Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service's logo

Legal Policy and Advocacy Advisor

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

About the role

The Policy & Advocacy Adviser of NATSILS (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services) provides high quality policy, advocacy and secretariat support services to the Executive Officer, Co-chairs of NATSILS and to the NATSILS members.

The Policy & Advocacy Adviser:

  • Exercises discerning skills to research and develop solutions to complex legal services issues informed by an Australia-wide approach to building strong communication across the ATSILS and the broader legal services sector.
  • Provides direct strategic advice and analysis services to internal and external stakeholders regarding justice system structural change and reform.
  • Develops and implements strategies for policy, campaigns and advocacy to achieve change on priorities and solutions to end to injustices, racism and over-incarceration in the justice system, including being a spokesperson where appropriate.
  • Works closely with the Executive Officer and Chairpersons of NATSILS to ensure NATSILS strategic priorities are designed, achieved and evaluated.
  • Coordinates communications, feedback and discussions of state and national issues between ATSILS members and the Commonwealth Government Departments and Federal Parliamentarians.
  • Drafts submissions in response to commissions of inquiry, reviews and new policy initiatives issued by governments and parliaments.
  • Drafts content for external communications including for key stakeholders.
  • Co-ordinates NATSILS forums, including liaising with members, co-chairs and external third parties attending forums, drafting forum reports and actioning resolutions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develops and implements strategies for policy, campaigns, messaging, government relations, funding and advocacy to achieve change on priorities and solutions to end to injustices, racism and over-incarceration in the justice system for First Nations people.
  • Undertake legal research and prepare high quality briefing papers, report, submissions and speeches for NATSILS.
  • Maintain knowledge on current justice, human rights and discrimination issues, relevant Australian and international policy, law and human rights developments.
  • Demonstrate oral and written communication skills, including writing for a range of purposes and audiences, public speaking and media (where appropriate).
  • Build strong connections and positive working relationships with NATSILS members, Government representatives and other key stakeholders, including peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, including to support capacity building and sector development activities and to develop partnerships.
  • Provide high quality NATSILS representation on steering committees, coalitions and when consulting with external stakeholders.
  • Assist Executive Officer with implementing NATSILS strategic priorities and campaigns, reporting and impact evaluation.
  • Coordinate the NATSILS Law Reform and Policy Officer Network, coordination of national teleconferences, forum working groups, other meetings and activities to support collaboration by NATSILS members, including administrative support and chairing meetings as required.
  • Develop and maintain NATSILS policies, procedures and administrative documents such as membership lists and guidelines for the NATSILS.
  • Develop and manage NATSILS’ volunteer base.
  • Undertake other duties as might be reasonably directed by the Executive Officer or the Co-Chairs of NATSILS.

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

This employment opportunity is only available to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

How to apply

This job ad has now expired, and applications are no longer being accepted.

Email me more jobs like this.

Daily