The Nature Conservation Council of NSW is the state’s peak environment organisation, representing over 160 local, state and national environment organisations in NSW.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Policy and Advocacy Coordinator supports Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) by:

• Providing fast analysis and advice on a range of policy areas, including acting as policy lead on some portfolios
• Staying abreast of environmental policy developments in NSW
• Working with our media and communications team to support fact-checked and effective communications on complex policy issues
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with bureaucrats, politicians, and their staff
• Supporting NCC staff and member groups to engage with members of parliament and policy experts
• Engaging strategically in consultation and reform processes

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Policy and Outreach coordinator contributes to proactive and reactive advocacy and movement building through:

Research, policy development and advocacy including judicious engagement with parliamentary processes

• Rapid response advocacy on issues that are important to the conservation movement
• Coordinating NCC policy reform through the NCC Annual Conference
• Producing effective communications on policy priorities, as appropriate for members of the public, key stakeholders, members of Parliament and bureaucrats
• Working with NCC’s member groups and ENGO allies in response to policy and political developments as required
• Responding to public consultation processes on environmental issues in identified policy areas
• Working with NCC organisers to foster collaboration between NCC member groups, and facilitate and strengthen their issue advocacy and political engagement
• Helping develop NCC advocacy and campaign plans and providing support for parliamentary strategy and tactics

WHO YOU ARE

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a background in law, advocacy and/or experience working to protect the environment
• Has experience in policy development, implementation, or [BS1] interpretation for advocacy and political engagement
• Thrives in rapid response environments
• Has analytical skills and enjoys a deep dive into policy and research
• Has experience with the parliamentary system and the range of strategies and tactics that can move us toward our campaign goals
• Is driven to support NCC teams, our member groups, and other partners, to advocate on key environmental issues, ensuring NCC continues to be a strong voice for nature in NSW

WE VALUE DIVERSITY

We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building on the perspectives, talent, experience, knowledge and skills that diversity brings to our organisation and strongly encourage people of all cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences to apply.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

If you only meet some of these requirements, but you think you’re right for the role and are ready to learn and grow, we’re keen to hear from you. The role can be developed to meet the skills and experience of the right candidate.

Talent & Capabilities

• A sound knowledge and understanding of the political process, power dynamics, and key players.
• A strong ability to rapidly source, interpret, analyse and share technical information, legislation, bills or similar (e.g. Industrial Awards or Collective Agreements).
• An ability to build and maintain strong relationships and collaborative partnerships with member groups and other stakeholders.
• A flexible approach to fast-changing circumstances and priorities

Skills & Experience

• Experience and/or qualifications in law, politics, social science or environmental sciences
• Legislative or issue advocacy campaign experience with a political office, not-for-profit or similar organisation. NCC is a non-partisan organisation and welcomes candidates from across the political spectrum who are passionate about nature.
• Demonstrated experience communicating complex policy details simply, in written and verbal formats
• Experience working with media (e.g. developing or pitching stories, or providing background to journalists)

Extra points for

• A sound understanding of community organising principles and experience organising with diverse communities
• Existing working relationships with a variety of MPs, staff and media in NSW Parliament
• Knowledge of NSW environmental law and policy
• Issue knowledge such as ecology, natural resource management or climate and energy.

BENEFITS

We value our people and recognise their individual needs. Some of the many benefits of being part of our team are:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Access to long service leave accruals after 5 years
• Salary sacrifice arrangements
• Access to cultural leave

For more information, please contact:

Jacquelyn Johnson
Strategy and Operations Director
[email protected], using the subject line: Policy and Advocacy Coordinator enquiry via EthicalJobs
02 9516 1488

A position description is attached.