Policy Officer

About NEDA

The National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) is a national Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) committed to promoting the rights, interests, and well-being of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people with disability in Australia. As a peak body, NEDA works to ensure that people with disability from CALD backgrounds have equitable access to services, support, and opportunities. Through collaborative initiatives, policy advocacy, and community engagement, NEDA strives to eliminate barriers, challenge discrimination, and safeguard the rights of people with disability from CALD backgrounds to fully participate in society. With a strong focus on inclusion, intersectionality and social justice, NEDA plays an important role in driving systemic change and fostering a greater understanding of diversity and inclusion within both the disability and multicultural sectors.

NEDA has a small secretariat and is governed by a council of state/ territory and community representatives; as a DPO, the majority of our Councillors are required to be people with disability from CALD backgrounds.

NEDA recognises the rich diversity of people across Australia and is committed to ensuring that its team is reflective of the diverse community it serves and to supporting a culture of equity, inclusion, and diversity. People with disability, First Nations people and people from CALD backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply.
 

About the Role

This role supports NEDA's policy work by identifying and addressing emerging issues in the disability sector, focusing on the needs of people with disability from CALD backgrounds. The Policy Officer researches, develops, and advocates for policies in collaboration with stakeholders to shape legislation and initiatives that promote their rights. The role also provides logistical support for NEDA.

Full-time and part-time positions are available

Success measures for this role include:

• Quality of analysis and written work
• Strong stakeholder relationships and collaborations
• Timeliness and accuracy of logistical support
• Contribution to team dynamics

Key Relationships

• Chief Executive Officer 
• Director, Policy and Advocacy
• NEDA team, Council, member organisations, community members and NEDA partners

Key Responsibilities & Activities 

Policy Development 

• Maintain current knowledge of the disability sector, systemic advocacy and NEDA member requirements.
• Research and analyse policy and practice affecting people with disability from CALD background, including but not limited to access to healthcare, education, employment, NDIS, and mainstream supports.
• Develop policy briefs, submissions, policy positions, and reports to inform government decisions and influence policy development at a national level.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments related to disability rights, multiculturalism, and social inclusion, and provide timely analysis and recommendations to NEDA's leadership team.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to collate feedback and advocate for systemic change and inclusive policies.
• Represent NEDA in meetings and consultations with government agencies, peak bodies, and community organisations to promote the interests of people with disability from CALD backgrounds.
• Contribute to strategic advocacy campaigns and initiatives to drive positive policy changes

Logistical Support

• Draft correspondence and communications for external stakeholders
• Collate input from diverse stakeholders on relevant policy projects
• Provide follow-up support as directed
• Assist in developing resources 

Organisational Participation

• Participate in planning and professional development activities
• Comply with policies and procedures
• Represent NEDA professionally and engage respectfully with the team
• Engage with the NEDA team in a respectful manner
• Ensure work health and safety compliance
• Provide regular reporting 
• Undertake other duties as directed

Selection Criteria

• Commitment to upholding the human rights of people with disability
• Relevant qualifications (e.g., social sciences, policy, law) or equivalent experience
• Minimum two years’ experience in a similar role
• Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Understanding of government processes and operations
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise time and tasks
• Flexibility to work remotely and in small teams
• Ability to work in a remote work environment and maintain personal productivity 

Preferred

• Experience working in peak body or representative organisation
• Lived experience as a person with disability and/ or from a CALD background
• Understanding of disability issues and the disability sector

Role Requirements

• Satisfactory National Police Check
• Working with Vulnerable People’s Check and/ or Child Related Employment Screening Check 

People with a disability, First Nations people and people from CALD backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Please advise in your application if you need adjustments to our recruitment process.

Applications must include a resume and no more than two-page cover letter addressing the selection criteria