• JOB TYPE: 1-year Fixed Term (with possibility of extension); Full Time
• CLASSIFICATION: SCHCADS 6-7 depending on skills and experience
• LOCATIONS: NUAA Head Office, 267 Broadway Glebe - Ability to negotiate hybrid work schedule
• REPORTS TO: Director of Programs

As part of the dynamic Community Engagement team, the Policy and Programs Lead provides leadership and support across the team while spearheading NUAA’s strategic policy and advocacy agenda. The ideal candidate will possess outstanding research, analysis, and writing skills and have experience in a peer-based organisation or a strong alignment with NUAA’s values. This role focuses on supporting NUAA’s involvement in key strategic discussions and developing innovative programs.

This role involves working across a range of projects within the Community Engagement team, supporting project planning, development, and implementation. The Policy and Programs Lead will play a key role in advancing NUAA’s strategic goals by contributing to various initiatives and ensuring the effective delivery of programs that align with our mission and values.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in a peer-based organisation or a strong alignment with NUAA’s values to contribute to our broader work and make a meaningful impact in the community.

Key Responsibilities of the Role

• Maintain strategic partnerships and relationships internally and externally to advance NUAA’s aims.
• Lead and advise on best practices in evaluation and policy within the organisation.
• Build strong evidence bases to inform future planning and achieve strategic goals.
• Develop and articulate informed positions on issues affecting people who use drugs in NSW, such as stigma, discrimination, criminalisation, policing, and treatment access.
• Support leadership across NUAA’s Community Engagement team.
• Develop and deliver policy, advocacy, campaign, research, and proposal initiatives aligned with NUAA’s strategic directions.
• Support reporting and program evaluation at both conceptual and practical levels.
• Manage NUAA’s involvement in public submissions, research, and campaigns to promote the health, human rights, and dignity of people who use drugs.
• Prepare project documentation, discussion papers, and presentations for communication purposes.
• Undertake research and analysis to support informed decision-making within the Community Engagement team.
• Represent NUAA in advocacy activities in consultation with the CEO and key stakeholders.
• Support project planning and development within the Community Engagement team.
• Share line management responsibilities with the Community Engagement team.

A full position description is available for download below.

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE

• Work for an organisation supporting our community.
• Competitive salary
• Gifted Christmas leave
• Flexible work arrangements
• Salary Packing & Meal Entertainment Benefit available.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available

SELECTION CRITERIA

Formal qualifications relevant to the role include:

• Degree with extensive relevant experience or equivalent skills and experience that demonstrate a high level of expertise in policy development, program management, and advocacy.

Essential:

• Commitment to NUAA’s Mission and Values: Demonstrated commitment to NUAA’s mission and values, particularly in promoting the health, human rights, and dignity of people who use drugs.
• Project Management Expertise: Proven experience in managing projects, including planning, documentation, stakeholder engagement, and navigating government processes.
• Advanced Research and Analytical Skills: Expertise in conducting rigorous research and evaluation activities, including study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Ability to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
• Exceptional Communication Abilities: Highly developed written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences. Proficiency in writing in plain language and tailoring messages for different stakeholders.
• Autonomous and Driven: Strong organisational skills and experience in working independently on various tasks and projects. A proactive approach, demonstrating initiative and the ability to get the job done while knowing when to seek guidance.
• Leadership and Team Management: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams, fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture. Experience in line management, including supporting staff development and performance.
• Understanding of Systemic Challenges: Deep understanding of the systemic challenges faced by people who use drugs in NSW, including issues related to stigma, discrimination, and criminalisation. Commitment to addressing these challenges through policy and advocacy work.
• Policy Analysis and Development: Proven experience in policy analysis and development, including identifying and evaluating policy options, assessing the impact of policies, and making evidence-based recommendations. Ability to stay informed about relevant legislative and regulatory changes.

Desirable:

• Lived Experience: Personal (lived or living) experience of drug use and a strong understanding of the peer-based approach to harm reduction. Ability to bring this perspective to policy and program development.

For further information please email [email protected] using the subject line: Policy and Programs Lead enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Please address all selection criteria or your application will not be considered. People with lived or living experience of illicit drug use are encouraged to apply.