About The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC)
The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) is dedicated to assisting Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) across the four regions (Metropolitan, Northern, Southern and Western) of NSW to ensure they have access to an adequately resourced and skilled workforce enabling the ACCHSs to provide their local Aboriginal communities with holistic and culturally appropriate primary health care and Aboriginal health-related services.
Join our team of dynamic and innovative people who value and proudly play a meaningful role in Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health by delivering quality support and training to Aboriginal people and communities of NSW.
About the Role
We are looking for a skilled and dedicated Senior Policy Officer to lead and contribute to high-quality policy development, analysis, submissions, and advocacy that strengthen the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector in NSW. You will help shape strategic positions on Aboriginal health and wellbeing, contributing to both state and national reforms while ensuring the sector’s voice is central to health planning and system reform.
In this role, you will work across the Health Policy and Closing the Gap portfolios, overseeing research, data collection, and reporting to support effective policy outcomes. Your work will help drive improvements in Aboriginal health and wellbeing through strong, evidence-based policy initiatives.
Responsibilities:
- Analyse policy issues impacting Aboriginal health and develop evidence-based submissions, briefings, and discussion papers.
- Review government and partner policies, providing advice on advocacy and collaboration opportunities.
- Stay informed on Aboriginal health trends and policy environments across jurisdictions.
- Translate research, data, and community engagement findings into actionable policy advice.
- Prepare internal briefings to inform executive decisions and priority setting.
- Represent the organisation in government consultations, sector meetings, and strategic forums.
- Build and maintain partnerships with NSW Health, Aboriginal Affairs, ACCHOs, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
- Support the design of health and advocacy campaigns, particularly in response to emerging issues (e.g., smoking & vaping, workforce shortages, cultural safety in care).
- Engage with Aboriginal communities and organisations to ensure policy reflects lived experience and local priorities.
- Lead or contribute to projects focused on sector capacity, service models, workforce strategies, and culturally safe systems.
- Align projects with NSW Aboriginal Health Plan, Closing the Gap Reform Priorities, and community-led health research.
- Support Closing the Gap delivery plans and maintain reporting requirements.
- Mentor junior policy staff and contribute to organisational reporting and quality improvement activities.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications:
- 5+ years’ experience in policy, advocacy, or research, including working with Aboriginal organisations or communities
- Strong understanding of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector and social determinants of Aboriginal health
- Ability to analyse complex policy issues and deliver high-quality submissions and advice
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with Aboriginal organisations or communities
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a busy work environment
- Proven ability to work effectively in a team
- Ability to travel state-wide to NSW ACCHO’s
Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
- Lived experience as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
- Knowledge of key Aboriginal health policies, including Closing the Gap, NSW Aboriginal Health Plan, and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan
- Understanding of state and federal government policy cycles and decision-making processes
- Experience working within, or with, the ACCHO sector
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to hr@ahmrc.org.au by 30 July 2025. Please include “Senior Policy Officer” in the subject line.
Join Us!
Be part of a transformative initiative that prioritises the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through innovative research and collaboration. We look forward to your application!
