Policy and Advocacy Lead

AMSANT is the peak body for Aboriginal community controlled health services in the Northern Territory and advocates for equity in health focusing on supporting the provision of high quality comprehensive primary health care services for Aboriginal communities.

Why AMSANT

Lead policy work that directly supports Aboriginal community control and health equity

Competitive salary with generous benefits including salary packaging 6 weeks annual leave and professional development support

Strong organisational values collaborative culture and professional autonomy

Opportunity to influence reform across the Northern Territory

Flexible location across Darwin or Alice Springs

Benefits:

• Salary packaging up to $15899.94 pa.
• Employer superannuation contribution.
• Six weeks annual leave plus 17.5% leave loading
• Personal/carers leave up to 15 days per year.
• 10 days per year study leave can be negotiated.
• Professional development opportunities up to $3000 per year.
• 10 days ceremonial leave.
• Access to a free employee assistance program.
• Ex gratia leave of three paid days during Christmas close down (excl. casuals).

Contract Duration: Ongoing dependant on funding

Contract Type: Full-Time 38 hours/week

Work hours: Monday-Friday 08:00am 04:30pm

Location: Darwin or Alice Springs

Salary: $115147.33 $129140.92 pro-rata p.a plus superannuation

Applications close: COB Tuesday 3 February 2026

About the role

Are you an experienced policy professional ready to lead and influence reform at a system level

AMSANT is seeking a Policy Officer to support our advocacy and policy work with a focus on improving access and outcomes for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory with disability or interacting with the this role you will:

Contribute to policy development research and submissions on disability and NDIS reform

Work closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services governments and sector partners

Translate evidence and community priorities into clear practical policy advice

Support sector engagement consultation and funded project deliverables

This role suits someone with solid policy foundations who enjoys collaborative work stakeholder engagement and tackling complex policy challenges in real-world settings.

Responsibilities

Policy and advocacy leadership

• Lead the development of high-quality policy advice submissions briefs and advocacy positions aligned to AMSANTs strategic priorities.
• Provide strategic oversight and quality assurance across all policy outputs.
• Translate evidence sector experience and member priorities into clear actionable policy positions.
• Support the PRA Manager in setting and driving the policy and advocacy agenda.

Team leadership and management

• Provide day-to-day leadership and line management for policy staff.
• Support capability development workload prioritisation and performance across the policy team.
• Foster strong collaboration across policy research communications and project delivery streams.

Stakeholder engagement and influence

• Build and maintain strong relationships with AMSANT members governments sector partners and other key stakeholders.
• Represent AMSANT in high-level forums consultations and committees as required.
• Support coordinated sector engagement and consultation processes.

Strategic support and governance

• Contribute to executive Board and member briefings as required.
• Support secretariat functions where relevant to policy and advocacy priorities including the Northern Territory Aboriginal Health Forum.
• Act as a senior delegate for the PRA Manager when required.
• Undertake other duties as agreed with and directed by the Policy Research and Advocacy Manager.

Selection criteria (qualification and attributes)

Essential:

• Tertiary qualifications in public policy public health social sciences or a related field or equivalent senior professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading policy and advocacy work in complex environments.
• Strong understanding of government policy processes and decision-making.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality policy advice for senior decision-makers.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management capability.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel within the Northern Territory and interstate.
• Desirable
• Experience working in or with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
• Experience in management consulting strategy or system reform roles.
• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field.

• Knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures histories and contemporary policy issues.

How to Apply:

Your application should consist of a resume and cover letter addressing the above selection criteria. Please address your cover letter to the Hiring Manager detailing why you wish to work at AMSANT and the attributes skills and experience you would bring to the role.

If you have any queries or would like any additional information about this role please contact the HR team at