Policy Officer (Identified)

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VACCHO’s Policy Officer (Identified) is a full-time maximum-term role in Collingwood with a hybrid work model, delivering the policy and advocacy agenda for Closing the Gap and the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership. You will support events, develop evidence-based submissions and briefings, and help the Executive respond to inquiries while amplifying VACCHO’s voice across health policy. Essential requirements include identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, a passion for community outcomes, strong relationship building, initiative and adaptability, and the ability to digest large volumes of material and write clearly. We welcome recent graduates or career changers. Apply early with a cover letter addressing suitability, and show how you will contribute to Closing the Gap and AHWP; inquiries [email protected].

Job Title: Policy Officer

Location: Collingwood, VIC (Hybrid Work Model)

Employment Type: Full-time, Maximum-term (until 30 June 2028)

Salary: $80,000 to $100,000 (depending on skills and experience) + Super + NFP Salary Packaging

About VACCHO

VACCHO is the peak representative for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.

We have 34 member Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations providing support to over 78,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the state. We lead and support Aboriginal Community Control and the broader health and social services sector to deliver transformative health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal communities in Victoria. We are a centre of expertise, policy advice, training, innovation and leadership in Aboriginal health and wellbeing. And we'd love you to join us! 

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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

About the role

You will have the responsibility for contributing to the delivery of VACCHO’s policy and advocacy agenda including in relation to Closing the Gap and the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership (AHWP). The Policy Officer will work closely with team members across VACCHO and the Department of Health to deliver poignant, well executed events aligned with the priorities of the AHWP Action Plan. You will contribute to VACCHO being a strong voice for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and influencing policy across the range of health issue areas.  

You will also support VACCCHO’s Executive to respond to parliamentary inquiries and government consultations, as well as supporting VACCHO in other areas of strategic priority through the development of evidence-based submissions, briefings, policy campaigns and other similar tasks when required. 

 Essential skills/experiences 

If the following describes you, it sounds like you are the person we are looking to join our team, so don’t hesitate to apply!

You:

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or a Torres Strait Islander,
• Are passionate about working with Community to improve outcomes for Mob,
• Are confident and able to reach out to others to build and maintain strong relationships
• Have the initiative to take on challenges as they appear and get stuck straight into what needs to be done,
• Thrive when needing to be adaptable and responsive, as this role needs someone who is flexible and able to be reactive positively (I know, usually adverts are saying we want someone who is proactive!) when situations arise that require a response,
• Can read and process large amounts of text, summarising the volume of information into the important points,
• Can also research, analyse and write in a manner that engages the reader while getting the necessary points across,
• Could be a recent graduate or have worked elsewhere – we are looking for your skills and fit with our organisation, not necessarily an industry you have precisely worked in. 

 Benefits 

• Working for Community in a culturally safe Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation. 
• Access to generous Not for Profit salary packaging entitlements (including living expenses and meals & accommodation) and leave loading.
• Access to additional leave entitlements including cultural leave and bonus Christmas leave if employed at VACCHO into the following year. 
• Organisational early finish Fridays and flexible working arrangements considered.
• Work in inner-city Collingwood with wellness spaces and end of trip facilities available. 

We believe in the right for all people to be treated with the respect and dignity at all times, and that all people who work for, govern or undertake work at or visit us should at all times feel safe and included.

Visit us here for more info: https://www.vaccho.org.au/ 

Other employment related information

Employment is subject to a satisfactory and ongoing police records check (international where relevant) and Working with Children Check.  

Apply Now

Please note we will begin shortlisting as we receive applications and therefore encourage early applications. 

Please include a cover letter addressing your suitability for the role after reviewing the position description.

For enquiries, contact [email protected]

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Statement:

VACCHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is seeking applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We embrace the diversity of cultures, identities, gender, sex, and sexually diverse identities and expressions, experiences, beliefs, and values of all people.