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 seeking a passionate and driven Policy Officer to support meaningful and lasting change in Aboriginal health outcomes across NSW. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to strategic policy initiatives that directly support the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector (ACCHO) and help deliver on the NSW Closing the Gap Jurisdictional Implementation Plan.
In this role, you will develop high-quality policy advice and contribute to key policy submissions, briefings, and joint advocacy efforts. You’ll work closely with Aboriginal community organisations, government agencies, and sector stakeholders to ensure policy development is community-informed and culturally safe.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of health, policy, and community, supporting evidence-based strategies that promote self-determination, equity, and culturally safe health outcomes.
Responsibilities:
- Research and draft policy positions, discussion papers, and submissions to influence health and social policy impacting Aboriginal communities and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) sector.
- Develop internal briefs and advice for senior management on key Closing the Gap initiatives, forums, and policy directions.
- Collaborate with the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (NSW CAPO) to develop joint policy responses, while supporting AH&MRC’s own policy priorities.
- Support strategic advocacy efforts with evidence-based messaging, briefings, and materials tailored to both internal and external audiences.
- Engage with ACCHOs, Aboriginal communities, and government stakeholders to ensure policy work reflects community perspectives, lived experiences, and local needs.
- Represent AH&MRC in consultations, meetings, reference groups, forums, and broader sector collaborations.
- Lead and coordinate small to medium-scale policy projects, including planning, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and delivery within set timelines.
- Prepare project updates, evaluations, and final reports for internal governance and external funding bodies.
Qualifications:
- 3+ years’ experience in policy development, analysis, or advocacy, ideally in Aboriginal health, primary health care, or community services
- Tertiary qualifications in public health, public policy, social science, law, or a related discipline
- Demonstrated knowledge of the health needs and rights of Aboriginal peoples, with a commitment to the principles of Aboriginal Community Control
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and effective policy documents, submissions, and briefing notes
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with Aboriginal organisations and communities
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
- Proven ability to meet deadlines in a high-demand environment and adapt to changing circumstances
- Understanding of government processes and experience influencing public policy (desirable)
- Experience working within or alongside the ACCHO sector (desirable)
- Willingness and ability to travel state-wide to ACCHOs
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 “Policy Officer – Closing the Gap” 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!
