Senior Policy Advisor

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

AFCA seeks a Senior Policy Adviser to join the Regulatory, Policy and Research team and shape policy across financial services, dispute resolution and regulation. You will draw on AFCA's unique data, decisions and insights to identify trends and influence reforms benefiting consumers, industry and the community.

You will engage with regulators, government agencies and industry stakeholders to develop evidence-based policy positions and represent AFCA's perspective on sector issues.

Qualifications

• Qualifications in public policy, law, economics, political science or a related discipline.
• Experience developing policy advice within government, regulatory, industry, consulting, advocacy or not-for-profit environments.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative data.
• Outstanding drafting skills and experience preparing submissions, briefing papers or policy positions.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse developments in financial services policy, regulation and dispute resolution.
• Transform complex complaints data, research and stakeholder insights into practical policy recommendations.
• Develop submissions and responses to government consultations, inquiries, reviews and reform proposals.
• Prepare briefing papers, discussion papers and executive-level advice for senior stakeholders.
• Build productive relationships with regulators, government departments, consumer groups and industry bodies.
• Provide expert advice on emerging regulatory, legislative and policy issues.
• Support AFCA's thought leadership and contribution to public policy discussions.
• Collaborate across AFCA to ensure policy positions are informed, evidence-based and aligned to organisational strategy.

Skills

Analytical capability

Written communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Public policy, law, economics, political science

Job description

Make a real impact at AFCA. Where fairness drives every decision. Help us deliver world-class, independent complaints resolution for Australians. As a not-for-profit and progressive financial ombudsman, we’re championing positive change. Achieving our purpose takes progressive thinking, accountability and resilience. At AFCA, our inclusive leadership values every voice. We offer our people flexible work options, thoughtful benefits and opportunities to deepen expertise. Flourish in a diverse, caring culture. Feel the difference of belonging to an organisation intentionally designed to put people first.

Job Description

Fairness feels good. Shape policy that influences the future of financial services in Australia.

Make a real impact at AFCA, where fairness drives every decision. As Australia's independent financial ombudsman, we help consumers and small businesses achieve fair outcomes when things go wrong with their financial firm. We are a not-for-profit organisation championing positive change across the financial services sector, and we're looking for an experienced policy professional to help shape the conversations that matter.

This is a rare opportunity to combine policy expertise, stakeholder influence and data-driven insights in a role that genuinely shapes outcomes for Australians.

As our Senior Policy Adviser, you'll work within AFCA's Regulatory, Policy and Research team, providing high-quality policy analysis and strategic advice on emerging issues across financial services, dispute resolution and regulation. Drawing on AFCA's unique complaints data, decisions and insights, you'll help identify trends, influence policy discussions and contribute to reforms that improve the financial system for consumers, industry and the broader community.

You will engage with senior leaders, regulators, government agencies and industry stakeholders to develop evidence-based policy positions and represent AFCA's perspective on key issues impacting the sector.

What you'll be doing

• Monitor and analyse developments in financial services policy, regulation and dispute resolution.
• Transform complex complaints data, research and stakeholder insights into practical policy recommendations.
• Develop submissions and responses to government consultations, inquiries, reviews and reform proposals.
• Prepare briefing papers, discussion papers and executive-level advice for senior stakeholders.
• Build productive relationships with regulators, government departments, consumer groups and industry bodies.
• Provide expert advice on emerging regulatory, legislative and policy issues.
• Support AFCA's thought leadership and contribution to public policy discussions.
• Collaborate across AFCA to ensure policy positions are informed, evidence-based and aligned to organisational strategy.

Qualifications

About you

You are an intellectually curious policy professional who enjoys turning complex information into clear, actionable advice. You bring strong analytical capability, exceptional written communication skills and the confidence to engage with a broad range of stakeholders.

You'll likely have:

• Qualifications in public policy, law, economics, political science or a related discipline.
• Experience developing policy advice within government, regulatory, industry, consulting, advocacy or not-for-profit environments.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative data.
• Outstanding drafting skills and experience preparing submissions, briefing papers or policy positions.