Position in Context

The Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) was established in 1976 and aims to increase Koorie participation in education, training and employment through the development of programs that are culturally relevant, that reinforce Koorie identity and provide supportive learning environments. VAEAI also aims to promote awareness of Koorie cultures and educational aspirations to the wider community.

VAEAI is a State-wide community based organisation representing Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups (LAECGs), across eight regions in Victoria. LAECGs are the primary source of local advice on education and training matters and participate as partners with Government agencies in the planning, development, monitoring and evaluation of education, training and employment programs across Victoria.

In 2016, the Department of Education and Training developed and launched the Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-2026. Marrung is the first Aboriginal education plan in Victoria that covers all three education sectors – early childhood, school education and post-compulsory education including vocational education and training and higher education. VAEAI is the principal partner in ensuring the successful implementation of the plan.

The Policy Officer is responsible for analysing current and potential government policy impacting Aboriginal education and training in Victoria and providing high level advice to Senior Managers within VAEAI. The role requires working in close consultation with a range of internal and external stakeholders to progress initiatives, responses and funding submissions and includes the provision of high level Secretariat support to a range of committees, forums and roundtables involved in the implementation of Marrung.

Organisational Responsibilities

The Senior Policy Officer reports to the Programs Manager, VAEAI and will:

1. Contribute to the development of Organisational strategic and operational plans
2. As required, represent VAEAI on relevant committees and as appropriate forums and government meetings relating to policy, and strategic directions in Koorie education, training and employment.
3. Work with the VAEAI team to complete urgent tasks as determined by the General Manager.
4. Seek opportunities for professional and personal development which will add to VAEAI’s overall capabilities.

Program and Policy Responsibilities

1. Provide advice and briefings to the VAEAI Executive Team members on policy and strategic directions impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, training and employment.
2. Analyse state and national policy development, implementation and risks, including identifying and providing advice on their impact on VAEAI’s purpose, goals and priorities.
3. Contribute to VAEAI’s efforts to build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders and support / facilitate a partnership approach to improving Koorie education and training outcomes.
4. Prepare VAEAI responses, including briefings for the General Manager, President and Managers, in relation to the outcomes from key education and training strategies, policies, programs and research on Koorie participation and outcomes in education and training.
5. Contribute to the development of submissions, and presentations on issues related to Koorie education, training and employment issues which reflect community needs, expectations and aspirations and are consistent with VAEAI strategic directions and priorities.
6. Support VAEAI Managers to ensure the accurate and timely completion of Funding Agreement reports
   Assist members of the Executive Team in the facilitation of and reporting on consultative processes to engage LAECGs and community members to inform policy development and evaluation.
7. Provide support and advice to Senior Managers, other staff and the LAECGs on the development, implementation and review of relevant policy, projects and programs.
8. Contribute to research and/ or evaluation projects to further develop and / or build an evidence base of success in education and training policies, initiatives and programs.

Other requirements

• Qualifications in education, research or related fields and a track record working in policy related positions
• Sound computer skills including a good working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email and internet
• A current Victorian Driver’s License and a willingness to travel
• A current Working With Children Check
• Some out of hours work is required from time to time

A position description is attached.