Policy Officer

• Work Type/s: full time, maximum term contract
• Location: Based in Melbourne (Fitzroy North)
• Applications close: 28 October 2022

Aboriginal Housing Victoria (AHV) is an Aboriginal community organisation responsible for managing more than 1,500 rental properties for Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria.

Our vision is to ensure that Aboriginal Victorians secure appropriate, affordable housing as a pathway to better lives and stronger communities.

In addition to being the largest Aboriginal Registered Housing Agency in Australia, AHV is the lead agency for Victoria’s Aboriginal housing and homelessness policy, Mana-na worn-tyeen maar-takoort. As the housing and homeless policy lead in the Victorian Aboriginal community, AHV has responsibility to work in partnership with the Government to secure the resources and reforms to implement the policy, while we support sector development to empower Victoria’s Aboriginal community to determine its chosen housing future.

AHV's housing services are targeted to those most in need of support. Through the provision of secure housing by an Aboriginal landlord, AHV helps strengthen and maintain Aboriginal communities and cultural ties.

Reporting to the Manager, Strategic Policy, Advocacy and Communications, the Policy Officer is responsible for undertaking policy and secretariat work with respect to developing, documenting and embedding the various policy positions adopted through the governance framework of the Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Forums and AHV. The Policy Officer is expected to research, analyse and evaluate a wide range of information, options and other data to develop policy positions and proposals in relation to the administrative and operational functions of the organisation.

Key responsibilities:

• Undertake research and analysis (including the identification of best practice) in respect of specified areas for policy and program development.
• Provide high quality and timely written materials including correspondence, briefings and presentations and/or project briefs.
• Co-ordinate a range of business plan and other reports and briefing papers for the Executive Management Group and the Board and its subcommittees.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders across the sector and with like agencies to develop and refine policy positions, protocols and program design.
• Provide information and advice to the executive group on statutory and other matters that may impact on AHVs operations and responsibilities.
• Keep abreast of current stakeholder reports, data and other information sources and provide advice on their anticipated impact on AHV.
• Contribute to the development of strategies which will enable AHV to undertake appropriate roles and responsibilities and to deliver efficient and effective services to the community.
• Project management including planning, resourcing, implementation and achievement of agreed deliverables.
• Program development including leading program design and development of program specifications, procedures, guidelines and other documentation.

We are looking for someone who will bring a client centred focus to the role and with the following key attributes and skills:

• Awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures and an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal people in contemporary Australia and the diversity of circumstances of Aboriginal people.
• Awareness and knowledge of the Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort – Every Aboriginal Person Has A Home (Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework) (www.VAHHF.org.au)
• Experience in developing a diverse range of corporate and operational policies, program procedures and manuals by undertaking the various aspects of the policy making process; such as research, development, consultation, drafting, implementation and review.
• High level interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively within and across teams to ensure the completion of common goals.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly and concisely present information both in writing and verbally, together with the ability to communicate complex concepts to a broad audience.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem solving and negotiation skills, particularly when working with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the roles of Local, State and Federal Governments and the community housing and homelessness sector.
• Highly organised with the ability to work on multiple tasks, manage competing priorities and work under pressure to meet deadlines.

This position will be based in our Fitzroy North office and working from home when required.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria in the attached position description by COB 28 October 2022. Position description can also be found on our website, https://www.ahvic.org.au/about/ahv-careers.

Applications should be sent to jobs@ahvic.org.au using the subject line: Policy Officer 

Please direct inquiries about the position to Shaun on 0499 402 099.