Policy and Research Adviser

Catholic Social Services Australia; Canberra; Remote; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) Canberra seeks a Policy and Research Adviser to lead evidence-based policy development and research initiatives that support CSSA's advocacy and strategic priorities. You will draft submissions, briefs and reports, and support government relations to advance the wellbeing of vulnerable Australians in line with Catholic Social Teaching.

Reporting to the Director of Policy and Advocacy, you will shape policy positions and monitor developments,

Qualifications

• Must have policy development, research, or advocacy experience.
• Strong written communication and ability to draft submissions and reports.
• Excellent organisational and planning capabilities.
• Understanding of Australian federal policy processes and government relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy research projects and develop positions for CSSA's advocacy.
• Draft policy documents, submissions, and briefing materials for leadership and government stakeholders.
• Monitor policy developments and analyse issues relevant to social services and Catholic Social Teaching.
• Support government relations by maintaining relationships with politicians and advisers.
• Prepare political briefings, presentations and advocacy campaigns.
• Collaborate with related directors to align advocacy and communications.
• Maintain policy databases to support advocacy activities.
• Provide expert policy and research advice to CSSA leadership and members.
• Represent CSSA at relevant forums and stakeholder meetings.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Organisational skills

Planning skills

Research methodologies

MS Office

Education

Public policy / political science degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Catholic Social Services Australia – Canberra ACT

Open to flexible full-time or part-time arrangements including remote location for the right candidate.

Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is the peak national body for Catholic social services, representing over 40 member organisations supporting over a million Australians annually across metropolitan, regional and remote communities. We are seeking a skilled Policy and Research Adviser to lead evidence-based policy development and research initiatives that support CSSA's advocacy and strategic priorities. Reporting to the Director of Policy and Advocacy, you will play a key role in shaping policy positions, drafting submissions, and supporting government relations to advance the wellbeing of vulnerable Australians in line with Catholic Social Teaching.

Key responsibilities

Reporting the Director of Policy and Advocacy, you will:

Lead research projects and develop policy positions to inform CSSA's advocacy and strategic goals

Draft clear, persuasive policy documents, submissions, reports, and briefing materials for CSSA leadership, member organisations, and government stakeholders

Monitor and analyse policy developments and emerging issues relevant to social services and Catholic social teaching

Support government relations by maintaining relationships with politicians, advisers, and key stakeholders

Assist in preparing political briefings, presentations, and advocacy campaigns

Collaborate with the Director of Strategic Relations and Mission and Communications Officer to align advocacy and communication efforts

Maintain political and policy databases to support advocacy activities

Provide expert advice on policy and research matters to CSSA leadership and members

Represent CSSA at relevant forums, conferences, and stakeholder meetings

Promote and contribute to CSSA's vision, mission and values

About you

Proven experience in policy development, research, or advocacy roles

Strong analytical, writing, organisational, and planning skills

Competency with research methodologies and Microsoft Office suite

Good understanding of Australian federal politics and policy processes

Tertiary qualifications in public policy, social sciences, political science, or related disciplines, or equivalent experience

Demonstrated ability or willingness to work within a Catholic organisation guided by Catholic Social Teaching

Ability to manage multiple priorities with initiative and flexibility

A meaningful role influencing national social policy and supporting vulnerable Australians

Salary packaging benefits through our Public Benevolent Institutions (PBI) status to increase your take-home pay

Flexible work arrangements and professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

About us

Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is the peak national body for Catholic social services, representing around 40 member organisations supporting over a million Australians annually across metropolitan, regional and remote communities.

Our vision is for a just and compassionate Australia where every person's life is valued and dignity is respected.

Our mission is to empower and support Catholic social service providers in delivering compassionate, just and effective services that uphold the dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable Australians through advocacy, collaboration and capacity building grounded in Catholic Social Teaching.

Our values are to:

Connect – We build strong partnerships within the Church, with governments and with the broader community to amplify our impact.

Innovate – We embrace new ideas and approaches to meet emerging challenges and opportunities and are thought leaders on key issues where we can speak with authority through the experience and wisdom of Catholic Social Teaching.

Celebrate – We celebrate our members and the Good News lived through our work and impact, including in the face of adversity. We acknowledge, elevate, and share the work of our members.

Applications Close: 5pm (AEST), Friday, 30 October 2026