POSITION PURPOSE

The National Rural Health Alliance – Australia’s peak non-government organisation for rural, regional and remote health – is seeking an experienced professional to join the Alliance’s policy and strategy development team. The Alliance is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the seven million people living in rural, regional and remote Australia. Our vision is for healthy and sustainable rural, regional and remote communities.

The Alliance is seeking a Policy and Data Analytics Officer to join our small Canberra-based organisation. The Policy and Data Analytics Officer will work closely with the Director Policy and Strategy Development, Chief Executive and other members of the Alliance team. The expertise of the Alliance member organisations is another important resource which contributes to the development of policy and strategy.

The position involves utilising evidence-based research, statistics and data to inform the development of the Alliance’s strategic policies, initiatives and advocacy positions. The successful applicant will take a lead role in the production of key policy documents including research reports, position papers, policy statements, fact sheets, submissions to government inquiries and consultations and leading other projects relevant to the work of the Alliance. The role will involve liaising with colleagues, Alliance members, research bodies and other relevant organisations.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The Policy and Data Analytics Officer works with the Director Policy and Strategic Development to:

• Contribute to the development of evidence-based policy, strategic vision and advocacy positions for the organisation.
• Identify the core policy issues affecting the planning, development and delivery of health care to people living in rural and remote Australia.
• Conduct relevant quantitative and qualitative research and data analyses (including identifying appropriate data sources and undertaking secondary analysis as required) to ensure Alliance policy and advocacy is current, accurate, credible and evidence-based.
• Liaise with Australian government agencies including the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to source key data resources for use by the Alliance.
• Monitor, analyse and provide advice on legislation and other government or stakeholder policies or initiatives which influence the health and wellbeing of rural, regional and remote Australians.
• Lead the preparation of formal written positions, submissions, fact sheets, policy briefs and recommendations on key policy issues.
• Undertake or contribute to evaluations for programs and research projects that the Alliance is a partner to.

Stakeholder engagement

• Work with Council member organisations to advocate for improvement in rural and remote health in alignment with national policy directions.
• Work cooperatively with stakeholders, such as community organisations, government and other organisations relevant to the Alliance’s purpose.

Other

• Contribute to a workplace culture that is consistent with the Alliance vision, objectives, guiding principles and values.
• Work in a manner consistent with the governance and management policies and procedures of the organisation.
• Undertake administrative tasks as required in a small team.
• Utilise expertise to mentor and develop capacity in other members of the Alliance team.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

• Tertiary qualifications in a health, public health, public policy, mathematics, statistics, quantitative sciences or other relevant discipline.
• Proven expertise in researching, analysing and critically appraising information, including experience in compiling and analysing statistics and interpreting data.
• Demonstrated capacity and experience in writing a range of high-quality research and policy documents for a variety of audiences including government, stakeholders and the wider community, ensuring that information is presented in an informative and accessible way.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and constructively with a wide range of stakeholders including government departments and other peak body organisations.
• Experience in evaluation of programs.
• Possess the ability to work in a team, have good organisational ability and demonstrated capacity to take initiative, be self-directed and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

Desirable:

• Knowledge and understanding of Australian health policy and systems.
• An understanding of the broader issues affecting Australians living in rural, regional and/or remote locations.
• Experience working in the not-for-profit service sector with a strong advocacy focus.

DOES IT SOUND LIKE YOU?

Do you have a passion for rural and remote health? Do you enjoy working with data and supporting evaluations? The National Rural Health Alliance is looking for a policy and data analytics officer to help us advocate for policies that improve rural health outcomes. We need someone who is not only skilled in working with data and numbers, but who can use those numbers to illustrate the healthcare issues affecting people in rural Australia. The position will work with stakeholders and members across the health spectrum to influence rural and remote healthcare policy nationally.

The role will ideally be full-time with the flexibility to work 4 days, working out of our Canberra office. Consideration will be given to applicants with the right skills and experience for remote working options.

If you have a passion for rural Australia or a rural background and are experienced in health/social policy and data analytics, then this could be the role for you! Please apply by submitting a copy of your CV and cover letter addressing the selection criteria via the "Apply Now" button.

Should you have any questions, please contact Kathy Thach via [email protected] using the subject line: Policy and Data Analytics Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs / Phone: +0262854660.

SALARY RANGE

Salary range depending on skills and experience: $105,000 to $120,000 plus superannuation (11%). Not-for-Profit salary packaging also available.

Contract to 30 June 2025 with the possibility of extension.

A position description is attached.