Policy Officer

at  Lowitja Institute

ABOUT THE LOWITJA INSTITUTE

Lowitja Institute is Australia’s only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health research institute, named in honour of its patron, the late Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG. It is working for the health and wellbeing of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by facilitating high-impact quality research and knowledge exchange, and by supporting a new generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health researchers. Established in January 2010, Lowitja Institute operates on key principles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, a broader understanding of health that incorporates wellbeing, and the need for the work to have a clear and positive impact.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Policy team is integral to the Lowitja Institute. Under the direction of the Executive Manager of Policy, this team is responsible in full or in part for the following strategies in the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan:

• Working with partners in shaping the policy context that affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research.
• Developing and implementing a knowledge translation and research impact for empowerment approach to all previous and future work.
• Identifying and using opportunities for:
• connecting research to contemporary policy and practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
• supporting the adoption and use of research
• Identifying innovative and commercial Lowitja Institute research products and services that contribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
• Identifying a diverse range of funding sources and securing long-term commitments.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of matters concerning the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as it applies to the Lowitja Institute’s core business.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: policy development, research/evaluation and project management.
• Strong internal and external relationship management skills, including the ability to communicate (written and oral), engage with and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and roles.
• Demonstrated track record of high quality written and oral communication.
• Demonstrated administration and organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet tight timelines.
• An understanding of cultural safety in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander context and the ability to contribute to a culturally safe environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and to work independently.
• The ability to undertake interstate travel and work out of hours if required.
• Working with Children and Vulnerable Peoples Check (or state/territory equivalent).
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline.
• An understanding of national and jurisdictional policy cycles, production, impact, and evaluation.
• Experience working in a research or policy organisation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

As a national organisation, we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia and pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging future generations. Our offices are located on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Policy Officer is responsible for supporting the design, implementation and evaluation of Lowitja Institute’s policy activity. The Policy Officer also contributes to shaping and implementing the annual Lowitja Institute’s Business Plan, which contributes to achievement of the Strategic Plan. The Policy Officer will engage in cross-team initiatives where directed.
The Policy Officer will support fellow staff in a team environment to build collegiality and a sense of belongingness within the team and contribute to a flourishing workplace culture that promotes the values of the Lowitja Institute.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support implementation of the Policy Program, including strategic policy analysis, policy position statements, and policy and advocacy products and events.
• Support the Executive Manager, Policy in the development of written materials, including reports, briefs, correspondence and position statements.
• Foster effective relationships both internally and externally to increase the Institute’s research, policy and knowledge impact.
• Support the Executive Manager, Policy in delivering on key strategies within the Lowitja Institute Business Plan to shape the policy context which affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research (Strategy 1.4) and opportunities for connecting research to contemporary health policy and practice (Strategy 2.3)
• Assist in the implementation and evaluation of policy, advocacy and knowledge translation work and participate in monitoring and evaluation activities within the organisation.
• Contribute to business processes and administration within the organisation, including the implementation of the Lowitja Institute Business Plan.
• Other duties as required by the Executive Manager, Policy

PURPOSE

As Australia’s only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health research institute, Lowitja Institute provides leadership and guidance that aims to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our peoples. We promote embedding cultural and social determinants into health systems across the country. Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led research and organisations ensures policy, research and practice is culturally safe. This also contributes to closing the gap in health outcomes for our peoples.
Join our team at Lowitja Institute, where we prioritise diversity, safety, and inclusion. We believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected, irrespective of their gender, gender identity, marital or family status, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, cultural or socioeconomic background, perspective, or experience. Whether you’re a part of our team or not, we treat all individuals with fairness and consideration.
We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply, including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people and individuals living with disabilities. Your unique perspective enriches our organisation. If you require any accommodations or support during the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
In joining Lowitja Institute, you commit to working respectfully and effectively within an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation to make a direct and significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of our peoples.