Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and people with lived-experience of the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply for this role.

Additional Benefits:

17.5% Leave Loading

5 extra days leave on top of 20 days annual leave

Only required to work 35 hours per week, any extra hours worked will be calculated as your Time In Lieu (TOIL) – which you may use as additional leave hours

Access to company vehicles for any work-related trips

Salary packaging is available via Maxxia

Office Locations: 273 High Street, Preston, VIC, 3072.

This role is full-time fixed term 12 - months

Application ends on 7th April 2025

Role Overview

Working collaboratively within the Policy team and across the organisation, the Senior Policy Officer will undertake high quality policy work, advocacy and research. This includes preparing policy submissions, papers and briefs, supporting research partnerships and research projects, supporting the development and implementation of advocacy strategies and initiatives, and advising the CEO and other members of the Executive as required. This is done in line with VALS strategic vision and in the context of developing and promoting VALS as a strong voice for the Aboriginal communities we serve.

Responsibilities

Policy research and advocacy

Research, write and prepare position papers, reports submissions and briefs as relevant, for implementation of VALS Policy Team Strategic Plan and VALS Strategic Plan.

Provide support and advice to the CEO and other members of the Executive to fulfil their role in representing VALS in external forum.

Represent VALS in external forums - including relevant meetings, working groups, conferences - as required.

Identify and plan lobbying activities aimed at Federal and State government and government-related bodies

Work closely with colleagues in the Policy, Communications and Strategy team and across the organisation to enhance VALS’ public advocacy.

Support specific policy, research and advocacy projects

Prepare policy papers, briefings and position papers to inform the Board where required

Translate the concerns of clients and the Aboriginal communities into specific campaigns, policy and advocacy materials and communication strategies.

Stakeholder management

Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including VALS Legal teams and Community Justice Programs, ACCOs, NATSILS and ATSILS, research institutions, government and community legal organisations.

Develop and participate in relevant coalitions to enhance VALS advocacy.

Build the organisations profile through the establishment and maintenance of research partnerships with external organisations and the broader community.

Internal Obligations

Commitment to VALS’s strategic plan

Attend and actively contribute at team and working group meetings

Provide mentoring and support to other members of the Policy, Communications and Strategy team as needed

Provide supervision and guidance to other policy staff and contractors, including volunteers

Undertake other duties & responsibilities within the scope of the role as directed

Personal accountability

Compliance with all VALS Values, code of conduct, policies and procedures and relevant government legislation and standards where relevant.

Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of social justice and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or religion

Ensure appropriate use of resources

Actively participate in initiatives to maintain, build upon and promote a positive and collaborative workplace.

Take reasonable care for your own health & safety, and health and safety of others (to extent required)

Promptly respond to and report health and safety hazards, incidents and near misses to management.

Attend mandatory training sessions (ie. equal employment opportunity, health and safety, cultural safety) and mandatory training specific to position.

Key Selection Criteria

Mandatory

1. A sound knowledge of the role of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement and related cross Relevant qualifications such as Bachelor or Masters degree in Law, Politics, Communications or Journalism alongside experience in social policy and advocacy.

2. Demonstrated experience policy, research and critical analysis skills.

3. Demonstrated experience in advocacy and stakeholder management.

4. Ability to work autonomously and to collaborate in a small team environment.

5. High level organisational and administrative skills and ability to prioritise workload, to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

6. Demonstrated computer literacy skills and proficiency using the Microsoft Office and other relevant software.

Desirable

1. Training or experience in the legal sector, particularly in areas of social justice and human rights

2. Understanding of the role of Aboriginal legal services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations

Experience working in the non-profit sector

Mandatory Requirement

On offer of this position, you must provide:

A copy of your current Employee Working with Children Check card

A copy of your current Victorian Driver’s License

You will be required to complete a current Criminal History Police Check

Proof of rights to work in Australia, i.e. a copy of an Australian Passport, Birth Certificate or Immigration VISA documentation

Copies of any certificates or degrees relevant to this role

Please send your resume together with a covering letter that addresses the Key Selection Criteria