Policy Officer

Description:

Job description

• Policy Officer - Full time fixed term contract to July 2026
• Based in Oatlands - North Parramatta - Parking available on site - Hybrid role.

With one of our valued team members on a development secondment, we have an exciting opportunity for a Policy officer to join Uniting’s Research and Social Policy team.

This is a full-time fixed term contract to July 2026. The role sits within Uniting’s Social Impact and Advocacy directorate, alongside the Advocacy/Government Relations team and the Innovation Team. Our work aims to disrupt entrenched disadvantage by informing practice improvement, innovation and advocacy.

This is a broad and varied role with interactions with programs, practitioners, and sector peers, with opportunities to engage with university partners and government agencies. You will build your knowledge of a wide variety of practical social policy issues by consulting our services and preparing submissions. You’ll build your theoretical knowledge and critical ability by contributing to the development of position papers. And you’ll build your networks by supporting our Principal Policy Officers to engage and influence sector peers, policymakers, and others.

Day to day responsibilities are set out in the Position Description below.

PD - Policy Officer

This role would suit an emerging policy analyst looking to gain experience and develop their skills in a practical environment. We are particularly interested in applicants who will be able to contribute to the full policy analysis life cycle from issue identification, through consultation and analysis, to disseminating results to diverse audiences and translating them into practice.

• An ability to translate findings into submissions, policy papers and briefing notes
• An ability to consult and cultivate productive working relationships with practitioners and other colleagues
• A firm commitment to social justice and interest in the research and policy areas covered by Uniting’s services

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline (e.g. social science, public health or social work)
• Experience in social policy development and analysis, including qualitative consultations and documentary research

• Knowledge of government bodies and of social policy relating to the areas in which Uniting offers services. Knowledge or an interest in housing and homelessness would be a particular strength.
• Experience and skills in using social policy analysis to influence discourse and policy change.
• Experience and skills in dissemination and knowledge translation, particularly influencing policy discourse or government policy decisions.
• Interest in either quantitative or qualitative research methodologies, sufficient to undertake small ad-hoc analyses

Please submit a cover letter and CV, showing how you meet the criteria described above under “Your skill set will include”, “Your qualifications and experience” and “Even better”.

• A rewarding career with a leading human services organisation.
• Up to $18,550 NFP salary packaging available.
• Access to our U rewards program with exclusive discounts.
• Flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• Access to Fitness Passport – Live your best life.
• A supportive and inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
• Purchase of additional leave.

Uniting contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

We provide support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on those experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability.

We acknowledge the Sovereignty of First Nations people over the lands of Australia and are committed to meaningful change so that First Nations people are strong, thriving and self-determining.

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation, committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people. We are proud of the diversity of our people and always welcome everyone, exactly as they are.

Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks which may include a national police check, reference checks, working with children checks, and NDIS checks