Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor, Federal Portfolio

Women’s Legal Service Victoria | Melbourne CBD | Immediate start | Hybrid working model | Full time or Part time - negotiable (minimum 0.8 FTE) | Ongoing 

• Be a part of a feminist community legal service supporting Victorian women and non-binary people.  
• Your expertise will directly contribute to building a more gender-equitable society.  
• $119,982-$125,298 + super + NFP salary packaging, 5 weeks annual leave and flexible work arrangements 

About Us  

For over 40 years Women’s Legal Service Victoria (Women’s Legal) has championed women’s rights to live free from violence. We are a dedicated team with a passion for working with women and non-binary people to live free from violence and discrimination by:  

• Providing high quality integrated legal services for Victorian women and non-binary people who are victim-survivors of family violence and disadvantaged or marginalised by structural and systemic barriers;
• Building the capacity of professionals who work with women and non-binary people, to better understand the law and navigate the legal system safely; and
• Advancing gender equality by challenging unsafe and discriminatory policies and laws and informing and advocating for legal and policy initiatives that respect and promote the rights of women and non-binary people.  

About the Role  

The Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor, Federal Portfolio is responsible for leading and delivering strategic policy, law reform and advocacy initiatives on issues affecting women and non-binary people across the federal jurisdiction.  This includes but is not limited to laws, policies and practices relating to family law, migration, economic safety, sexual violence and anti-discrimination while also contributing to cross-jurisdictional and Victorian advocacy priorities where required. Key responsibilities include: 

• Developing and delivering evidence-based policy, law reform and advocacy strategies aligned with organisational priorities;
• Analysing legal, policy and systemic issues and translating complex evidence into persuasive reform proposals, policy positions and advocacy matters;
• Monitoring federal legislative, policy and political developments and identifying emerging risks, opportunities and implications for advocacy;
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with government, sector partners and stakeholders to influence reform outcomes;
• Representing Women’s Legal in consultations, advisory groups, working groups and stakeholder forums; and
• Collaborating across the organisation and nationally to progress meaningful systems change and law reform. 

About You  

You are a strategic and politically astute policy professional who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about advancing gender equality and social justice. You bring strong analytical skills, excellent judgement and the ability to influence through collaboration and evidence-based advocacy. 

     Key to your success is your:     

• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering strategic policy, advocacy and law reform initiatives;
• Ability to research, analyse complex legal, policy and systemic issues and provide clear, persuasive advice;
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills and experience building productive relationships across diverse sectors;
• Sound understanding of government, parliamentary and law reform processes;
• Ability to manage competing priorities and exercise sound judgement in politically sensitive environments; and
• Commitment to, and ideally experience applying, anti-oppressive, intersectional feminist, trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches. 

You will:  

• Hold a tertiary qualification in law, public policy, social policy, social science or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience;
• Have 5+ years’ experience in policy, law reform, advocacy or related roles within legal assistance, family violence, social justice, community or public policy sectors;
• Bring experience in advocacy campaigns, government relations, coalition advocacy or public affairs (highly regarded); and
• Have experience using client, lived experience or service data to inform policy and advocacy outcomes (highly regarded). 

Why Women’s Legal?  

Be a part of a supportive, inclusive and purpose-driven workplace where your work truly matters.  We offer:  

• Competitive remuneration, NFP salary packaging benefits (up to $15,900 in tax-free pay every year) plus meals & entertainment benefits (up to $2,650 tax-free pay per year).
• 5 weeks annual leave, plus bonus paid leave between Christmas and New Year!  
• Paid cultural, parental, reproductive health, and gender affirmation leave.
• A strong commitment to your professional development, personal development, and wellbeing.
• A true hybrid working model and flexible working environment that supports work-life balance  
• Fresh fruit available in the office.
• Support for your wellbeing with access to our EAP and annual reimbursement limit for your own mental health professional.   

To apply  

Submit a resume and covering letter to tell us how you are the right candidate for this role by 20 August 2026, 5:00pm AEST. Please ensure the cover letter addresses how you personally align to Women’s Legal values and intersectional feminist principles as described in the attached position description. 

Research shows that women are less likely to apply for roles if they don’t meet 100% of the selection criteria. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the criteria, but this role sounds like a good fit for you.   

All successful candidates will be required to produce a national criminal history check prior to the commencement of their employment.  

Disclosure of a criminal record does not necessarily preclude appointment by Women’s Legal, but if needed, we invite applicants to address this issue early in the application phase. Should a criminal record disclosure be advised by a candidate, Women’s Legal will endeavour to provide clarity over whether the conviction would preclude a candidate from being able to carry out the position duties. 

Please note, all staff employed by Women’s Legal Service Victoria are required to comply with Section 121 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law. 

Enquiries  

Enquiries can be emailed to Judy Ma, People & Culture Officer at **@womenslegal.org.au.  

Equal Opportunity Employer  

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We recognise our work benefits greatly from the unique knowledge, skills, and expertise of individuals with diverse experiences, including women and non-binary people who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, with disability, with lived experience of family and sexual violence, and from migrant, refugee, culturally and racially marginalised backgrounds.  If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply.   

Note, Women's Legal relies on an exception under the Equal Opportunity Act to employ women and non-binary people only.