Senior Education Policy and Research Officer

Applications close December 5, 2025

People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged to apply.

Full Time, Fixed term for 2 years

Based in Alice Springs with travel to the NPY region every 2-4 weeks.

Generous Leave Entitlements; free access to Employee Assistance program, further salary packaging benefits

Relocation Assistance provided

ABOUT US

Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council was founded and is still led, governed and directed by women from the NPY region. It was created to give a voice to women across 26 desert communities in the cross-border regions of Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory. Today, we continue to provide progressive, innovative and evidence-based work in service delivery, advocacy and support.

At its core NPY Women’s Council is about family and community – walytja. Our purpose is to work with women, children and their families of the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara region in central Australia. Our role is to work side by side and help increase their capacity to lead safe and healthy lives with improved life choices.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Research and Policy team are a critical component of NPYWC who have been running for the past 12 months to support the organisation with refining internal and external policy work, enhancing evidence-based practice and working with Directors and the Communications team to promote an external Anangu voice.

The Research and Policy team sits within the Directorate team who are responsible for leading the executive management responsibilities of the organisation working in close consultation with elected Directors of NPY Women’s Council. With a new five-year strategic plan that puts operational excellence as a priority, this role will be a critical part of the team moving forward due to a number of exciting projects and organisation improvements.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Education Advocacy Project started in January 2020. The primary focus is on supporting NPY Women’s Council’s understanding of barriers and enablers to secondary education for young Anangu women aged 12-18 and to support systems change in line with Anangu ideals.

This position will work towards empowering young women from the NPY region to have a voice through holding individual and group consultations, participating in annual leadership forums, and engaging and leading advocacy conversations at the AGM. The position will create pathways for young Anangu women in the NPY Lands to participate in action research that informs critical policy reform regarding education and the rights of young women.

ABOUT YOU

You will have relevant tertiary qualifications in areas such as Education, Advocacy, Youth Work, Social Work etc. and/or experience with project management and advocacy in a First Nations context.

This is a unique chance to work for an organisation that takes a grassroots approach to community development. You will have the privilege of working closely alongside Anangu families and communities and get to experience an amazing landscape and part of the world.

You will receive a comprehensive orientation program as well as best practice supervision and professional development that includes vicarious trauma, case management and four-wheel drive training. We also provide critical incident debriefing and a range of counselling services to support you.

In addition to this, we offer above award remuneration, salary packaging benefits, generous leave entitlements to care for you and your family as well as a retention bonus. We also provide NPYWC accommodation and use of a company vehicle whilst travelling.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please complete the online application below and submit both a comprehensive covering letter and resume.

To view the full position description, please click here: Senior Education Policy and Research Officer_Final

For initial enquiries about the role, please contact People & Workplace Services on 08 8958 2329