Lead, Policy & Advocacy

• Contribute to helping people across Victoria enjoy better health and wellbeing
• Dynamic team environment within an inclusive workplace
• Bright and modern office in Melbourne CBD, featuring collaboration spaces and hybrid-work model

VicHealth welcomes and values applications from candidates who are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, candidates with culturally diverse backgrounds, candidates with disability and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.

VicHealth is the world’s first health promotion foundation that supports independent, long-term, evidence-based health promotion practice, partnerships and leadership. We continue to be a global leader in health promotion, as a Collaborating Centre with the World Health Organization and technical partner to UNICEF.

About the role:

The Lead, Policy & Advocacy has a close working relationship with the Manager, Policy & Government Relations. The role is supported by and works closely with the Policy Coordinator to ensure effective and coordinated delivery of VicHealth’s strategic policy agenda.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and nurture excellent relationships across the organisation and with key external stakeholders, including government and partner organisations.

Key responsibilities:

• Working closely with internal and external stakeholders to identify, develop and drive evidence-driven policy opportunities and advocacy to government, aligned with VicHealth’s strategy
• Providing strategic, evidence-based policy advice to the Manager, Policy and Government Relations and the CEO
• Commissioning, overseeing and translating VicHealth research into tangible and relevant policy recommendations to government
• Developing and maintaining relationships with public health partners to develop, refine and progress VicHealth’s policy priorities
• Leading the drafting and finalisation of relevant policy submissions, advocacy papers, position statements on key issues, briefing documents, and other government-related activities to a high standard

About you:

We’re looking for someone who is able to provide efficient and effective liaison; build strong and effective working relationships; and represent VicHealth in a professional manner at stakeholder events and in public forums.

Qualifications and experience:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Health Promotion, Public Policy or a related field.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in policy development and practice at state and or federal levels preferably in public health, community or government sectors
• Well-developed and applied knowledge of the machinery of government including government decision making, policy, funding, and budget processes at state and/or federal levels is essential
• An understanding of systems theory and change with experience designing and delivering policy, based on a systems approach, is desirable

Closing Date: Monday 7 October 2024

Unit: Policy, Strategy & Impact

Tenure: Full-time, ongoing

Classification: VicHealth Grade D

See our Careers page for some of the benefits of being a VicHealth team member!

Perks and benefits:

• Hybrid-work model
• Up to $3,000 towards professional development each year
• Employee Wellbeing & OHS Committee who deliver events and initiatives
• Bring your dog to work day every Thursday and Friday
• Employee Assistance Program offering a range of free and confidential services
• Fresh fruit, breakfast and coffee machine provided
• Monthly birthday celebrations

For further information about the role, please contact Brea Pape, People & Culture Business Partner, on (03) 9667 1341 or recruitment@vichealth.vic.gov.au.

VicHealth acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government

How to Apply

Applications must include a cover letter and a current resume.

The cover letter must include why the applicant feels they are suitable for the position, and also address the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description.

Please refer to the position description attached to view the associated qualifications and experience associated with the position.

You may be required to undertake a Police Check, and Working with Children check.

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