Legalise Cannabis Victoria

Job description

• Employment Type – Fixed term, full time or part time
• Reports to – Elected Member of Parliament

KEY OBJECTIVES

• Prepare material for the Members on legislation and committee activities.
• Develop media strategies and work with the wider electorate office team to execute.
• Assist in the development and execution of political strategies and campaigns.
• Liaise with media including developing and pitching stories.
• Liaise with organisations, groups and individuals in the public and private sectors on behalf  of the Members.
• Liaise with Government Departments and Ministerial offices to inform and support the Members.
• Maintain a professional image of the Parliament and the Members via efficient, courteous service.
• Research issues of interest to the Members and brief the Members about appropriate action and response.
• Undertake investigations and research and preparing correspondence, research papers and speeches on behalf of the Members.
• Respond to priorities as determined by the Members.

DUTIES

• Provide support to the Members to prepare for Parliamentary sittings and Parliamentary Committee meetings and hearings.
• Monitor the media during Parliamentary sittings and keep the Members informed.
• Develop and execute effective media messaging, including setting a Media Strategy and brief electorate officers appropriately.
• As directed, on behalf of the Members liaise with the press and electronic media to develop mutually beneficial working relationships.
• Monitor daily and local newspapers, radio and television for relevant and topical issues and as required, collect and store press or electronic material.
• Liaise with Ministerial offices at both State and Federal Government levels, government departments and instrumentalities, local government, community organisations and lobby groups.
• Prepare media releases, alerts and speaking notes, both parliamentary and locally for the Members.
• Undertake or arrange research as required by the Members in a timely manner.
• Ensure information management is maintained according to agreed archival and filing systems.
• Provide standard and detailed responses/ acknowledgments to correspondence received (can be via mail, email or other social networking mediums) for or on behalf of the Members.
• Report to the Members on items of interest from press, constituent or community contact.
• Ensure office security protocols are adhered to (Electorate Office & Parliament House).
• Organise functions, briefings and meetings on behalf of the Members.
• Participate in information collection of community views and attitudes of interest to the Members.
• Represent Members as required.
• Other duties as directed by the Members

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KEY POINTS TO NOTE

• This position is fixed term.
• The position will work with both Legalise Cannabis Victoria Members as part of a team of three Parliamentary Advisers.
• To meet deadlines, some work will be required under a degree of pressure and with a high- level of political agility.
• Due to the nature of business conducted within the electorate office and at Parliament House, a high level of confidentiality must be maintained. It is the duty of the occupant to ensure that this is strictly adhered to at all times.
• Advisers are required to be familiar with the Member’s Guide which details policy and procedural rules for a range of administrative processes.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work with limited supervision is required.
• Advanced understanding of the Victorian political landscape, processes and practices is required.
• Previous experience working in a media environment is highly desirable.
• High level communication skills and previous experience leading a small team including managing expectations, workflow and outcomes is desirable.
• Understanding, or an ability to quickly acquire an understanding of cannabis policy is desirable.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

• The successful applicant will be appointed under the provisions of the Public Administration Act 2004 (Vic)
• Conditions of employment are pursuant to the Public Administration Act 2004 (Vic) and the Parliamentary Advisers Collective Agreement.
• Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a 6-month probation period.
• The position is located in the Parliamentary Precinct. However, the incumbent may be required to attend the supervising Member of Parliament’s electorate office on occasions, to complete duties as directed by the Member (from March 2024, these offices are in Braybrook and Chelsea).
• The position description is indicative of the position. The job comprises other duties as directed.
• Candidates who do not have Australian residential status must have an appropriate Australian work visa.
• Pre-employment and security/police checks may be required.