• Full-time, parental leave contract until 19 December 2025
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work from home and office (2 days)
• Dynamic and friendly team
• Salary packaging and RDO program available,

ABOUT THE VICTORIAN HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION

The Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA) is the peak body supporting Victoria’s public health services to deliver high-quality care.

Established in 1938, the VHA represents Victoria’s diverse public healthcare sector, including public hospitals, aged care and community health services. The VHA has over 115 member organisations, representing more than 95% of Victorian public healthcare services and a $22 billion industry in Victoria.

The VHA advocates on behalf of its members on sector-critical issues by engaging and influencing key decision-makers involved in policy development and system reform. The VHA regularly engages with Victorian Ministers, the Department of Health, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and other Victorian peak representative bodies on behalf of its members. As well as providing sector-wide advocacy and representation activities, the VHA delivers value for its members by sharing policy and advocacy insights, curating system and sector-level intel and offering networking opportunities, informative events and tailored professional development activities.

Working at the VHA offers great benefits such as additional paid leave at Christmas and Melbourne Cup weekend, salary packaging and ongoing staff development and training.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the General Manager – Policy and Advocacy, the Senior Policy Advisor role is a key role within a priority of the VHA activities and member services. This role is responsible for leading and managing the successful delivery of a range of projects on behalf of the VHA. This role requires the ability to deliver valuable and considered thought leadership, internally and externally, representing the VHA in a positive manner.

A key component of the role includes activities of work which advance the VHAs policy and advocacy agenda including regular engagement, reporting and writing of clear and concise strategies, position statements, submissions, papers and other key documents.

This position will have SIX primary responsibilities

• Policy development and advocacy: lead the development of evidence-informed policy solutions to address complex system issues impacting VHA’s members, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s strategic plan.
• Project leadership and delivery: scope, plan, and manage projects, including budgets, timelines, and risk management, to ensure successful delivery of outcomes that meet stakeholder expectations and organisational goals.
• Stakeholder engagement: build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, members, government, and external stakeholders to support collaborative project delivery and policy development.
• Strategic advice and leadership: collaborate with the General Manager – Policy & Advocacy and other VHA leaders to provide strategic advice and guidance, contributing to the organisation’s objectives and demonstrating leadership across teams.
• Communication and Reporting: prepare high-quality reports, presentations, and project deliverables tailored for diverse audiences, including members, government departments, and health sector stakeholders.
• Contribute valuably to the VHA culture: foster and maintain a commitment to a collaborative and professional culture within the VHA team.

The successful candidate will be a champion of public sector healthcare and passionately represent the VHA's member organisations on issues of important.

ABOUT YOU

You have extensive experience in policy development, preferably within healthcare or a related industry / professional association.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

• Deep understanding of Victorian and Australian government structures and policy-making processes, preferably as they relate to healthcare.
• Demonstrated ability to provide authoritative advice on policy analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Proven and varied experience in undertaking research and improvement methodology and / or capability building activities in the health or not-for-profit sector.
• Outstanding project management skills including demonstrated expertise in project management.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesise information and develop evidence-based policy positions.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues in a clear and compelling manner, while forming strong relationships.
• Proficient in communicating complex healthcare policy issues to diverse audiences, both in writing and verbally, and tailoring messages for different stakeholders such as politicians, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
• A high degree of integrity when engaging with external stakeholders in a confidential environment.
• Work collaboratively and demonstrate a track record of building cooperation and overcoming barriers to information sharing and communication across teams and establishing effective relationships with diverse stakeholders to elicit the relevant responses.
• Value diversity and inclusion by demonstrating inclusive behaviour and showing respect for diverse backgrounds, experience, and perspectives.
• The ability to multi-task, problem solve, prioritise, and deliver results in challenging timeframes, including efficient use of resources.
• Tertiary qualifications in healthcare, public policy, and/or a related field.

Desirable:

• Experience working for or with a professional association / membership organisation, government or healthcare organisation.

For further information on the position contact Amelia Condi, General Manager – Policy and Advocacy via [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Policy Advisor enquiry via EthicalJobs.

VHA is committed to building a respectful and inclusive workplace, appointing the best person for the role and supporting diversity. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident with full work permissions in place in order to be considered for this role.

A position description is attached.