Health Policy Officer

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) is seeking a Health Policy Officer to develop preliminary policy advice on complex health and social policy issues affecting Aboriginal communities and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector in NSW.

Reporting to the Policy Manager, you will contribute to the development, analysis and promotion of evidence-based health policy to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of ACCHSs and influence state and national health

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in public health, public policy, social science, law or a related discipline.
• Experience in policy development, analysis or advocacy, preferably in Aboriginal health, primary health or community services.
• Knowledge of the health needs and rights of Aboriginal peoples and a commitment to Aboriginal Community Control principles.
• Excellent written communication skills, including policy papers, submissions and briefings.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with a collaborative and respectful approach.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, adapt to changing demands, work with limited supervision and meet deadlines in a high-demand environment.
• Understanding of government decision-making processes and experience influencing public policy.
• Experience working within, or with, the ACCHO sector.
• Ability to travel state-wide to the ACCHOs.

Responsibilities

• Policy development & analysis for complex health and social policy issues affecting Aboriginal communities.
• Support development, analysis and promotion of evidence-based health policy to strengthen ACCHSs.
• Engage with ACCHOs, Aboriginal community members, peak bodies and government stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation at consultations, meetings, reference groups, forums and sector collaborations.
• Coordinate small to medium policy projects, including scoping, work planning, stakeholder coordination and reporting.

Skills

Policy development

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in public health/public policy/social science/law

Job description

About the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC)

The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) is the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across New South Wales. We work alongside our Members to strengthen Aboriginal community-controlled healthcare and improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Our work spans advocacy, policy, workforce development, health promotion, research, training and organisational support. We bring the experience and priorities of our Members into state and national decision-making, advocate for better health systems and investment, and help build the capability and sustainability of the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector.

Join our team of dynamic and innovative people who value and proudly play a meaningful role in supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people and communities across NSW.

About the Role

The Health Policy Officer develops preliminary policy advice on complex and high-profile health and social policy issues affecting Aboriginal communities and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector in NSW.

Reporting to the Policy Manager, you will contribute to the development, analysis and promotion of evidence-based health policy to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) and influence state and national health reform agendas.

Responsibilities

Policy Development & Analysis

• Research and draft policy positions, discussion papers, submissions and internal briefs for senior management on Aboriginal health and related social policy.
• Monitor emerging trends, legislation, government inquiries and reforms, and support consultations with AH&MRC Member Services to inform policy responses.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with ACCHOs, Aboriginal community members, peak bodies and government stakeholders to ensure policy reflects lived experience and local priorities.
• Represent the organisation at consultations, meetings, reference groups, forums and sector collaborations.

Advocacy Support

• Develop evidence-based messaging, briefings and communication materials to support advocacy with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to campaign planning, member support and issue-based lobbying.

Project Management

• Coordinate small to medium policy projects, including scoping, work planning, stakeholder coordination and reporting.
• Prepare project updates, evaluations and final reports for funding bodies and governance structures.

Qualifications & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in public health, public policy, social science, law or a related discipline.
• Experience in policy development, analysis or advocacy, preferably in Aboriginal health, primary health or community services.
• Knowledge of the health needs and rights of Aboriginal peoples and a commitment to Aboriginal Community Control principles.
• Excellent written communication skills, including policy papers, submissions and briefings.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with a collaborative and respectful approach.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, adapt to changing demands, work with limited supervision and meet deadlines in a high-demand environment.
• Understanding of government decision-making processes and experience influencing public policy.
• Experience working within, or with, the ACCHO sector.
• Ability to travel state-wide to the ACCHOs.

For any questions about the role, please contact ******@ahmrc.org.au and use Health Policy Officer as the subject line.