Senator Barbara Pocock is seeking applicants for a full time ongoing Policy and Parliamentary Adviser position. The team is based in Adelaide and Canberra. This role will be based in Canberra.

Roles and Responsibilities

A Policy and Parliamentary Adviser provides high level advice on policy matters and parliamentary strategy, while also supporting the Senator with media engagements and local and national campaign initiatives.

As an Adviser you will engage with parliamentary activity and undertake work on policy within the Finance, Public Sector and Employment portfolio areas. This includes research, speech writing, briefings, and committee work. The position also supports the Senator with stakeholder engagement (including whistleblowers), campaigning (events and digital) and negotiations.

This is a fast-paced and dynamic position that offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on Australian politics and public discourse. The role requires a broad set of skills, the ability to learn quickly, and the drive to find creative avenues to effect change.

A demonstrated commitment to Greens values is essential, and an understanding of politics and parliamentary processes would be an advantage.

If you feel you meet most, but not all, of the selection criteria, please do not be dissuaded from applying.

This position will work under supervision of the Senior Policy and Parliamentary Adviser.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide policy advice including research, analysis, and policy development across the Senator’s range of portfolio areas.
• Undertake parliamentary activity including legislation advice, preparation and amendments, policy briefs and proposals for the Party Room, committee work and inquiry preparation and reports, Senate Estimates, Private Members’ Bills, Motions, Speech Notes, Parliamentary Groups and Associations, etc.
• Advice and support in negotiations with other parties, including government and shadow ministerial offices and staff.
• Manage stakeholder relationships including whistleblowers, and policy experts.
• Liaison with communications and campaigns staff in preparation of materials for campaigns.
• Drafting or reviewing of media releases in areas of policy expertise, as directed.
• Liaise with the Greens party bodies and other elected representatives to ensure policy alignment across jurisdictions.

Selection Criteria

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience
2. Excellent writing and research skills are essential for this role. Examples attached to your application are encouraged.
3. Strategic thinking and analytical skills, and demonstrated capacity to comprehend complex issues including understanding of the Senator’s portfolio areas.
4. Understanding of the political system and context in Australia.
5. Existing knowledge of federal parliamentary processes is desirable, but not essential.
6. Demonstrated strong interpersonal, communication and liaison skills.
7. Highly-developed organisational and time management skills, including flexibility and ability to meet tight deadlines and evolving priorities.
8. An ability to work as part of a team as well as independently with minimal supervision.
9. Campaign and stakeholder engagement experience is desirable, but not essential.
10. Understanding and commitment to progressive Greens values.

Salary and Terms of Employment

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 at the Electorate Officer B classification (salary $71,245 - $83,179 commensurate with experience). An additional Employment Staff Allowance may be payable for irregular hours and travel as required and agreed. Generous employer sponsored superannuation of 15.4% also applies.

The employment conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020 ‐2023.

Senator Barbara Pocock's office is an inclusive, safe and respectful workplace and equal opportunity employer. All staff will be required to complete anti-bullying, anti-racism and harassment training, and to comply with workplace policies.

Please note, employees are expected to sign a confidentiality and code of conduct agreement prior to the commencement of their employment. A probationary period of three months, with the option of extending by a maximum of two months, will apply.

Please contact Eliza Littleton on (08) 8272 7575 or [email protected], using the subject line: Policy and Parliamentary Adviser enquiry via Ethical Jobs, if you have any questions or queries concerning the role.

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.

A position description is attached.