Policy and Advocacy Lead – Hume Riverina Community Legal Service

Location: Wodonga, Victoria

Employment Type: Part-time (0.6 FTE), 12 months fixed-term Contract

Classification: Victorian Community Legal Centres Multi Enterprise Agreement 2024-2026, Level 6

About Us

As a proudly independent, community-managed organisation, UMFC is dedicated to strengthening families and individuals across North East Victoria and the Southern Riverina of NSW and is committed to social justice, inclusion, and trauma-informed care. The organisation embeds the Sanctuary Model across all levels, creating a safe and supportive culture for staff and the communities they serve.

As a program of UMFC, the Hume Riverina Community Legal Service (HRCLS) provides legal assistance in civil and family law to those most in need; people experiencing disadvantages to accessing justice who have multiple intersecting legal and non-legal problems extending from the cities of Albury/Wodonga to townships throughout North East Victoria and the Southern Riverina of NSW.  We believe access to justice is about more than helping people navigate the law today.  It is also about listening to what people’s experiences tell us about the law, the systems around it and what needs to change.

We are looking for a Policy and Advocacy Lead who can turn those insights into action.

This is an opportunity to bring your legal knowledge, policy expertise, advocacy skills and strategic thinking to a role where your work can influence law, policy and systems at a broader level.

Why Join Us?

We offer:

• Competitive salary of $118,797 to $124,053 (pro rata), based on skills and experience PLUS superannuation!
• Ongoing In-house training and professional development opportunities
• 5 weeks annual leave (pro-rata)
• 3 additional leave days (between Christmas and New Year)
• Salary packaging to maximise your take-home pay
• Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance
• A supportive, collaborative workplace committed to wellbeing and continuous learning

About the Role

In this role, you will:

• work with the Director coordinating HRCLS’s law reform, policy and advocacy program in alignment with our strategy;
• develop and implement our law reform and policy priorities;
• collaborate with the Principal Lawyers identifying systemic issues through casework data, research, policy developments and client experiences;
• develop high-quality submissions, position papers, briefings, reports and advocacy materials;
• design and implement advocacy campaigns aimed at achieving meaningful change;
• monitor developments in state and federal law and social policy and provide strategic advice;
• build and maintain strong relationships with government, political, sector and community stakeholders;
• represent us in various forums through relevant consultative and advisory forums;
• contribute to strategic projects, legal needs analysis, data analysis and evaluation; and
• identify opportunities to strengthen our influence and advance our policy and advocacy priorities.

Most importantly, you will work closely with our lawyers and staff to ensure the experiences of clients are not only heard, but translated into advocacy for systemic change.

About You

We are looking for someone with relevant tertiary qualifications and demonstrated experience in law, policy, communications, community development or a related field, together with strong experience in government engagement, advocacy campaigns or political relations.

You will bring:

• demonstrated experience developing and delivering advocacy strategies;
• strong written communication skills and the ability to produce compelling, accurate submissions and policy documents;
• established networks across community, sector and political stakeholders;
• excellent verbal communication and the ability to make complex issues accessible;
• strong strategic thinking, initiative and problem-solving skills;
• the ability to work independently while knowing when to seek support;
• a collaborative and respectful approach to working with others; and
• a genuine commitment to social justice.
• knowledge of the issues affecting access to community legal services, particularly across regional, rural and remote Victoria and NSW, will be highly regarded.

Your Next Chapter Begins

Wodonga is ideally situated on the Murray River between Melbourne and Sydney.  Surrounded by sprawling hills and enticing snowfields and providing easy access to wineries and historic towns, locals enjoy excellent produce and lifestyle opportunities.  From vibrant art precincts and seasonal festivals to the easily accessible parks and playgrounds, there is plenty on offer in this picturesque location to keep families, singles and young couples busy during their downtime.

For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact Sarah Rodgers at srodgers@umfc.com.au 

The Position Description can be accessed via our Careers page by selecting the relevant vacancy:

https://employmenthero.com/jobs/organisations/upper-murray-family-care/

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria outlined in the position description along with a current resume.

After submitting your resume, you will receive an email with a link to complete the screening questions.  Be sure to complete these questions, as your application cannot progress without them.

We welcome early applications and will be actively reviewing submissions as they are received. Suitable candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date.

At UMFC, child safety is at the heart of everything we do.  We are proud to be a Child Safe and inclusive organisation, welcoming people of all backgrounds.

As part of our recruitment process, we conduct comprehensive screening checks.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse communities, individuals with disabilities, and people of all genders.