Policy & Advocacy Officer

About the Opportunity

It is an exciting time to join the RACP to work with Fellows and other members of the College, particularly to advocate on key health workforce and health reform priorities both nationally and at the state and territory levels . We have two Policy and Advocacy officer positions available:

• One focusing on state and territory issues, working also as needed within our Health in Social Policy team and across our broader Policy & Advocacy (P&A) team
• One working on health reform issues and the RACP’s Evolve initiative within our Health Reform team.

About the Roles

The P&A team develops health related policies, leads the College’s advocacy initiatives, and provides advice on policy so that the College is actively engaged in health policy debate and is positioned to influence medical and health policy in Australia and New Zealand, as it affects the Fellows and trainees, patients and communities that they serve.

You will work as part of the P&A team in the research, analysis, development, dissemination and implementation of health policies, positions and projects that reflect the priorities of the College and its members. You will also develop policy responses to the policy, political and professional issues relevant to physicians and trainee physicians. You will also support and work with Fellows and trainees to harness their expertise and experience to develop compelling, relevant and timely health policies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop policies, position statements, advocacy materials (including submissions and letters), briefs, background papers and advice based on input and advice from College Fellow and Trainees and other stakeholder engagement
• Develop and implement policy, advocacy and communication strategies to support College priorities
• Monitoring key Policy & Advocacy issues and developments within areas of responsibility
• Research the evidence, literature base and external commentary on various health related topics
• Participate in the provision of rapid responses to health policy issues as they arise
• Develop persuasive and engaging written materials
• Project co-ordination to meet project timelines
• Build effective relationships with key stakeholders; across the College and with external organisations
• Provide advice to Policy and Advocacy Managers and staff, and senior management as required
• Remain up-to-date and well informed on policy matters that might affect the College or its members
• Other tasks required by the Policy and Advocacy Department as identified by Managers, GM or EGM of Policy & Advocacy

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in health, policy, communications, sciences, political science public health, law or related disciplines
• Experience in the development of policies, position statements, submissions, briefing papers and other advocacy materials
• Knowledge and understanding of medical and health policy issues
• Demonstrated advocacy and communications experience including skills in developing persuasive strategies for change, stakeholder engagement and influencing decision-makers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially the ability to adapt style to a specific audience and /or purpose and with attention to detail
• Strong analytical skills, political judgement and strategic thinking
• Quantitative and/or qualitative research skills or experience
• Good project co-ordination skills and ability to meet timelines
• Excellent secondary research skills, including the ability to assess and critically evaluate evidence in the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand health policy context
• Skills in preparing briefs and background analyses, with strong ability to draw on published research from a diverse range of academic disciplines and effectively organise information for the reader
• Skills in stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Understanding of the College’s commitment to Indigenous aspirations and outcomes under its Constitution
• Highly computer literate in Microsoft packages Commitment to EEO, OH&S principles, ethical practices and Cultural Diversity policies.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV by COB 21 February 2024.

For any questions, please contact recruitment@racp.edu.au.