Are you a strategic thinker with proven expertise in policy analysis and advocacy, ready to drive meaningful change in women's health? Women’s Health Victoria (WHV) is looking for a Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer to build strong relationships with key stakeholders and drive our organisation’s influence and policy impact!

About WHV

WHV is a statewide, feminist, not-for-profit leading the pursuit of gender equity in health. We work with government, the health sector and the community to create better health outcomes for women (cis and trans inclusive) and gender diverse people.

WHV delivers vital support services to the community and empowering health information. We share evidence and recommendations to challenge bias in the health system. We build capacity in the health sector to achieve equitable health outcomes.
We foster an environment of inclusion, innovation and respect.

Senior Policy and Advocacy officer

In this new role, the Senior Policy & Advocacy Officer will play a pivotal part in leading WHV’s policy positions and developing advocacy strategies. This position is crucial for influencing broader advocacy agenda through proactive stakeholder engagement to amplify WHV’s impact and to drive systemic change.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Developing an advocacy strategy to promote WHV advocacy and policy priorities at local, state and national levels;
• Conducting analysis on relevant issues, including legislation, regulatory and policy changes, and emerging trends in gender equity in health, in collaboration with internal stakeholders;
• Leading the development of policy recommendations and position papers that align with WHV goals and focus areas and are informed by evidence, data and lived experience;
• Drafting and disseminating policy briefs, submissions, and discussion papers to inform internal and external stakeholders and support WHV’s advocacy agenda; and
• Managing and engaging with external stakeholders and partners across WHV’s priority areas to build relationships and promote WHV’s advocacy agenda.

Amongst other selection criteria, as an ideal candidate, you’ll have:

• Tertiary qualifications in public health, social policy, gender studies, community development or a related field, or similar work experience.
• A minimum of six years' experience in policy development, advocacy or related area.
• Experience in not for profit or government sector (preferred).
• Experience writing advocacy strategies and policy positions.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Ability to develop and communicate succinct and informed policy advice for senior internal and external stakeholders, including briefings and talking points for senior engagement.
• Strong understanding of the legislative process, policy development and experience in development and implementation of advocacy strategies.
• Proven ability to influence policy outcomes through advocacy, including experience in stakeholder engagement.
• Highly organised, with strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

If you want to be part of an organisation making a difference in leading the pursuit of gender equity in health, this could be the role for you! A position description is located on the WHV website which includes further details relevant to the position.

Benefits of working at WHV

Working at WHV you will be a part of a dedicated community who are guided by a shared goal and carry out meaningful work with the commitment and courage to make a difference. We are proud to provide a number of innovative employee benefits for our staff such as:

• Flexible work hours and family friendly policies
• Hybrid working
• Access to salary packaging
• Paid end of year close-down – additional to annual leave

How to Apply

If you think you'd be a good match for this position, we encourage you to apply by clicking the 'Apply Now' button.

Please provide a CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria for the role.

We strongly encourage applications from applicants with diverse experience and backgrounds. We welcome people with lived experience and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters, relating to women’s health holistically.

For more information about the role and working at WHV, contact Judith Ridgeway, Chief Operating Officer, [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.