Senior Policy Officer

• Preston, VIC, Australia, 3072

• Fixed Term - Full time

• Position : 12 months fixed term, Full time role
• Location : Preston
• Salary : $110,110.00 - $114,980.32, plus super and salary packaging

The Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation that supports and advocates for the Aboriginal Community and is the largest organisation of its kind in Australia. The VACCA team is committed to the organisation’s visions and values, passionately providing support, service and advocacy for our children and other vulnerable members of the community.

Our strength lies with our people.

About the role

The role plays a critical support function to the Dhelk Dja Caucus and will support the secretariat functions for Koorie Caucus meetings, supporting regional Chairs and effective communication and strategic planning amongst members, alongside other Policy Officers and the Director, Office of the CEO. This position is responsible for policy briefs, papers and reports, presentations, and research papers on behalf of Caucus and the organisation

About You

• Capacity to build and maintain culturally respectful and positive relationships with key Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal stakeholders to facilitate a partnership approach.
• High level of interpersonal skills with strong spoken and written communication
• Ability to gather relevant information, analyse it from various angles, and propose effective solutions while collaborating with stakeholders.
• Proficient in assessing the long-term effects of actions on organisational goals, understanding internal processes, and recognising system components and their relationships.
• Capacity to organise and prioritise tasks to accomplish objectives.
• Expertise in pinpointing information gaps, constructing logical sequences, and addressing practical aspects of plans.
• Flexible and receptive to new concepts, capable of adjusting to shifting priorities, and capable of evaluating and acting upon different options.
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in a policy, project, or research role in the government or NGO sector, preferably with experience in advocating for the rights of Aboriginal children and young people

Requirements

• A tertiary degree in a relevant subject such as social science, public policy, social work
• Valid Police Check, a Victorian Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and a Victorian Driver Licence. Current COVID-19 vaccination (Strongly Recommended).

What we can offer you

• A supportive environment that includes comprehensive induction
• The support of regular internal supervision
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Attractive salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• 17.5% loading on annual leave
• Access to agency vehicles for all work-related travel
• Access to Employee support and wellbeing programs
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Opportunity to work and build connection with the Aboriginal Community and culture
• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available on this program

Please note: This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. This employment opportunity is only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and current resume. We encourage applicants to view the Position Description prior to applying.

Senior Policy Officer - Dhelk Dja - L6

Application closes by June 22, 2026

We are committed to Aboriginal self-determination and supporting strong, safe, thriving Aboriginal communities and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity, honouring all cultural backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and spiritual beliefs.

VACCA is a child-safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with zero tolerance for child abuse. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement of employment and periodically following commencement.

VACCA is an equal opportunity employer and has a smoke-free workplace policy