Senior Policy Advisor: Legal Policy & Training Programs

VACCA - Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Salary packaging

Vehicle access for travel

Parental leave after 12 months

Employee wellbeing programs

Job summary

VACCA Preston, VIC is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to support planning and implementation of legal policy projects. You will research, analyze, develop guidance, draft advice and position papers, and contribute to training resources while building strong stakeholder relationships.

The role requires tertiary qualifications in law or related fields, and a willingness to travel regional Victoria. VACCA values collaborative work and effective communication within a team.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in law, social work, criminology, public policy, or a related discipline.
• A current Lawyer’s Practising Certificate is not required but can be maintained in the role.
• Ability to travel to regional Victoria to deliver training and consult with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality written materials addressing a range of issues for different audiences or purposes including the development of training materials.
• Capacity to employ critical analytical skills to solve problems or provide policy solutions.
• Sound interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to liaise with key stakeholders.
• Ability and commitment to working collaboratively in a team environment and to follow directions confidently.
• Requirements: Valid Police Check, Victorian Working with Children’s Check, and a Victorian Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and implementation of legal policy projects.
• Undertake research and analysis on legal issues.
• Develop guidance, policies and resources for VACCA.
• Draft advice and position papers.
• Lead and contribute to legal policy projects and training resources.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Legal research

Policy analysis

Policy drafting

Stakeholder liaison

Travel availability

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Written materials

Education

Law degree

Public policy

Job description

• Position: Fixed Term (12 months), Full Time (Part Time can be considered)
• Location: Preston
• Salary: $109,826 -$129,958 plus superannuation and salary package
  
  

• Preston, VIC, Australia, 3072
• Fixed Term - Full time/Part Time
• Position: Fixed Term (12 months), Full Time (Part Time can be considered)
• Location: Preston
• Salary: $109,826 -$129,958 plus superannuation and salary package
  
  

The Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation that supports and advocates for the Aboriginal Community and is the largest organisation of its kind in Australia. The VACCA team is committed to the organisation’s visions and values, passionately providing support, service and advocacy for our children and other vulnerable members of the community.

Our strength lies with our people.

About The Role

Reporting to the Executive Manager: Legal Policy and Project Implementation, the Senior Policy Advisor will be responsible for supporting the planning and implementation of legal policy projects at VACCA.

This will involve undertaking research and analysis across a range of legal issues, developing guidance, policies and resources for VACCA, drafting advice and position papers leadership, contributing to legal policy projects and to the development of training resources and the delivery of training about a range of legal issues, building and maintaining positive relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate a partnership approach.

About You

• Commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA’ vision and purpose
• Tertiary qualifications in law, social work, criminology, public policy, or a related discipline
• A current Lawyer’s Practising Certificate is not required but can be maintained in the role
• Ability to travel to regional Victoria to deliver training and/or consult with stakeholders as required to perform the role
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality written materials addressing a range of issues for different audiences or purposes including the development of training materials.
• Capacity to employ critical analytical skills to solve problems or provide policy solutions.
• High level organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure and prioritise competing demands.
• Sound interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to liaise and communicate effectively with key stakeholders.
• Ability and commitment to working collaboratively in a team environment and also to follow directions confidently, seeking clarity when needed.
• Requirements: Valid Police Check, a Victorian Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and a Victorian Driver Licence. Current COVID-19 vaccination (Strongly Recommended)
  
  

What We Can Offer You

• A supportive environment that includes comprehensive induction
• The support of regular internal supervision
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Attractive salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• 17.5% loading on annual leave
• Access to agency vehicles for all work-related travel
• Access to Employee support and wellbeing programs
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Opportunity to work and build connection with the Aboriginal Community and culture
• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available on this program
  
  

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people to apply

Applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and current resume.

We encourage applicants to view the Position Description prior to applying.

Please click below to download the position description for this role.

Senior Policy Advisor- Legal Position Description.pdf

Application closes by 28th October 2026

We are committed to Aboriginal self-determination and supporting strong, safe, thriving Aboriginal communities and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity, honouring all cultural backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and spiritual beliefs.

VACCA is a child-safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with zero tolerance for child abuse. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement of employment and periodically following commencement.

VACCA is an equal opportunity employer and has a smoke-free workplace policy