Principal Policy Officer (Disability)

Established in 1981, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children is the national non-government peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. SNAICC’s vision is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families are protected, our communities determine their own futures, and our cultural identity is valued. We work to amplify the voice of community and the sector for the fulfilment of the rights of our children. 

SNAICC plays a key role in the following areas: 

• Research and policy development, with high-level leadership, policy and sector representation 

• Training and resource design, development and delivery including topics such as early childhood development, partnerships, family support, trauma, and cultural competency. 

• Support for sector development, membership, and networking. 

• Full Time – 76 hours per fortnight 
• Fixed term – 2 Years 
• Location – Flexible (Melbourne preferred)
• Salary – $133,457 - $139,552 + 12% super & salary packaging options

SNAICC strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. 

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The Position:

This Principal Policy Officer will support SNAICC’s policy outcomes in the Early Learning and Development Team, specifically as they relate to Aboriginal and Young People with disabilities. This team is responsible for delivering policy and research advice, projects and proposals related to SNAICC’s early years policy reform and research priorities. Projects typically include developing and delivering detailed, evidence-informed advice to internal SNAICC leadership; Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments; the wider non-profit sector, and shared decision-making structures such as the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy Partnership.

We are looking for someone who:

• Broad knowledge and understanding of issues impacting upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, and commitment to the rights, needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to work effectively and liaise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations and facilitate their involvement in research and policy development processes
• Strong knowledge of early childhood disability, developmental delay and neurodevelopmental differences, including contemporary approaches that promote inclusion, participation, accessibility, equity and the rights of children with disability and additional support needs.
• Demonstrated understanding of disability, early childhood and family policy, including current reforms, and their implications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with disability and their families.
• Demonstrated expertise in early childhood development, including the factors that influence children’s learning, wellbeing and developmental outcomes, and the role of families, communities, culture and service systems in supporting positive outcomes.
• Demonstrated understanding of inclusive early childhood education and care systems, and the barriers and enablers affecting equitable access, participation and developmental outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with disability, developmental delay and additional support needs.
• Demonstrated understanding of the governance and policy architecture under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
• Demonstrated experience in policy leadership, including a deep understanding of policy development, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation processes, and what is required to drive and influence these processes
• Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain effective collaborative partnerships and influence at a senior level with a broad range of stakeholders, including non-government organisations, government, philanthropic, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community
• Demonstrated ability to think conceptually and analytically including the ability to analyse the underlying causes of social and economic disadvantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated capacity to produce high-quality policy documents, evidence-based reports, submission, and research papers
• Demonstrated experience in supervision, including supporting employee performance and development through ongoing coaching, mentoring and performance reviews.
• Strong experience in project management including the ability to work collaboratively with project stakeholders, develop and implement project work plans and meet deadlines
• Capacity to manage competing demands and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced working environment, while completing required deliverables\
• Excellent workplace skills including the ability to work as part of a team from diverse cultural backgrounds and to seek and offer support as appropriate.

Prior to applying for this role, please review the Position Description (this can be viewed on our website). 

Applications must include:

• A brief cover letter outlining why you are applying for the position
• Written responses to how you meet each of the key selection criteria, including short examples demonstrating your proficiency for each criteria
• A resume with your skills, experience, and qualifications, relevant to the role

The successful applicant will be required to have or obtain a current Working with Children Check and a National Police Check.

SNAICC reserves the right to commence recruitment proceedings immediately.

SNAICC is committed to everyday practice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children. Successful applicants are required to adhere to our Child safe practices and policies.

SNAICC does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies at this time – thank you. Please be advised that SNAICC is not responsible for any fees associated with unsolicited resumes submitted outside of its recruitment process.

• Qualifications or extensive experience in relevant fields
• Working with Children Check
• Current police check (no older than three months)
• Current Driver’s License