Exciting opportunity to provide critical expertise in policy development and systemic advocacy.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Exciting opportunity to provide critical expertise in policy development and systemic advocacy, making a difference to older people accessing aged care services.
The role works closely with the Director -– Policy, Education and Systemic Advocacy and is responsible for policy development, providing analysis and advice, and supporting the coordination of OPAN’s response to systemic advocacy issues and aged care program implementation. The Senior
Policy Officer is responsible for research and analysis, developing policy papers and submissions, and writing and producing high-level policy and related documents.
Impact of the organisation
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is the peak body for aged care advocacy and consists of
nine state and territory members that provide free, confidential and independent information and support to older people seeking or receiving government-funded aged care as well as their families, supporters and representatives.
OPAN works to influence government aged care policy through systemic advocacy. OPAN’s vision
is a society where older people are heard, informed and respected and where they enjoy and exercise their human rights.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct policy analysis of issues affecting older people and older people with disability.
- Monitor government policies and programs relating to older people and older people with
disability where the issues have a national impact.
- Work with the National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP) practice team to obtain data on key issues and emerging trends identified by network staff that need to
be addressed via systemic advocacy.
- Inform network staff of changes to policy and legislation relevant to the provision of advocacy support.
- Prepare briefs, write submissions and positions statements and other written materials
- Participate in stakeholder meetings and present at conferences
- Develop and maintain cooperative and harmonious relationships with both internal and external parties and work in collaboration with others
- Work with OPAN’s National Older Persons Reference Group, Community Voices and advocates to bring their lived experience and insights into OPAN’s policy and systemic advocacy work
Skills and Experience
- High level research and policy analysis skills and proven experience in policy development.
- Knowledge of the Australian ageing and aged care system, advocacy, human rights systems and an understanding of the NDIS and disability support sectors.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly and concisely articulate views verbally and in writing.
- Ability to filter and prioritise requests and manage time and responsibilities to effectively manage competing deadlines
- Experience in managing stakeholder consultation and engagement.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work as part of a team and to contribute to achieving team outcomes.
- High level knowledge in Microsoft Office and database programs.
- Demonstrated knowledge and ability to access, interpret and understand government policies relating to older people and people with a disability.
- Experience and/or suitable tertiary qualifications in social policy analysis.
- Current National Police Check (with no relevant outcomes)
- Ability to travel as needed to attend and participate in stakeholder meetings and conferences
OPAN acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first people of Australia and the sovereign Custodians of the country, and in supporting the human rights of older people recognises and respects the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
OPAN is an EEO employer and we value diversity within our organisation.
Applications
If you’re passionate about amplifying the voices of older people and want to play a key role in shaping aged care reform across Australia, we’d love to hear from you.
This is a full-time position, based 3 days in either the Sydney or Brisbane office and 2 days WFH. Salary is SCHADs Level 6, salary packaging is available.
To apply, please provide your resume and a cover letter demonstrating how you meet the skills and experience required for the role and submit to Samantha Edmonds, Director Policy, Education and Systemic Advocacy at policy@opan.org.au.
For any questions or a confidential discussion, please contact Samantha Edmonds, Director Policy, Education and Systemic Advocacy or Anne Muldowney, Senior Policy Officer on policy@opan.org.au 02 8246 7019.
Applications Close 1 May 2026
