About IALEC
At IALEC, we amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with lived experience in mental health and suicide prevention. We envision a future where Indigenous knowledge, culture, and lived experience guide Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) policy and practice across Australia. By embedding cultural integrity into everything we do, we ensure that community-driven policies lead to stronger, healthier, and more empowered Indigenous communities.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a dedicated Policy and Reform Officer to join our team on a full-time basis (35 hours per week). Working remotely with flexible arrangements, you will play a pivotal role in shaping IALEC’s state and national advocacy.
Reporting to the Partnership and Engagement Manager, and working closely with the CEO, you will translate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lived experiences into evidence-informed policy positions, ensuring Indigenous voices actively drive systemic reform in mental health and suicide prevention.
What You Will Do:
- Drive Policy: Lead the development of strategic policy positions, high-quality briefs, and submissions on SEWB, mental health, and suicide prevention reform.
- Consult & Engage: Design and facilitate culturally safe consultations with diverse groups, ranging from the IALEC Board of Directors to national lived experience networks (NILEG/LLENs) and specific community cohorts.
- Research & Strategise: Conduct strategic research to identify program expansion opportunities, analyse lived experience data, and build impactful research partnerships.
- Advocate: Represent IALEC at key government, sector, and community forums, confidently championing evidence-based, Indigenous-led policy.
About You
Please note: This is an identified preferred position under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged and preferred for this role.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- Lived Experience: The demonstrated ability to leverage personal lived experience to inform policy position development, advocacy, and systemic reform.
- Policy Expertise: Strong analytical and writing skills, with a track record of developing policy briefs, submissions, or reform proposals.
- Cultural Safety & Facilitation: Proven experience designing and running culturally safe consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Sector Knowledge: A deep understanding of the unique challenges, strengths, and priorities of Indigenous peoples regarding mental health, suicide prevention, and SEWB.
- Communication & Representation: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to represent the organisation at high-level meetings.
- Project Management: The ability to work independently, manage multiple policy projects, and meet deadlines within a dynamic, advocacy-driven environment.
Tertiary qualifications in Public Policy, Public Health, Indigenous Studies, or previous experience in the NFP/Government sector are highly desirable.
The Details
- Location: Flexible / Remote
- Hours: Full Time (35 Hours per Week)
- Employment Term: Fixed-Term until June 30, 2028 (with possibility of extension)
- Remuneration: SCHADS Award Level 4 or 5 (based on qualifications and experience)
- Requirements: A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) and a willingness to undergo a criminal history check.
