• Position : Multiple Full Time Positions (Fixed Term - 26 Sept 2026 and Ongoing)
• Location : Preston
• Salary : Between $110,110 to $112,541 depending on experience and qualifications, plus super and salary packaging options

The Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation that supports and advocates for the Aboriginal Community and is the largest organisation of its kind in Australia. The VACCA team is committed to the organisation’s visions and values, passionately providing support, service and advocacy for our children and other vulnerable members of the community.

Our strength lies with our people.

About the role

The Senior Policy and Research Officer will undertake policy, advocacy and research aligned with VACCA’ strategic direction across the portfolio areas of children and families, family violence, housing and homelessness, justice, AOD, treaty, National Agreement on Closing the Gap and Yoorrook. You will be responsible for preparing briefs, presentations, speeches, policy position papers and publications as required by the CEO and/or the Director of OCEO. You will also be responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of VACCA’s Policy Advocacy Strategy.

About You

• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the values that underpin VACCA’ vision and purpose.
• Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures, and commitment to continually build knowledge of such, along with a high level of awareness of the key issues which impacts upon Aboriginal communities.
• Strong understanding and awareness of Aboriginal communities and issues facing Aboriginal children and families today, particularly intergenerational impacts of past government policies and the removal policies that led to Stolen Generations.
• Demonstrated highly developed research, analytical and writing skills, including knowledge translation (examples of work may be requested from shortlisted applicants)
• Demonstrated high level conceptual, strategic and analytical skills along with sophisticated understanding of program implementation, management and evaluation
• Highly developed project management skills with demonstrated capacity to research and prepare diverse forms of documentation, and analysis.
• Advanced skills in the use of MS Office Software (particularly MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe), and a willingness to learn new systems.
• High level professional, interpersonal and communication skills, to engage with a variety of stakeholders, including the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and representing the organisation where required.
• A demonstrated commitment to establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with families, colleagues, government departments, sector partners and the Aboriginal Community.
• Awareness of Aboriginal Affairs both at a State and National level.
• Strong writing, proof reading and communication skills with superior attention to detail
• Proven ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, sharing individual skills and knowledge.
• Requirements: Valid Police Check, a Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and a Victorian Driver Licence. Current COVID-19 vaccination (Strongly Recommended)

What we can offer you

• A supportive environment that includes comprehensive induction
• The support of regular internal supervision
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Attractive salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• 17.5% loading on annual leave
• Access to agency vehicles for all work-related travel
• Access to Employee support and wellbeing programs
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Opportunity to work and build connection with the Aboriginal Community and culture
• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available on this program

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people to apply

Applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and current resume. We encourage applicants to view the Position Description prior to applying. Please visit the VACCA careers page to download the position description for this role.

Application closes by 30 September 2026 we may close the position earlier if we find suitable person

We are committed to Aboriginal self-determination and supporting strong, safe, thriving Aboriginal communities and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity, honouring all cultural backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and spiritual beliefs.

VACCA is a child-safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with zero tolerance for child abuse. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement of employment and periodically following commencement.

VACCA is an equal opportunity employer and has a smoke-free workplace policy