The Organisation 

The Coalition of Peaks is a representative body of more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled peak organisations and members who have come together to Close the Gap, in partnership with Australian governments. 

We share a belief that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should have a meaningful say on policies and programs related to Closing the Gap through formal partnerships with Australian governments at all levels. 

The Policy and Secretariat Team supports the work of the Coalition of Peaks, providing high level and comprehensive policy and strategic advice to Peaks Members, to support the implementation and monitoring of actions in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. 

About the role

Policy Advisors provide high level support to the Coalition of Peaks in the management of identified projects including the implementation of the historic National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Our Policy Advisors work closely with Coalition of Peaks Members and Australian governments, conducting research, preparing discussion papers, and writing briefs and submissions relevant to the project.

Key duties include:

• Support the development and delivery of high-level policy and strategic advice.
• Promote, develop, and support Priority Reform initiatives and projects.
• Undertake research and analysis to develop innovative and practical solutions.
• Develop and engage technical and non-stakeholders regularly and confidently.
• Co-ordinate associated procurement, reporting and evaluation activities.
• Develop policies and strategies aimed at achieving the objectives of the Coalition of Peaks in relation to the implementation and monitoring phase of Closing the Gap.
• Prepare, review, and advise on policy reports, briefing papers, meeting talking points, speeches, and discussion papers for presentation to the Coalition of Peaks.
• Support Coalition of Peaks representatives in negotiations at the national and state/territory level to achieve their objectives, including in Drafting Group meetings, and at Partnership Working Group, and Joint Council meetings.
• Comply with organisational, work, health and safety requirements.

Attributes

• A commitment to the self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and a capacity to work effectively with them and their organisations.
• The capacity to be able to provide strategic advice, solve problems and manage issues in an Indigenous environment.
• Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to use these to formulate, interpret, analyse, and evaluate policy and program initiatives.
• A proven ability to engage internal and external stakeholders, including Aboriginal and Torres Islander leaders, in relation to complex and potentially controversial matters.
• A capacity to undertake policy work with a high level of complexity and sensitivity and lead a program of work while supervising team members.
• Proven writing skills in preparing briefs through to correspondence at a senior level.
• Personal drive, integrity, and capacity to work in a team.

Working arrangements

This position is Canberra based however, for the right candidate, remote based work within Australia may be considered. Travel is required from time to time.

Enquiries

Enquiries regarding this position are to be directed to candicecatterall@coalitionofpeaks.org.au via email only.