About FPDN
First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN) is a national organisation of and for Australia’s First Peoples with disability, their families and communities. Our purpose is to promote respect for human rights, secure social justice, and empower First Peoples with disability to participate in Australian society on an equal basis with others.

Workplace Benefits

Employee base committed to the self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with disability, their families and communities

Flexible working location, with remote / WFH options

Option for Salary Packaging to increase take home pay

About the Role

We are working to improve partnerships and collaboration with community, the disability sector and government agencies to co-design solutions to improve outcomes in genuine partnership with First Peoples with disability across all policy areas (such as early childhood, housing, justice, health) . We are looking for experienced social justice policy practitioners to join our team. The role of a Senior Policy Officer will be part of our ‘Policy and Systemic Advocacy Team’ or ‘Strategy, Partnerships and Impact Unit’, and will be to develop and provide policy advice to a range of audiences, as well as support research, data and engagement strategies, and contribute to FPDN’s priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

The core activities of a Senior Policy Officer will include, but not be limited to:

Undertaking research and analysis to inform high level decisions making that involve complex policy

Liaising with internal and external stakeholders on policy, program and projects fostering collaboration and partnership

Producing robust policy advice and papers, built on evidence and focused on holding governments to account under human rights and national policy frameworks, as well as the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission and NDIS Review

Preparing clear, concise and comprehensive reports or other written advice within tight timeframes

Providing accurate and specialised advice including anticipating problems and contributing to issues management

Representing FPDN on jurisdictional and national committees and forums to influence the development of legislation, policy, programs and systems impacting First Peoples with disability.

Building relationships with jurisdictions, agencies and like-minded organisations to embed the inclusion of First Nations people with disability at all levels of policy advocacy, programs and services.

Location can be flexible depending on the right candidate.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will be a compassionate, culturally aware individual with a deep commitment to social justice and the rights of First Peoples with disability. FPDN strongly encourages Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

You will bring:

A commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples being self-determining and a demonstrated capacity to work positively with them and their organisations.

Knowledge, respect and support for the cultural values and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strat Islander disability sector and the barriers to accessing supports. Demonstrated understanding of the intersectionality of disability and indigeneity from a social disability model and cultural perspective.

Understanding of and ability to work within a human rights framework established by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

A knowledge and understanding of Australia’s disability systems including current policies and reforms and being implemented by Australian Governments.

Proven and high-level project management, research, and analytical skills.

Highly developed interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Proven ability to write and translate complex policy material for a range of audiences.

Proven ability to successfully engage internal and external stakeholders, including experience in Easy Read or Easy English documents.

Proven ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders.

A capacity to undertake policy and project work with a high level of complexity and sensitivity and operate under broad direction with a high level of day-to-day autonomy.

Qualifications in social sciences, social policy or related areas.

Lived experience of disability.

If you are passionate about walking alongside mob to listen, learn, honour their stories, and improve the lives of First Nations people with disability, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please email your resume and a cover letter to [email protected]

Applications are reviewed and progressed as they're received. Please be sure to apply ASAP if you're interested.

First Peoples Disability Network Australia is a proud employer of First Nations people with disability, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a lived experience of disability are strongly encouraged to apply. We are an EEO employer and embrace the diversity of our people, including diversity in disability, race, cultural background, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation and intersex status.