strong organisation and time management skills with the ability to prioritise work and meet expected deadlines.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills across a range of settings and an ability to collaborate and influence.

If you are passionate about developing and delivering meaningful policies that create positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, we want to hear from you!

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please send through your current resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability.

If you need any help with the application process, or for a confidential discussion about the position please contact Nadine Blair, Director Policy at [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Policy Advisor enquiry via EthicalJobs.

For more information, visit our website at Homepage - NACCHO or download the position description. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!