Policy Adviser

Position type: Full time contract for 12 months, with possibility of ongoing Travel: Regularly for parliamentary sitting weeks (if based in Melbourne) and other parliamentary business from time to time Anticipated start date: Late January / early February 2026 Interviews will take place week of 19 January. ABOUT THE ROLE Senator Lidia Thorpe is seeking a passionate and engaged person to join her team in the role of Policy Adviser based either at her Electorate Office in Melbourne or her Canberra office at Parliament House. The Policy Adviser is a dynamic and varied role, including (but not limited to) engaging in policy development, analysis and advice, developing and managing stakeholder relationships, supporting the Senator’s parliamentary and committee business, writing speeches, briefs and reports, and undertaking research. The Policy Adviser will work closely with the rest of the policy team, which includes one other Policy Adviser and the Chief of Staff. This role is a unique opportunity to work with an independent Blak Senator representing the Blak Sovereign Movement to advance First Peoples, social and environmental justice, and human rights. First Peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. The position is full time and offered at an Electorate Officer B classification with a salary of $89,793 per annum, and attracts 15.4% superannuation in addition to salary. The role also attracts an additional Electorate Staff Allowance of $27,865 per annum, in recognition of reasonable additional hours of work and travel outside of usual business hours, particularly during sitting weeks. Ad-hoc training and ongoing professional development is available as part of the Enterprise Agreement and is actively encouraged. This position is a one year, full time contract from commencement, with the potential for ongoing employment. KEY WORK AREAS Supporting the Senator’s parliamentary business, including scrutiny of legislation, committee work, inquiries, and Senate Estimates Strategy, policy and initiative development and research Building and maintaining stakeholder relationships Community support PERSONAL QUALITIES A strong sense of justice Flexibility, creativity, empathy and initiative Enthusiasm and self-direction Critical and analytical thinking Ability to work effectively and amicably under pressure Ability to proactively pursue the Senator’s agenda A respect for sensitive and confidential information Work closely in a tight-knit team SELECTION CRITERIA A strong commitment to First Peoples, social and environmental justice and human rights High level written and research skills, including data analysis and presentation An understanding of the political, social and organisational environment in which the Senator’s office operates, including the impacts of ongoing colonisation of this country Strategic, analytical and conceptual skills, including experience in policy development and analysis Strong organisation, prioritisation and time management skills, including quick decision making when required Demonstrated ability to work at a policy level with stakeholders, be they organisations or individuals Demonstrated high level interpersonal, communication and liaison skills, including experience in consultation and negotiation Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team under time constraints, competing priorities and other pressures Experience working in a political, community or campaigning organisation Desirable: an understanding of parliamentary procedures and processes If you feel you meet most, but not all, of the selection criteria, please don’t be discouraged from applying. First Peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. Interviews are scheduled to take place in Melbourne during the week of January 19. For more information or a confidential discussion, please using the subject line:Policy Adviser - Melbourne / Canberra enquiry via EthicalJobs. The National Indigenous Times acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation. We recognise Aboriginal Community's continuing connection to their lands, waters and stories and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded. #J-18808-Ljbffr